Books and scoops: The 48th annual ice cream meet-up and book sale returns to the Blue Ridge Summit

The Blue Ridge Summit Free Library will host its 48th annual ice cream meet and book sale on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the library grounds. The event is a fundraiser for the library.

More than 4,000 books are available for sale, including a selection for adults, teens and children on a wide range of topics. Audiobooks, DVDs and music CDs are also sold. In addition, library-themed T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and jackets are available for purchase.

Early risers can participate in the free Whistle 5K Fun Run. Registration is on-site at Summit Plaza from 7:30 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. This is a timed event, but there is no entry fee and no prizes will be awarded. Race start time is 8:00 a.m.

Activities for children include rides on the Fountaindale Fire Co. fire truck and face painting by Making Faces with artist Sarah Berkey (12:00-2:00 p.m.). The Ft. Ritchie Community Center will offer fitness activities for children. The Franklin Co. Library System’s bookmobile will be on site during the event.

The Wayne Band will open the event and play from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. At noon, a fifth or sixth grader will be presented with the Harvey Bridgers Award for exemplary use of the library and its services. Local singer and guitarist Rich Fehle will perform at intervals throughout the event.

This year, singer/songwriter Mark DeRose will provide special entertainment, delighting the audience with a free performance for all ages starting at 10:30 a.m.

A variety of foods are available for sale, including hot dogs, steamers, nachos, drinks and baked goods.

“Of course, this is an ice cream meet-up, and again this year our ice cream will be provided by Sarah’s Creamery, using the famous Penn State Creamery ice cream,” said Mary Anne Stanley, chair of the library board. “A portion of their proceeds will be donated to the library.”

Other vendors and exhibitors so far include: Antietam Watershed Association, Blue Ridge Garden Club, Buttonwood Nature Center, Faye Hiller (creative paper folding), Ft. Ritchie Community Center, Happel Meadow Advisory Committee, Monterey Pass Battlefield Park & ​​​​Museum, Paintings by Steve Burdette, Specialty Granules, Inc. and Waynesboro Area Appalachian Trail Community.

Fundraisers include a silent auction with more than 50 themed baskets, with winners announced at the end of the event. As in previous years, the White Elephant Sale will offer many interesting and useful items.

In addition, the Summit Stitchers will be selling raffle tickets for a handmade quilt. The quilt will be on display during the event and raffle proceeds will benefit the library. The winning ticket will be drawn at the library’s Christmas party on Saturday, December 14th.

Previous event sponsors include: Bilder & Sons Plumbing LLC; Blue Ridge Dental Care; Brother’s Pizza; Catoctin Veterinary Clinic; Edward Jones Investments; F&M Trust; Franklin Co. Visitors Bureau; Gettysburg National Cemetery; HammerDownCustoms; Jansen Crane; J&B Real Estate, Inc.; King’s Pizza; Hobby Boss; Monterey Country Club; Ritchie Revival; Rocky’s Pizza; Ronnie Martin Realty; Small’s Home Improvements; Melissa Wetzel, CPA.

Parking is available in the Plaza parking lot across from the library, on Monterey Lane, and other adjacent lots. For more information, email: (email protected).