Time to ‘Get Your Gourd On’ at final market of season

The 4th annual Get Your Gourd On event will be held at the Ephrata Whistle Stop Plaza Oct. 17, during which homemade air catapults will be shooting mini gourds for the Punkin Chunkin’ contest sponsored by the Ephrata Merchants Association.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the events are free and offer a variety of fun for all ages.

New this year, the Seiverling Pedal Car Museum is on board showing a sample of their collection and will even have some pedal cars for children to try out with picture-taking opportunities. Prizes will be awarded for the Punkin Chunkin Contest, and back by popular demand, the Whoopie pie eating contest for both children and adults. The Chunkin Contest is at noon and pie eating is at 11 a.m.

Not up for the challenge of pie eating — that is not the only way to have fun. Show your creative side with our Make & Take a Scarecrow (limited to the first 50 patrons) happening in front of ENB or our well-known steam punk pumpkins. Don’t know what a steampunkin is then stop by the plaza to find out! We will supply all materials, you just need to bring your imagination.

This will also be the final Ephrata 3rd Saturday Market and the last chance to show your support for our local small businesses and get your locally grown fall decorations and goodies.

Not so creative but enjoy the talents and creativity of others? Then stop by for the sounds of The Ukulele Uprising, part of the Music For Everyone (MFE) project in Lancaster. The Uprising will be performing at the plaza starting at 10 a.m. Need some Magic, Mirth & Mayhem; the talents of Insanity Factor, will also be on hand to entertain with a variety of tricks and balloon art. The creativity of Joyful Canvas will have your children light up when they see their faces transformed into their favorite animal or character. See her on the main area of the plaza.

And for those who just like to enjoy spending time outside in the gorgeous fall weather, take a stroll up and down Main Street and stop at our local stores for seasonal sales and visit several of our new businesses Remember to stop by the Ephrata Merchants hospitality table and pick up the Fall/Winter Event Card, Ephrata Notecards and information on our Holiday Wreath Program.

Thank you to the Ephrata Merchants Association for hosting and sponsoring the market, along with Blue Ridge Communications, Ephrata National Bank, Salon Arttiff and Expressions Limousine of Lancaster and Beams Music Center.

For additional information, visit Ephrata Merchants on Facebook or ephratamerchants.com