Events: Off-Site Event

Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum

  • April 10, 2024
  • DoubleTree Resort, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA
  • 6-9pm
  • $60/person
Green ferns and yellow and pink coneflowers.
Courtesy of Kevin Kelly.

Celebrate and gather with friends for the Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum! Join us on Wednesday, April 10 from 6 – 9pm at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster for an evening of fellowship and fun, benefitting the care and conservation of the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum at LancasterHistory.

The Annual Dinner begins at 6pm with cocktails, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30pm, and a program, awards, and raffle drawings around 7:30pm. We’re excited to welcome Penn State Master Gardener Kevin Kelly for a fascinating presentation, “In Love with Fabulous Ferns.” A description of the presentation is available below.

Tickets to attend the Annual Dinner for the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum are $60 per person. Ticket purchase includes access to the event, a plated dinner (salad, sides, main entree, and dessert), and the main presentation by Kevin Kelly. Raffle tickets may be purchased during the cocktail reception at 6pm with cash. Proceeds from the dinner and raffle benefit the care and conservation of the Tanger Arboretum.

Dinner includes: Salad with sun-dried cranberries, garden vegetables, & balsamic vinaigrette, herb roasted potatoes and seasonal roasted vegetables, main entree (chicken picatta OR grilled vegetables and pecorino cheese ravioli), and cheesecake with berries for dessert. It is a cash bar.

The deadline to RSVP has passed. If you are attending and have not yet contacted Cindy Madara regarding any food allergies or special dietary needs, please do so ASAP by calling (717) 392-4633, ext. 122 or cindy.madara@lancasterhistory.org.

If you are unable to attend the Annual Dinner and would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, please click here.

An older man with light and brown hair. He wears glasses and a purple polo shirt.
Featured speaker Kevin Kelly

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Join Penn State Master Gardener Kevin Kelly for an in-depth presentation about outdoor gardening with ferns. Ferns are ancient plants that are typically underused in many outdoor plantings. Learn about how to make garden-worthy fern selections—with a focus on native, eastern North American varieties—and how to incorporate these fabulous plants into your garden!

A former Family Physician, Kelly has been a devoted gardener for over 35 years. His garden has won two blue ribbons from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and is a certified Pollinator and Wildlife Habitat Garden by the Pennsylvania Master Gardener Program, the Manada Conservancy, and the National Wildlife Federation.

Featured Event Fundraiser In-Person Event Off-Site Event

2024 Annual Presidential Wreath Laying & Ceremony

Image of Buchanan's grave site in Woodward Hill Cemetery.Join us at Woodward Hill Cemetery for the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for President James Buchanan, the United States’ 15th President. Taking place in the week of Buchanan’s birthday, the ceremony features the laying of fresh flowers at the gravesite of the former president and remarks by the presiding officer of the Pennsylvania National Guard as well as local dignitaries.

On April 20, the ceremony and remarks will include the following individuals and groups:

  • Brigadier General Mark A. Goodwill will present the ceremonial wreath at the gravesite of James Buchanan;
  • The Lancaster Fencibles will fire a 21-gun salute;
  • A member of Masonic Lodge No. 43, James Buchanan’s lodge, will make brief remarks;
  • Boy Scout Troop 58 will conduct a pre-ceremony cleaning of the gravesite and plant new flowers as well as lead those assembled for the ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance; and
  • The Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard will present a new American Flag for the gravesite and play Taps on the bugle.

This event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. For directions to the Cemetery, please click here.

Brig. Gen. Mark A. Goodwill is the Assistant Adjutant General – Air for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. He serves as the primary assistant and advisor to the Deputy Adjutant General-Air on all matters pertaining to air operations of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. General Goodwill is a Master Navigator with other specialties in maintenance and logistics. He has flown combat missions in operations DESERT STORM, NORTHERN WATCH, and ALLIED FORCE. Prior to assuming his current position, General Goodwill served as the Chief of Staff of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap.

Dedication/Memorial In-Person Event Off-Site Event Outdoor

April 20, 2024 Woodward Hill Cemetery, 508 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 10am Free