Together with Cirque de Paris
Happy 31st Tuesday of 2026, Loopers! Alongside all the old-school summer staples around Lancaster, there are a bunch of fun & unique things to do this week. I hope you find a reason to head out and meet a neighbor!
See ya ‘round the county…
-Ed (connect on LinkedIn)
Today’s cover art is by returning artist, Isabel Imbriano. She designed this graphic in the spirit of the old linen penny postcards from the 40s and 50s. Many thanks to Isabel for the good vibes and for prompting me to learn that someone who studies postcards is called a deltiologist. Find more of Isabel’s work on her Instagram page.
LOOPER EVENT:
Our Town Unplugged
Ready to experience a tech-free hang?
I’ve been reading Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter, and one idea has stuck with me: so much of our smartphone use runs on what he calls a “scarcity loop”. The loop hijacks the same evolutionary wiring our ancestors used to hunt and gather. Keep searching, keep scrolling, keep consuming.
Our phones are perfectly designed to exploit this need, tapping into our survival instincts and tuning us out to the world around us.
And if you’re a bit analog like me, there’s something golden a screen can’t touch…connecting up with others IRL. Turns out there are a bunch of us who want less screen time and more face-to-face time. Rob Tarves (owner of Our Town Brewery) and I are carving out a unique experience for us to connect face-to-face device-free.
Our Town Unplugged
Meet us at Our Town Brewery next Monday, August 10, anytime between 4–9p. Come for an after-work drink or stay for a meal.
Check your phone and smartwatch at the door, then settle in for candlelight, acoustic music, conversation prompts, film cameras, and cash-only sales. There's even a real landline (with a cord) if the babysitter needs you.
Film cameras will be on-hand…hat-tip to Perfect Image Camera on Fruitville Pike for donating film development!
LOOPER LOCAL LEARNINGS:
Let’s Go 1-2-3 x Lemon Street Market
Imagine growing up just blocks from a greenspace but never really feeling at home in one.
Keisha Scovens noticed that gap, and launched Let's Go 1-2-3, a local nonprofit getting Lancaster youth (and adults) comfortable outdoors through tree plantings, greenspace cleanups, and no-cost nature programs.
Everyone should feel the magic of dirt under fingernails and putting their toes in the grass.
Here’s what a local student shared: "I never planted a tree before, and now every time I come here, I want to check on it."
Here's one way to support Keisha…on your next grocery run at Lemon Street Market, round up via their #GiveLocal campaign and every extra cent goes straight to Let's Go 1-2-3.
I appreciate when local businesses use their leverage to lift up our community. It helps our dollars and donations support our neighbors.
👇 VOTE on the Lancaster Loop 👇
What do you think about the Loop community harnessing our collective effort to support Lancaster non-profits?
National Night Out
Head out tonight across Lancaster County and spend some time with a local first responder at National Night Out.
The annual evening where neighbors and first responders hang out on purpose. Expect fire trucks kids can climb on, free food, K-9 demos, and meeting neighbors to build a neighborhood.
I spent over two decades in law enforcement and IMHO one of the best public safety tools is fostering relationships between neighbors and their local public servants.
Most events run roughly 5–8p and every one of them is free. Check the graphic below to find the gathering closest to you, then wander over and introduce yourself to somebody new.
Cirque de Paris lands at Tanger Outlets this Thursday thru the 16th of August.
Go see a one-ring 90-minute show for the whole family
Thrills, humor, elegance, and a few classic circus clowns
Thanks to Cirque de Paris, I have some tickets to share for this opening weekend.
Vote in the poll below for a chance to win the tickets.
There will be 3 winners selected.
Click and be entered to win.
Each winner will receive 4 tickets.
(winners will be notified this Thursday at 12p when the poll closes)
Poll to WIN tickets
Have you ever been to the circus or would you like to win circus tickets?
