Plain & Fancy Farm is inviting families, history lovers, and neighbors to experience Homestead Days, a new monthly summer event series celebrating Lancaster County heritage, Amish culture, local food traditions, and early American history in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Held on the third Saturday of each month from June through September, Homestead Days will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Plain & Fancy Farm in Bird-in-Hand. The event is designed for adults and children alike, with hands-on activities, local artisans, food sampling, yard games, demonstrations, educational talks, and opportunities to learn more about Amish life and Lancaster County history.
“Plain & Fancy Farm has long been a place where visitors can experience the stories, foods, and traditions that make Lancaster County so special,” said Tom Neely, CEO of Thomas E. Strauss, Inc., “With Homestead Days, we wanted to create a fun, interactive way for families to connect with local history, meet regional makers, and enjoy a day on the farm as we celebrate America’s 250th.”
Children can take part in a scavenger hunt featuring 13 hidden barn stars around the farm. Those who find them all can bring their paper to The Barn & Hearth Shop for a small prize. Adults can join in the fun, too, by collecting stamps in a Homestead Days passport at various vendors and activities, then returning it for a small gift from Barn & Hearth. Guests can also enjoy food sampling in Barn & Hearth with a 1776 and Lancaster County focus, highlighting flavors and traditions connected to the region’s history. John Hays Cigars will appear on most Homestead Days to educate guests about the making of cigars and Lancaster County tobacco with opportunities to purchase cigars. Face painting will also be available for a fee.
In addition to their buggy rides and tours, Aaron & Jessica’s will offer demonstrations on both horse washing and buggy safety. A blacksmith will also be on site to discuss the tradition and skill of shoeing horses.
In addition to these ongoing activities, each month will feature special demonstrations, artisans, and hands-on experiences. Here are a few of the highlights:
June 20: Quilting demonstration with Amish quilter Linda Fisher. A free Chalk Talk at the Amish Experience Theater called “Faces & Trades of 1776,” will be led by Mennonite artist Elva Hurst. Kids will be able to make and take compostable newspaper pots with green bean seeds provided by Rohrer’s Seeds.
July 18: Interact with local artisans and makers including artist Robert Wagner, artist Tina Knox, Amish Maide Candles. Make-and-take soy candle activity (small fee). Chalk Talk with Elva Hurst.
August 15: Converse with local artisans and vendors, including By Candle Light, Lancaster Cast Iron, and Robert Wagner of Lancaster Shirt Company.
September 19: Quilting demonstration with Amish quilter Linda Fisher. Make and take pumpkin painting (small fee). Chalk Talk at the Amish Experience Theater called “Faces & Trades of 1776,” will be led by Mennonite artist Elva Hurst.
Event schedules are subject to change, and guests are encouraged to check the website for the full list of activities, artisans and the times.
Additional ticketed experiences will also be available throughout the day, including buggy rides with Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides, Amish House and One-Room Schoolhouse Tours, and showings of Jacob’s Choiceat the Amish Experience Theater. Ticketed experience times vary by date. Also, stop in at Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy for smoked meats platters and heritage-inspired dishes.
Homestead Days will be held on the following Saturdays:
June 20, July 18, August 15, and September 19
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rain or shine
Plain & Fancy Farm
3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA
Admission to Homestead Days activities is free, though some activities and experiences may require a fee or ticket. Guests are encouraged to visit the website for the latest schedule and details before attending. The event will be held rain or shine, though the schedule may be adjusted in the case of inclement weather.
For more information, visit www.plainandfancyfarm.com.
About Plain & Fancy Farm
Plain & Fancy Farm has welcomed visitors to Lancaster County for generations, offering authentic experiences that highlight Amish culture, Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, local food traditions, and the surrounding community. Located in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, Plain & Fancy Farm is home to AmishView Inn & Suites, Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm, The Amish Experience, Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides, The Barn & Hearth Shop, and other guest experiences.
About Thomas E. Strauss, Inc.
Thomas E. Strauss, Inc. is a family-owned hospitality group located in Lancaster County, PA, which includes Miller’s Smorgasbord, AmishView Inn & Suites, Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm, The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, Plain & Fancy Farm, The Barn & Hearth Shop, Anna’s Gifts & Sundries, Miller’s Bakery, and Locally Made Food Shop.
