Lampeter-Strasburg townlively.com
NOVEMBER 27, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 30
I “ will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17
Garden Spot FFA competes in national convention
Spooknacht, a Lancaster County tradition lost to time
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
A
t the end of October, students in the Garden Spot FFA chapter at LampeterStrasburg High School (LSHS) traveled to Indianapolis to participate in the 96th annual National FFA Convention. Over three days, club members competed against other FFA chapters from across the state in contests designed to test their knowledge of various agricultural and environmental topics.
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
The Garden Spot FFA chapter’s Agricultural Mechanics and Technology Systems team, comprising Jack Ross, Owen Williams, Landon Giberson and Rex Giberson, earned a bronze placement at the national convention. Team members worked together to complete a written agriculturerelated math exam and an activity that involved designing a mold in addition to mixing and pouring
Lancaster County has a long history of unique traditions and community-centered events. From annual celebrations such as Maize and Snitz Fest in Lampeter and East Petersburg’s Blues Festival to county-wide programs like the Miss Lancaster County pageant, every town contributes to the area’s distinct culture. Many annual traditions have withstood the test of time and continue to be held today, but some events, such as Spooknacht, have been lost to time. In 2024, few people have ever heard of Spooknacht. But prior to the 1970s, the annual event was highly anticipated by community members, and it involved every school in the county. According to archived photographs and clippings from old newspapers, Spooknacht took place every year around Halloween, and the event was organized by the former Lancaster Jaycees. One photograph from LancasterHistory’s archive, believed to have been taken during an event circa 1950, shows members of the Jaycees serving food from a
See FFA pg 5
See Spooknacht pg 9
Garden Spot FFA president and LSHS senior Sarah Firestone competed in the extemporaneous public speaking competition. Sarah earned silver in the contest, overall placing 10th in the nation. In the extemporaneous public speaking competition, students chose one of three randomly selected topics related to environmental issues, animal science or the agriculture industry. Once speakers decided on a topic, they had 30 minutes to research the issue and prepare a presentation for a panel of judges. During the first round of the competition,
Agriculture Mechanics and Technology Systems team members (from left) Rex Giberson, Owen Williams, Jack Ross and Landon Giberson
Sarah’s presentation explored how agriculture producers might take advantage of the growing demand for locally sourced food. “As a resident of Strasburg, this topic really hit home for me,” said Sarah. “I was able to share the experience of having local food stands and markets on a national level and connect to people who don’t have the same experience.” Sarah won first place in the
extemporaneous public speaking competition during the 95th annual FFA State Convention in June 2024. Garden Spot FFA alumna Jessica Herr coached Sarah as she prepared for the national convention. Sarah said she became increasingly comfortable speaking and more passionate about the topics as she progressed through the county and regional competitions.
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