The 5Ws of Lancaster
Featured Events
August 7 First Friday @ The Stevens & Smith Center 5-8p featuring exhibits highlighting stories of those who helped shape the fight for freedom, equality, and democracy. Tonight they welcome all with a ‘pay what you wish’ format
Plan Ahead
August 10 Our Town Unplugged @ Our Town Brewery 4-9p No lights, no TVs, no phones, no distractions. Come on out to slow down and connect cash only night
August 27 History Happy Hour @ The Exchange by Lancaster History 5-7p ticket includes a drink and lite bites - learn the history of downtown in the 1700s and 1800s
October 9 Over the Edge with Big Brothers Big Sisters @ Mid Penn Bank on 2nd St in Harrisburg- Harness up & rappel down 18-stories to raise money for BBBS of South-Central PA donate or join the team
Tuesday August 4th
LOOP EVENT: Mahjong Open Play Session @ West Art 6-9p sharpen your game, meet other players, and enjoy a beautiful venue bring your tiles
Aligned Nervous System @ Owl Chiropractic 6-7p learn the science of nervous system regulation and take away actionable tools for calm
Wednesday August 5th
Sunset Sessions @ Long’s Park w/Susquehanna Trekkers 7p bring a journal, sketchbook, camera or just come be and hang outside
Greek Mythology Trivia @ Marion Court Room 7-9p you’ve watched the Odyssey but now comes the test…and wings
Thursday August 6th
The Garden Room grand opening @ New Holland Coffee 6-8p see the space and unleash your creativity with air dry clay - plus unlimited coffee
Lancaster’s Gayest Happy Hour @ Tellus360 5-7p new venue on the rooftop
Lancaster REC Beer Garden @ Buchanan Park 4-10p (Thur/Fri/Sat) family & pet friendly with games, drinks, and food under the open sky
Friday August 7th
Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic Exhibit Opening @ Lanc Cleft Palate 11-8p showcasing 85 years of innovation, compassion, and groundbreaking research family friendly
Hourglass Forum w/C4SH @ Ware Center 1130-1p conversation on sustainable housing and a countywide zoning reform campaign housing solutions
Ukulele Uprising @ Covenant UMC Lanc 6p local art, chocolate chip cookies and a friendly gang of ukulele strummers
Paint & Sip: Tote Bag Edition @ Reology Studio 7-9p byob and leave with your artsy bag
Lancaster Photographers Exhibition @ Ware Center 5-8p Lancaster through photographers’ eyes with hors d’oeuvres and meet the people behind the lens
Tate Lehman live music @ South County Brewing 6-9p outdoor in the park bar
Star Wars Themed Night @ Stormers gate at 515p game at 645p meet the characters
Under the Tent - Rib Fest @ Stauffers of Kissel Hill 11-7p plus Saturday as well full or half racks
Saturday August 8th
Annual Lititz Craft Show @ Downtown Lititz 8-3p with over 500 vendors craft your weekend away
Guided Forest Therapy with Nature Journaling @ Lancaster County TBA 9-12p Forest bathing aka Shinrin-yoku to connect with nature and slow down over 2 miles on easy terrain
Three Legacies Wrestling @ Millersville Univ 6p family friendly pro wrestling with nearly all ring-side seats
Community CPR/AED Certification Class @ Penn Med Park 9-11a with Peyton Walker Foundation increasing awareness and survival rates
Adoptees Connect @ Marietta Ave in Lanc 9-11a peer-led support group for adult adoptees find community & support
Inside the Wild @ Acorn Acres 2-4p wildlife crafts for students to learn and connect with wildlife
World Language Meet-up & Playgroup @ Lanc Library 10-12p - find others who speak your language or share your culture native tongues
3 Hour Tour @ Shoppes at Belmont 6-10p yacht rock & soul music outdoors
Sunday August 9th
Low Cut Connie @ Long’s Park 730p Philly-based artist Adam Weiner known for electrifying performances, infectious energy, and piano-driven rock music
Lititz 12th Annual Triathlon @ Lititz recCenter 8a swim 300m in the pool, 15.8 miles on the bike, and run 3.1 miles surrounded by beautiful farmlands
Puff & Poet Open Mic @ Hempfield Apothetique 6-9p calling all poets, spoken word artists, and book lovers for an evening of expression and connection
Brunch & Bachata @ South County Brewing 12-4p brunch, cocktails, and no experience needed lessons to start
