Mainspring of Ephrata

06/23/2026

Our First Saturday events in Ephrata don’t happen without the people behind the scenes — and we’re looking for more hands on deck!

From check-in tents (welcoming guests + handing out materials) to evening ID checks at Whistle Stop Plaza, plus vendor support, setup, and teardown — there’s a role for everyone who wants to get involved.

Committees meet just once a month for about an hour at Whistle Stop Plaza. Simple commitment, big impact.

If you love seeing downtown come alive, this is your chance to help make it happen! Sign up at https://mainspringofephrata.org/resident/volunteer/ or message us to get involved!

06/22/2026

Need some midweek plans? We’ve got you covered 😌🍹

Happy Hour returns to downtown Ephrata THIS Wednesday 6/24 from 5:30–7:30 PM at 16 E. Main Street with live music, good food, drinks, dessert AND OUR COMMUNITY QUILT REVEAL!!

This month’s lineup:
🇺🇸🎆🎉 COMMUNITY QUILT REVEAL!!!!
🎶 The Five Fours bringing classic rock, blues, R&B, and jazz vibes
🌮 Drifters - PA
🍦 Sweet & Salty Rolled Ice Cream

A pretty solid way to break up the week if you ask us 🤝

Must be 21+ with valid ID to purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages.

06/22/2026

❓DID YOU KNOW❓

Historically, Welsh Mountain was used by groups for off-roading activities. The Conservancy has been working to redesign the trail system to create more sustainable passive recreation opportunities and, in doing so, has addressed soil erosion and stormwater runoff through best management practices such as grade dips, water bars, and check steps. Ongoing efforts to re-establish a sustainable trail tread include applying woodchips to help rebuild productive soils. Lancaster Conservancy

This is exactly the vision we have for our Mountain Springs Recreational Preserve! 🌿 Just as Welsh Mountain has been transformed into a thriving, sustainable trail system, we are committed to bringing that same dedication and care to Mountain Springs — creating passive recreation opportunities that protect the land while welcoming visitors for generations to come.

Stay tuned as we work toward making that vision a reality! 🏞️

📖 Read more about the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve:
https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/preserves/welsh-mountain/

06/21/2026

Happy summer solstice, Ephrata! ☀️ It's officially the first day of summer, and downtown Ephrata is heading into a full season of live music, local food, and community nights you won’t want to miss with Mainspring of Ephrata.

Here’s what’s coming this summer:

4th Wednesday Happy Hour (5:30–7:30pm)
06/24 – OUR COMMUNITY QUILT REVEAL (!!!) The Five Fours, Drifters - PA, Sweet & Salty Rolled Ice Cream, and Hillside Spirits Co.
07/22 – John Rossey, Rad-ish Food Truck, DonutNV Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Hillside Spirits
08/26 – Keri Edwards Music, Big Back Burgers, Sweet & Salty Rolled Ice Cream, and Hillside Spirits

First Saturday in Downtown Ephrata
07/03 – Chalk the Walk + Party at the Whistle Stop - A special First Saturday on FRIDAY to celebrate America's 250th Birthday and Line Dancing and live music with DJ Ray Glick – Neon Nights Country Life & Lessons by Sarah
08/01 – Back to the Books + Party at the Whistle Stop with live music by Crossing Abbey Road
09/05 – Explore Ephrata Scavenger Hunt + Party at the Whistle Stop with live music by Crackerboxx

06/20/2026

🇺🇸 2 WEEKS AWAY! 🇺🇸

July’s First Saturday is shifting to FRIDAY, July 3 for a special America 250 celebration in Ephrata!

Spend the day downtown with Chalk the Walk (11AM–4:30PM), then head into the evening at Whistle Stop Plaza from 4:30–8PM for a free celebration featuring line dancing, local vendors, food trucks, and adult beverages.

This year’s celebration brings DJ Ray Glick’s Neon Nights Country Life & Lessons by Sarah—mixing line dancing, country favorites, and today’s hits right in the heart of downtown Ephrata.

Don’t miss this special holiday weekend edition of First Saturday! Check out all our vendors below:

Retail Vendors:
ArtByBunBun
ComfyStitchesCo
Cozy Crow Glassworks
Creations by M. Ehly
E.R. Martin
Hello Dia
Hollie’s Gourds and Refurbished Antiques
Keenllen Homestead
KO Crafted Studios
Laura the Cookie Lady LLC
Lavender Acres Winery
Made by Mo
Monas Creations
Palawan Pottery
ReMargable Magnets
Weigel Woodworks
Klopp’s Print Emporium

Food and Drink Vendors:
Cocalico Valley VFW Post 3376 - The Ephrata VFW
Greco's Italian Ices and Homemade Ice Cream
Old Republic Distillery Tavern Ephrata
Pour Man's Brewing Company
Inna's Pierogi Shop
Rad-ish Food Truck
Victory BBQ

06/19/2026

Is your downtown Ephrata storefront ready for a refresh? 🌟 The Facade Improvement Grant Program can help! Mainspring offers microgrants of up to $10,000 per property to help property and business owners enhance their storefronts and showcase Ephrata’s unique charm.

Follow the “Design Guidelines for Downtown Ephrata” to make sure your improvements qualify—and let’s make our downtown shine together! ✨

📧 Ready to apply or want more info? Contact Joy Ashley at [email protected]
today!

06/18/2026

📣 Small Business Spotlight 🍪🍦 This month, we're highlighting Chillin’ Cookies in Downtown Ephrata!

If you think Chillin' Cookies is just ice cream, think again! Along with their giant cookie sandwiches and Hershey's ice cream, they're serving up warm paninis, fresh salads, and delicious açaí bowls.

Whether you're stopping in for lunch, a sweet treat, or both, Chillin' Cookies is a great spot to grab a bite right in the heart of downtown.

📍 Stop by Chillin' Cookies at 12 W Main Street and see what all the buzz is about!

🕛 Hours:
Tuesday–Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM
Closed Monday

06/18/2026

Downtown Ephrata is always evolving, and we're excited to see Creator Barbershop settling into their new home! ✂️

If you haven't stopped by yet, you can now find them at 32 E. Main Street. Join us in congratulating them on this exciting move and wishing them continued success in their new space.

📍 32 E. Main Street, Ephrata
📞 717-721-3095

Starting June 3 2026

🚨 New Location 🚨

‼️ 32 E Main St Ephrata PA 17522
📞 717-721-3095

06/18/2026

Please join us in welcoming Blue Ball Brewing Company to Ephrata! 🍻

Now open at 301 W. Main Street, they're serving up good beer, good food, and good company in a community-focused atmosphere. Stop in, say hello, and help give them a warm Ephrata welcome!

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our first official day as Blue Ball Brewing Company!

It was incredible to see so many familiar faces, meet new friends, and watch this space begin its next chapter. We were especially touched by the number of people who made the trip to support us.

The deviled egg flight is back again today, and we’ve got fresh peach cobbler waiting for you, too.

We’re open from 11 AM–10 PM today and would love to see you. Stop by for a meal, a drink, and help us make it another great day at Blue Ball Brewing Company.

Cheers! 🍻

06/18/2026

🎶 Summer evenings are better with live music! 🇺🇸 Pack your lawn chairs and head to Thomas P. Grater Community Park for performances by the Ephrata Concert Band this summer. Enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites and America 250-themed music!

The Ephrata Concert Band kicks off its first concert on Sunday, June 28 Mainspring of Ephrata