The Pennsylvania Chautauqua has announced its summer programs for 2024.
With programs starting in May and running through August, there is something everyone in the family can enjoy.
One of the highlights of the summer programs is the 50th annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show. The art show is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s the inspiration behind the Year of the Arts in the Lebanon Valley.
Other art-related offerings include the more than a dozen Mount Gretna School of Art lectures to be held in various venues this season, as well as the five art lectures to be held in the Hall of Philosophy in August.
Another highlight is the Mount Gretna Supper Club. This recurring event will take place in the Hall of Philosophy on the last Monday in June, July, and August. The meal, which is catered by Chef-on-the-Go, also known as Becky Briody, will be paired with live music.
The Hall of Philosophy will host lectures on topics ranging from plants and insects to workplace culture and leadership development. The venue will also host crafts and cuisines, which are hands-on classes where participants can acquire new skills and refine them.
Also in the venue, a Lebanon Valley College book reviews series will be offered on most Tuesday mornings; an Agatha Christie film series hosted by Ted Martin, with popcorn provided for audience members, will be offered on select Wednesday evenings; and a poetry series hosted by Jesse Waters from Elizabethtown College will be offered on most Friday mornings.
Another highlight of this season’s programs is Chautauqua University for a Day, which will be held on Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day’s event will feature blueberry buckle for breakfast, a catered lunch, and a wine tasting following the four educational programs.
Other special events include a July 4 bike parade, concert, and grand illumination and s’mores as well as History on the Porch held once a month in June, July, and August by the Mount Gretna Area Historical Society.
There will be a religious discussion series held in the Hall of Philosophy on Thursdays starting on July 23 and running through Aug. 22. Worship services will be held most Sundays at 10 a.m. at Mount Gretna Playhouse.
Kids Art with Kelly is a summer program geared toward children ages 6 to 12 that will be offered in the Hall of Philosophy three times this season. The venue, along with Stacey’s Place Gazebo and the Mount Gretna Library, will host events targeting other younger age groups, interests, and abilities.
This season, music recitals and recreational activities involving puzzles, bird watching, mah jongg, and yoga will also be offered.
With a rich history spanning more than a century, the Pennsylvania Chautauqua summer programs are open to the public and are funded by donations.
For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Chautauqua website or the Mount Gretna website and click the “Summer Programs” tab. Questions can be directed to the Visitor’s Center via phone at 717-200-1187 or email at pachautauqua@gmail.com.
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