Gettysburg Pa 2012 Calendar of Events and Attractions

APRIL 9—INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA- GREENCASTLE. You are invited to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War with the first of a series of kick-off events. Join us for a day of reenactments and living history programs to recreate the famous Civil War Skirmish on the town square. An official Gettysburg 150th Commemoration Event. 717-334-6274, www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com

APRIL 16—INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA- CHAMBERSBURG. You are invited to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War with the second of a series of kick-off events. Join us for a reenactment and other programs throughout the day. An official Gettysburg 150th Commemoration Event. 717-334-6274, www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com

APRIL 23—INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA- BATTLE OF FAIRFIELD. You are invited to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War with the second of a series of kick-off events. Join us for a reenactment and other programs throughout the day. An official Gettysburg 150th Commemoration Event. 717-334-6274, www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com

APRIL 30—INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA-GETTYSBURG. You are invited to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War with the official Gettysburg kick-off event. The launch event will feature the advancement of Union and Confederate troops into this historic town, followed by living history encampments at various locations throughout Gettysburg, reenactment skirmishes and a formal evening program. The highlight of this event will be the firing of 150 cannon shots to salute the brave men and women who fought in the American Civil War. An official Gettysburg 150th Commemoration Event. 717-334-6274, www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com

MAY 7-8 -- APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL. An annual event held the first weekend in May at South Mountain Fairgrounds 10 miles N.W. of Gettysburg on PA Rt. 234.

MAY 11-15 – 62nd SEMI-ANNUAL GETTYSBURG BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL - A Bluegrass tradition since 1979 featuring the world's top bluegrass artists in a beautiful outdoor setting just minutes from Historic Gettysburg at Granite Hill Campground. 717-642-8749.

MAY 30 -- MEMORIAL DAY PARADE & CEREMONIES 144th Annual, one of the oldest Memorial Day observances in the United States, with a parade at 2 PM, followed by a ceremony in Gettysburg National Cemetery with guest speakers.

JUNE 9-12 – LEAD SCENE EAST - Held at Oakside Park in Biglerville, PA. For more information, call 757-587-0905.

JUNE 10-19-- GETTYSBURG FESTIVAL – includes History Meets the Arts and a Brass Band Weekend. 717-334-0853

JUNE 17-19 -- PENNSYLVANIA LAVENDER FESTIVAL. The only Lavender festival in the mid-Atlantic Region! Experience tours of lavender fields and demonstration gardens, lectures and workshops, herbal cuisine, and pick-your-own lavender from the farm's fields. Willow Pond Farm 717-642-6387.

JUNE 18 -- NEW OXFORD OUTDOOR ANTIQUE SHOW. One of the largest and oldest one day antique shows with 135 antique dealers, artists and craftsmen, food and entertainment. Held in New Oxford, PA 10 miles east of Gettysburg on U.S. Rt. 30, 9AM-5 PM.

JULY 1-3 -- GETTYSBURG ANNIVERSARY CIVIL WAR BATTLE REENACTMENTS. An annual three-day event featuring two unique and dynamic battles each day. The event is held on private farmland and offers Sutlers, entertainment, special guests, living history village and educational demonstrations. Gettysburg Anniversary Committee 717-338-1525.

JULY 7-10-- GETTYSBURG BIKE WEEK. Motorcycle event featuring guided motorcycle tours of the battlefield, observation rides, vendors, music and more. Held at Allstar Events Complex. For more information, call 1-800-374-7540.

JULY 16 -- ADAMS COUNTY IRISH FESTIVAL. Held annually at Gettysburg Moose Park, 4 miles east of Gettysburg, off US Rt. 30. Benefits Children's Friendship Project for Northern Ireland and the National Library and Museum (to be built in Gettysburg) Irish bands, music, dance, food, gifts, living history encampments by late 19th Century groups. 10:30 AM-8 PM. For information, call (717) 632-8627

AUGUST 16-20 -- SOUTH MOUNTAIN FAIR. A traditional country fair held at South Mountain Fairgrounds featuring live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides and great country food. 717-677-9663

AUGUST 18-21 – 63rd SEMI-ANNUAL GETTYSBURG BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL. Family fun featuring some of the country's best bluegrass music, held at Granite Hill Campground, 6 miles west of Gettysburg on PA Rt. 116. (717) 642-8749.

SEPTEMBER 10 -- EAST BERLIN COLONIAL DAY. Held in Historic Early-American East Berlin, 19 miles east of Gettysburg. This street fair, a 32-year tradition, features 18th Century crafts and demonstrations, and food from 9 am - 4 pm. 259-0822.

SEPTEMBER 17-18 -- EISENHOWER WORLD WAR II WEEKEND. Held annually the third weekend in September at the Eisenhower NHS. A living history encampment featuring Allied soldiers, tanks, and military vehicles. Eisenhower National Historic Site. Call (717) 338-9114.

SEPTEMBER 18 -- ADAMS COUNTY HERITAGE FESTIVAL. Held annually in September at the Gettysburg Recreation Park 12 PM-5 PM. A celebration of music, food & the arts in recognition of ethnic diversity. (717) 334-8943.

SEPTEMBER 24-25 -- FAIRFIELD PIPPINFEST. Held annually the last weekend in September along Main Street in Fairfield, PA, 8 miles west of Gettysburg on PA Route 116,features apple products, music, crafts, and antiques in street fair setting (fair weather only). (717) 642-5640.

OCTOBER 1-2 & OCTOBER 8-9 – 47th ANNUAL APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL. An old time festival of apple products. live country music, arts and crafts, antique autos, steam engines, orchard tours, and plenty of food. Celebrate with Adams County at the South Mountain Fairgrounds in the heart of Apple Country. www.appleharvest.com

NOVEMBER 8-12 -- INTERNATIONAL GIFT FESTIVAL. Held annually at the Fairfield Mennonite Church, this sale offers exquisite, home decor, pottery, baskets, textiles, Oriental rugs, jewelry, and toys handcrafted by artisans from around the world. Fairfield Mennonite Church 717-642-8936 www.fairfieldmennonitechurch.org

NOVEMBER 19 -- REMEMBRANCE DAY. An annual event held in conjunction with the Lincoln Observance, with parade at 1 pm of Civil War troops to the Albert Woolson Monument for a wreath-laying ceremony, sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans.

NOVEMBER 19 -- 147th ANNIVERSARY OF LINCOLN'S GETTYSBURG ADDRESS. An annual observance with brief memorial services in the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Sponsored by the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania.

DECEMBER 1-31 -- GETTYSBURG HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES. Held annually weekends through New Year's Eve. Highlights include tours of decorated historic homes, a tuba fest, holiday concerts, arts and crafts, fireworks and many other events. For more information, call 800-337-5015.