Aug. 28
• Concert by Pure Jerry, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township, 5:30-8 p.m. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and stay the evening. Food trucks will be on site and parking is free. Food trucks: Tony Luke’s, Greco’s of Lititz. Free.
Aug. 29
• Free community giveaway (clothing, shoes, household items and more), Calvary United Church of Christ, 1231 Route 100, Washington Township, 9-11 a.m.
Sept. 4
• Family Fishing Day, Antietam Lake Park, 230 Angora Road, Lower Alsace Township, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join parks staff and rangers as we enjoy an evening of fishing fun. Learn how to tie fishing knots, try your hand at casting, and see if you hook the big one. No experience or tackle necessary; no fishing license required. All rods, bait, and tackle will be provided. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Sept. 5
• Wellness Walk, Berks Leisure Area, 1901 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, 9 a.m. Join parks staff as we get out on the Union Canal Trail to enjoy an hour-long brisk walk with like-minded friends. Getting moving at this time of the year can be tough, but studies show that outdoor time is just as important in winter as the warmer months of the year. Just a few minutes of walking can greatly improve the state of your mind, create healthy habits, and introduce new connections among others looking to do the same! Wear walking shoes or other appropriate footwear and dress accordingly. Free. Registration suggested at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Sept. 6
• Nature Journaling, Berks Leisure Area, 1901 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, 4-5:30 p.m. Join us for this workshop series to focus on the art of nature journaling. Learn about ways you can practice mindfulness by creating your own journal inspired by your surroundings. Bring your own book, any writing and coloring utensils you would like to use in your journal. If you need to purchase a journal, we will have a limited amount available for $5. Geared toward ages 16 and up. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Sept. 7
• Ringgold Band, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 10 a.m.-noon. Bring your own chairs or blanket and enjoy traditional band music against the backdrop of our covered bridge and the Tulpehocken Creek. Free.
Sept. 8
• Trail Tales, Angora Fruit Farm, 502 Angora Road, Lower Alsace Township, 10 a.m. Get wrapped up in a trail tale and discover plants and animal friends in our parks. This toddler-age program focuses on a nature topic each month partnered with a story and a craft. Special guests and visitors may make an appearance to join in on the fun! Geared toward children ages 3-5. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Sept. 11
• Red Creek, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area barn, 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township, 6 p.m. Red Creek Wildlife Center will offer a presentation on some of Pennsylvania’s native wild animals, featuring live animal ambassadors. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Sept. 12
• Farm Market and Fest, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Berks County Heritage Center and the Berks County Department of Agriculture will hold the first pop-up market featuring a wide variety of Berks grown produce and products. Free.
• Fall Festival, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1015 Windsor St., Reading, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be games, food and fun for the whole family. Juggler Chris Ivey will perform.
• Free concert by the Crow Hill Bluegrass Band, St. John Hill Reformed Church picnic grove, 4-6 p.m. Food available at 3 p.m., ice cream, french fries, hamburgers, hot dogs. Refreshments rain or shine.
• Vegetable soup and bake sale, Calvary United Church of Christ, 1231 Route 100, Washington Township, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Chow chow also will be for sale.
• Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue will hold its monthly open house from 10 a.m. until noon at its Golden Gateway facility at 60 Vera Cruz Road, Reinholds. Meet and greet the golden retrievers and dogs available for adoption. Staff is on hand to answer questions, and food is available for purchase. No admission charge. No photos, and do not bring other dogs to this event. Check the website www.dvgrr.org for possible event cancellation. For more information, contact info@dvgrr.org, call 717-484-4799 or visit dvgrr.org/adopt/monthlyopenhouse.
Sept. 13
• America250 Fall Lecture Series, “The American Revolution in Pennsylvania,” Daniel Boone Homestead, 400 Daniel Boone Road, Exeter Township, 2 p.m. Is it possible to sit out a violent revolution? What happens when neutrality isn’t an option? Historian Aaron Sullivan explores these questions in the context of the American Revolution in Pennsylvania, looking closely at the British military occupation of Philadelphia and the often tragic plight of the many Americans who struggled to survive the war without picking one side or the other. Sullivan is an author and historian living near Philadelphia. He teaches history at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J., and his book “The Disaffected” received the Book of the Year Award from the American Revolutionary Roundtable of Philadelphia. Sullivan received his doctorate in history from Temple University in Philadelphia in 2014 and his bachelor’s in computer science from LeTourneau University in 2004. Admission for the lecture is a $2 per person suggested donation. Daniel Boone Homestead Associates members are free.
