Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville JUNE 24, 2026
REACHING MORE THAN 6,480 HOMES
Riverfest Will Ignite History
ONLINE
n June of 1863, outnumbered Union t ro o p s a n d l o c a l volunteers in Columbia set the wooden covered bridge spanning the Susquehanna River ablaze to prevent Con fe de rate t ro o p s from advancing east into Lancaster County. The action forced the Confederates to retreat west, and two days later, the troops met Union forces at Gettysburg. For the first time since the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2013, People participate in a previous year’s Riverfest. all 26 bridge piers that remain from that bridge will be was able to light three piers at a June 28, beginning at 7:45 p.m. “In early 2025, we had begun to illuminated as the grand finale of time for Riverfest, but thanks to a sponsorship from the Louise plan for this historic year and hoped Riverfest 2026. In prior years, Susquehanna Steinman von Hess Foundation, all to find the support to create this National Heritage Area (SNHA) of the piers will light up on Sunday, breathtaking experience of lighting See Riverfest pg 2
C WM
Celebrating Columbia at 300 BY CATHY MOLITORIS
“Columbia is a town full of history,” said John Reitzel, chair of the committee tasked with c o m m e m o r a t i n g t h e t o w n ’s 300th anniversary. “I’m a lifetime resident, and I didn’t know all the history myself.” He’s hoping people will explore Columbia’s past and discover its present during multiple events and activities set to mark the milestone anniversary. In a year where attention is R129153
Bringing the Farmers Market to You
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
EVENT I CALENDAR townlively.com/ events
VOL LXVII • NO 15
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
For many people, getting to a farmers market can be a challenge. Thanks to Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Lancaster County, now the market can come to you. Rolling Roots, a mobile farmers market, launched in Columbia on June 10. It’s available every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. through the end of October. “Rolling Roots is a discount farmers market on wheels bringing fresh, local food directly into neighborhoods, health care spaces, parks and other trusted community locations across Lancaster County,” said Amanda Frankeny, director of food justice for CAP. “By sourcing produce from local farmers and offering subsidized prices, the market helps make healthy food both affordable and easy to access.” Though Rolling Roots is open to everyone, the program was designed with neighbors in mind who may face barriers accessing healthy food, including households living paycheck to paycheck, seniors and others with mobility challenges, people without reliable transportation and families experiencing food insecurity, Frankeny said. “By bringing the market directly into communities, Rolling Roots helps make healthy choices more convenient, welcoming and realistic in everyday life,” she explained. “Rolling Roots also supports Lancaster County farmers by purchasing produce directly from local growers and reinvesting dollars back into the local agricultural economy.”
See 300 pg 3 People enjoy a concert in Locust Street Park.
See Market pg 4
Summer Fruits
• SWEET & TART CHERRIES • STRAWBERRIES • BLUEBERRIES • YELLOW PEACHES • OUR APPLES • TOMATOES • VEGGIES • MELONS & LOPES and lots more!
Flowers! & 400 Long Lane at Marticville Rd.
Open Mon.-Sat. 8-6, Closed Sun.
(Rt. 741 & 324) 3 Miles S. of Lancaster
Great Selection!
ALL ON SPECIAL
717-872-9311 www.cherryhillorchards.com
R129119
Summer
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
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