Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville townlively.com
JUNE 18, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXVI • NO 16
Chrome, Classics and Community at Car Show BY CAT SHANNON
Do you own an impressive classic car or unique vehicle? Enter East Prospect’s fourth annual Vehicle Benefit Show, a n d yo u co u l d t a k e h o m e awards including a cash prize. People who enjoy perusing cool cars can come for the food, music , kids ’ activities and more. The show will be held on Saturday, July 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East Prospect
ballfield, located at the junction of Lemon Avenue and Meisenhelder Road. Registration for cars will open at 8 a.m. “If your vehicle takes all three top awards - Best of Show, Best of Class and People’s Choice you could win (cash),” said car show promoter Barry Strayer. “There will be show ribbons for all entrants as well.” Prizes will be awarded in seven categories, including Best Automobile, Best Truck, Best Jeep, Best Motorcycle and Best See Chrome pg 2
Participants in a previous Riverfest Bridge Burner Challenge
Riverfest Will Offer Hands-On History BY CAT SHANNON
that Union troops once defended; cruise in a century-old electric he term “living history” boat; and then enjoy live music, is often used to describe local food and family fun - all in immersive opportunities one weekend?” to discover the past. That will certainly be the case during Riverfest. “Riverfest is history “What makes Riverfest truly you can feel, special is how it blends powerlandscapes you can ful local history with vibrant community celebration - all set explore and a along the beautiful Susquehanna community you can River,” said Megan Salvatore, celebrate with.” visitor ser vices manager for Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA), which hosts the event. “It’s not just a festival; it’s Riverfest will be held from a living story. Where else can you Friday, June 27, through Sunday, stand where a covered bridge was June 29, at locations in and around burned to stop a Confederate Columbia and Wrightsville. invasion; race the same river route The weekend will be packed with
Engines Will Roar at Thunder on the River BY CAT SHANNON
If you plan to be in downtown Columbia at noon on Saturday, June 21, brace yourself. You’re about to discover why an annual event is called Thunder on the River. At the 11th annual show, more than 525 cars, trucks and motorcycles will line Locust Street and, following the national anthem, fire up their engines at once. The synchronized revving sends a thunderous roar through the
See Riverfest pg 3
town, a tradition that’s become the show’s signature moment. “We started this tradition a few years ago, and it’s become a highlight of the show,” said Paul Resch, president of the Columbia Lions Club, which organizes the event. “A lot of people think that’s how the show got its name, and it does fit. But truthfully, the name came first. Then someone said, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if they all revved their engines at the same time?’ It was the perfect idea, and it stuck.” See Thunder pg 5
Sweet Cherries
Flowe rs ALL o n are ripe! Picking Hours: 400 Long Lane At Marticville Road Mon.-Sat. 8am-6pm S ale!! (Rts. 741 & 324S) Closed Sun. * Pick Your Own Mon.-Fri. 8am-6:30pm 717-872-9311 3 Miles S. of Lancaster Sat. 8am-3:30pm * Ready Picked Closed Sun.
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memorable moments, Salvatore said. “Riverfest commemorates the 1863 burning of the ColumbiaWrightsville Bridge, a pivotal act during the Civil War that helped prevent a Confederate advance into L ancaster County,” she said. The festivities will include the Bridge Burner Challenge, a unique run-and-paddle race that follows a scenic course along the Northwest River Trail and across the Susquehanna River. “Participants earn a finisher’s medal and experience a living tribute to local history,” Salvatore said. The Susquehanna River will play a big role in Riverfest. “From kayaking and riverside hikes to scenic boat tours on the historic
Last year’s East Prospect Vehicle Benefit Show
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