• Deadline to register for Candle Making and Educational Workshop, Daniel Boone Homestead, 400 Daniel Boone Road, Exeter Township, 1-3 p.m. Journey back in time with Greg and Peggy Geesaman of Heritage Art and Craft Studio to learn the art of crafting candles with natural beeswax. Participants will take part in the careful and significant process of candle dipping, a traditional Early American method, as they create your own double wick 100% beeswax hand-dipped candles. In addition, participants will make a 5-inch cinnamon-scented display ornament, by a method similarly used by German Lebkuchen bakers in the 16th century from a stoneware cookie mold (designs vary). A historic presentation from Colonial period interpreters during class will reveal some interesting facts about Early American Living and the history of candle making in the 18th century. This is a beginner-level workshop and is open to all ages if accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for the workshop, and a form can be obtained by emailing thedanielboonehomestead@gmail.com. Cost: Daniel Boone Homestead Associate members $45, non-members, $50. All supplies are included. All proceeds go to support the Daniel Boone Homestead. Space is limited to 10 participants.
Sept. 11-13
• 50th anniversary celebration of the Hay Creek Festival, grounds of the historic Joanna Furnace Ironworks, 1250 Furnace Road, Robeson Township. The festival runs each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free on the festival grounds on Sept. 11. Free continuously running shuttle buses will be provided from Weaver’s Orchard to the festival grounds from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 12 and 13. The exhibits and demonstrations include traditional early American crafts, a contemporary craft market, living history presentations and interpretations, vintage industrial revolution-era working equipment, threshing demonstrations, a working sawmill, children’s hands-on activities, a traditional four-square kitchen herb garden, Civil War and World War II encampments, antique vehicles, steam engines and tractors, traditional folk music presentations and homemade foods. A variety of entertainment is scheduled on the main stage throughout the weekend. Admission is $10 for adults, $2 for children ages 6 to 12, and free children 5 and younger.
Sept. 16
• Junk Journaling, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 6 p.m. This is an open-session style class where journaling friends can gather. Junk journals can be made out an assortment of different materials, which are often recycled or found. Learn about ways you can use your journal and what supplies can be utilized to create one. A limited amount of art materials are provided but please bring your own book and any supplies you would like to include in your journal. If you need to purchase a journal, we will have some available for $5. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
• Sinking Spring Area Historical Society meeting, Sinking Spring Borough Hall, 3940 Penn Ave., front entrance, 7 p.m. The program is “A Bird’s-Eye View of Berks County History” by Alexa Freyman, Berksiana content creator, using high-definition drone footage. Parking in rear off Columbia Avenue. Public welcome. Information 610-678-4219.
Sept. 20
• A Birdseye View of Berks History: Aerial Perspectives of some of Berks County’s Most Iconic Landmarks and the History Behind Them, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 2 p.m. Alexa Freyman is a FAA licensed drone pilot, local historian, and creator of the “Berks Nostalgia” blog. Join her as she looks to uncover the beauty in the County’s historic architecture and decipher whether the good old days were really all that good. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
• Berks Fiddle Fest, Fleetwood Park, 333 W. Main St., Fleetwood, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy a full day of live music, hands-on workshops, and community fun. Festival highlights include the Musical Workshop Pavilion, Open Mic and Jammin’ Areas, a Morning Concert Series, and multiple fiddle competitions, including the All-Ages and F.I.R.E. Fiddle Competitions. The festival also features Fiddler Craft Row, showcasing local artisans and makers, adding to a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Free.
• Deadline to order soup from the indoor flea market and soup sale, St. Michael’s Church, 529 St. Michaels Road, Tilden Township. Ham and bean, chicken corn noodle, beef vegetable, Italian wedding, $9 per quart, to order call Glenna at 484-926-8103. Pick up soups on Oct. 3, day of the flea market, which is open from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Other food available at the flea market: egg sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, hamburger BBQ, chicken BBQ and sides.
Sept. 26
• Free Museum Day & Belt Running Day, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the Wagon Works come to life during this unique demonstration. The engine and belt line-shaft system remained functional throughout the factory’s operation, running numerous machines and equipment. Witness the once-a-year, public demonstration of the Gruber Wagon Works line shaft-belt system and the demonstration of the Wagon Works’ hit-and-miss 15 horsepower Otto Engine that served as the main power source for the factory. The Gruber Wagon Works will be open to the public throughout the day with stationed guides throughout the museum. The Belts running will begin at 11 and run through 4. Demonstrations of the Otto “Hit and Miss” Engine will take place at 11:30, 1 and 2. The C. Howard Heister Canal Museum will be open for self-guided tours as well.
Oct. 4
• Deadline to pre-order from Favorite (Bazaar) Foods Sale, Zion’s Lutheran Church, 354 Zions Church Road, Perry Township. The sale will be held on Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Order and payment, payable to WELCA, can be dropped off or mailed to the church. Baked goods will also be available for purchase. Information can be found on Facebook: Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Perry Township or by contacting the church office at 610-562-3112.