15th Annual Back to School Event @ Penn Med Park 12-4p free to all students in Manheim Township, SDoL, Hempfield, and Penn Manor K-8 - free backpack with shoes, clothes and school supplies
Community Cookout @ Pavilion 11 Lanc Co Park 2-6p w/Lancaster Stands Up annual summer potluck games and good company
Lancaster Polo Club @ Lititz 1p Caribbean Cup Tailgate Competition match begins at 230p children under 12 attend free
The Keri Edwards Band @ Lititz Historical Foundation 630-8p pay what you can outdoor concert in the garden
Non-Profit Night @ Stormers benefiting the Dutchland Rollers portion of tickets sold go to the org and kids run the bases after the game
Monday August 10th
LOOP EVENT: Inaugural Our Town Unplugged @ Our Town Brewery 4-9p a new monthly respite from the encroachment of our AI & screen dominated days - cash-only sales, acoustic jams, drinks & food, film cameras, lights off, no tvs, check your phone at the door
The Loop is independently and locally written by a guy who loves Lancaster. All support is welcome - the biggest compliment is forwarding this email to a friend & asking them to subscribe. -Ed
📣YELL at the Loop (or tell me something on your mind)
LOOPER EVENTS
NEXT DINNER CLUB: September 17th
Here’s how it works:
🍴 Take a quick quiz: your interests, food preferences, who you'd like to meet. No heavy lifting.
🍴 Get matched with five cool folks based on your answers. Easy peasy.
🍴 The morning of the dinner, your table and restaurant location come via text & email. Cue the suspense.
🍴 Mid-dinner, every group across downtown Lancaster gets a ping via text & email revealing a secret afterparty hang. It's optional…no pressure, but it’s rad.
Side Quest: Currently seeking someone to make a “Looper: Dinner Club” button or pin. It’ll help us identify each other at the afterparty. Know anyone who could help me make some buttons? Send ‘em my way…and then join us at dinner for your free merch!
MAHJONG
* OPEN PLAY — TONIGHT 8/4 — 6p *
Join me and Danielle from The 717 Mahj Circle for Mahjong open play from 6-9p at West Art.
Danielle will be there to answer questions and offer support as you play at your own pace.
It’s also ‘Old Time Jam’ night at West Art so enjoy the free string jams as you move your tiles.
Grab a drink and hopefully meet a new friend…a night of new connections and play
Where’s Wal’Ed’o?
Last week I found myself outside Trolley Line Coffee in Salunga.
This local business started out on a local farm in Lancaster as Fat Cow Coffee Roasters and rebranded in 2024 to match their current location, a restored trolley station. Their catchy motto is “above average joe for the average Joe”.
This week’s winner is Danielle Smith. Please check your email!
Know a local shop you’d love to see featured in Where’s Wal’Ed’o? - shoot me a reply or introduction to the owner. Feel free to forward this email to them as a starter.
👇 Click the pic to guess this week’s “Where’s Wal’Ed’o?” location 👇
Click the pic to guess and win
Here’s a clue: The Lancaster Loop finds all the good of Lancaster County & City.
No drama, no crime, and no politics… so don’t read too deeply into the background image. Where am I?
As always thanks for staying… in the ‘Loop! -Ed
P.S. Property Peek
$849,900 | 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,123 sf another log cabin c1741 in Robesonia on 10 acres with an 1840 Bank Barn registered with the Historic Barn and Farm Foundation ready for you to steward the next few decades
P.P.S. If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, forward it to your 3-person clown crew you’d take to the circus!
P.P.P.R. The ‘R’ stands for randomness; Today is a founding fact…
The United States Revenue Cutter Service was founded in 1790 on this day. The modern-day name of what US armed forces group? see the answer
Last week’s sign-off poll results:
Turns out 55% of readers prefer bi-color corn over white. Last week I stopped at the Eldora Farm Market, just off 222 a little over 5 miles north of the Mason-Dixon line…and contrary to your votes, we’ll be back for some sweet white corn many times before the season’s up.