September at the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center & Fairgrounds covers a lot of ground — a longtime collectors’ show, a first-of-its-kind rodeo benefiting local fire companies, a wellness expo, and a weekend of pedigreed cats. As the summer winds down, here’s what’s on the calendar this month.
Central Penn Doll Collectors Club Doll Show and Sale — Sunday, September 13
This annual show brings vendors selling antique, vintage, modern, reborn, and artist dolls, along with doll clothing and furniture, bears, and other doll-related childhood treasures. It’s a good stop for serious collectors and for anyone who enjoys browsing a bit of childhood history.
Beyond the shopping, visitors can view special doll displays created by Central Penn Doll Club members and enter a raffle featuring more than 40 dolls and doll-related items. Featured raffle prizes include an antique Armand Marseille Model 370 German bisque doll, a 1930s Ideal composition Shirley Temple, and an American Girl doll, Corinne Tan, with extra clothing and accessories.
Proceeds from the show and raffle benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and the educational programs of the Central Penn Doll Collectors Club, a UFDC member club.
Event Details
- Date and time: Sunday, September 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Admission: $5 ($4 with any ad); children under 12 free with an adult
- Amenities: Ample parking, clean restrooms, on-site ATM, and food concessions in a large, bright, handicap-accessible hall
- Website: www.centralpenndollcollectorsclub.org
Greater Wellness Holistics Expo — Sunday, September 13
Billed as a cozy, Gilmore Girls-inspired community wellness event, the Greater Wellness Holistics Expo gathers holistic practitioners, local small businesses, educational speakers, and interactive demos under one roof. The idea is to give attendees an approachable way to explore different areas of wellness, learn something new, and connect with local businesses and resources without having to track them down one at a time.
Also on hand: unique shopping, giveaways, photo opportunities, a kids’ corner, and food.
Event Details
- Date and time: Sunday, September 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Admission: $10, available online in advance or at the door; free for kids 12 and under and military members
- Parking: Free
- More information: www.greaterwellnessholistics.com or the Greater Wellness Holistics Facebook page for vendor announcements, the speaker lineup, and ticket details
Heroes Benefit Rodeo — Friday and Saturday, September 18–19
The Heroes Rodeo brings the first-ever PRCA Professional Rodeo to Lebanon, with two performances at the Expo Center. Spectators can expect professional bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, cowgirl barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and cowgirl breakaway roping, plus family-friendly entertainment between events.
It’s also a benefit: 100 percent of sponsorship dollars go directly to local fire companies, helping cover the equipment and resources they need to serve area families and neighborhoods.
Event Details
- Performance times: Friday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 19 at 2 p.m.
- Tickets: Available now at HeroesRodeo.com, and at the gate while supplies last
- Weather: Rain or shine
- More information: HeroesRodeo.com or Heroes Rodeo on Facebook
Philadelphia Tea Party Cat Show — Saturday and Sunday, September 19–20
A full weekend of cat show judging, with pedigreed cats and household pets competing in multiple rings throughout each day. Cats not currently in the ring are benched in rows, so visitors can walk the aisles, see a wide range of breeds up close, and chat with exhibitors (with permission). A vendor area geared toward cats and cat lovers is typically part of the show as well.
Event Details
- Dates: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20
- Admission: $7; children 3 and under free
Between collectors’ finds, wellness workshops, professional rodeo, and a weekend of cats, September offers plenty of reasons to make the trip to 80 Rocherty Road. The Lebanon Valley Expo Center sits just off Route 72, about five miles from Pennsylvania Turnpike Exit 266 (Lebanon/Lancaster).
