Solar eclipse party, wood carving events, Fountain Festival: April events in Franklin Co.

Amber South, Chambersburg Public Opinion

There's an activity for just about everyone in Franklin County this April. Check out these local events.

Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party

2-4 p.m. Monday, April 8

Waynesboro Area Senior High School stadium, 550 E. Second St., Waynesboro

The moon will cover 92% of the sun in our region during the solar eclipse on the afternoon of April 8. NASA scientist Todd Toth, along with staff from The Institute, will lead a safe-viewing experience. The eclipse maximum will happen at 3:21 p.m.

There will also be activities. Guests can make a solar viewing mask and color-changing solar bead bracelets, and they can use a Sunspotter to make a sketch of the eclipse.

Kids look at the 2017 solar eclipse at an event held by Renfrew Institute (now called The Institute).
Kids look at the 2017 solar eclipse at an event held by Renfrew Institute (now called The Institute).

Guests will also have the opportunity to gather solar eclipse data using the NASA GLOBE Observer app.

Free safety eclipse sunglasses will be available while supplies last.

Email info@natureandcultureinstitute.org for more information.

Wood carving events

Franklin County will be home to two chainsaw carving showcases in April.

Keystone State Carving Event: April 10-13 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday), at Cumberland Valley Antique Engine and Machinery Association, 1501 Criders Church Road, Chambersburg. World-class carvers will give demonstrations and display their work at this event, which organizers say could be the largest of its kind on the East Coast. There will also be craft and food vendors each day, plus helicopter rides (weather permitting), kids activities and live music (in evening) Friday and Saturday. Carvings to be auctioned off at 3 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds benefit veterans and first responders.

Central PA Chainsaw Carvers Festival: April 18-20 (4-8 p.m. Thursday, 3-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday), at Shippensburg Fairgrounds, 10131 Possum Hollow Road, Shippensburg. Chainsaw carvers from across the country will participate. There will be speed carves, auctions, food trucks, vendors and more. The '80s tribute band The Reagan Years will perform at 8 p.m. Friday.

Kids' Trout Derby

Saturday, April 13

American Legion Grounds, 4274 Williamson Road, Greencastle

All kids ages 15 and younger are invited to catch fish for prizes at this annual event hosted by Frank L. Carbaugh American Legion Post 373.

Registration starts at 7 a.m., and lines are permitted in the water at 8.

The event is open to the public. Adults will not be allowed to fish.

Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided.

If it rains, the event may be moved to April 20.

Get updates and more info at post373.com or the legion's Facebook page.

Greencastle Craft Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival

Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13

B-Street parking lot, 121 E. Baltimore St., Greencastle

Local breweries, distilleries and wineries will serve up samples (plus closed containers to go) at this 10th-anniversary event hosted by Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce.

There will also be music by Hot Fun Band, food trucks and games of chance.

More about this festival: Greencastle-Antrim festival will feature beer, wine and spirits

Note that the location has changed this year. Instead of taking place at Antrim Way Honda, the event will happen in its original location in honor of the 10th anniversary.

The first Greencastle Craft Beer Festival was held in 2014 on the parking lot at 121 E. Baltimore St. Ten years later, the 2024 Greencastle-Antrim Craft Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival will be held at the same location on Saturday, April 13.
The first Greencastle Craft Beer Festival was held in 2014 on the parking lot at 121 E. Baltimore St. Ten years later, the 2024 Greencastle-Antrim Craft Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival will be held at the same location on Saturday, April 13.

Tickets, $40, are available through Eventbrite.com. A ticket includes a commemorative tasting cup and unlimited pours. Full-pour mugs will be available for sale at the event.

Designated driver tickets will be on sale at the gate for $10.

Guests must be 21 to attend. Photo ID will be required to enter.

Fountain Festival

Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21

Downtown Chambersburg

Chambersburg takes pride in Memorial Fountain, the centerpiece of the town square that honors the local lives lost in the Civil War. Now, there is a festival to celebrate it.

Hosted by Downtown Chambersburg Inc., the Fountain Festival will feature 30-plus food trucks, 40-plus mobile vendors, local music, local beer and Snyder's Attractions.

Streets around Memorial Square will be closed for Saturday's festivities.

Specific times for the festival will be announced at a later date.

The hosts have changed, but this event essentially follows up a festival held last year to celebrate the return of Memorial Fountain, a year and a half after it was removed for repairs following a vehicle crash.

Get updates from DCI's Facebook page or the Fountain Festival event page.

Food Stroll

3-6 p.m. Sunday, April 21

Downtown Waynesboro

Take an afternoon walk to get a taste of the many kinds of food downtown Waynesboro has to offer. The stroll begins at Main Street Park, 25 E. Main St.

The day will end back at Main Street Park, where Rough Edges Brewing Co. will serve beer and local band Lucky Punk will perform between 4:30 and 6 p.m.

Hosted by Mainstreet Waynesboro, the event benefits downtown revitalization efforts.

Tickets are $25 in advance at Eventbrite.com or $30 at the park.

Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: April events in Franklin County: Festivals abound, Kids Trout Derby

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