Celebrate America draws thousands! Don’t miss it in 2026. Photo by Howard Fryberger, 2025.
Join us for our third annual community celebration of America’s 250th birthday at The Barn at Paradise Station! Featuring more food trucks, more amazing vendors, a Maker’s Market, games and activities for all ages, followed by a concert featuring America’s 2nd Oldest Community Band, The New Holland Band, Perfect Harmony, and the Celebrate America Singers on the lawn that will wow your socks off. End the night with a bang as Schaefer Fireworks presents a stunning fireworks show that will light up the night sky!
THANK YOU to our amazing 2026 sponsors!
Thrivent Financial - New Holland Band Sponsor
B&D Builders - Environmental Services Sponsor
Tanger Outlets, Bob Neff Tours, Oaktree Outdoor Advertising, Greater Lancaster Hotel & Motel Association (in memory of Todd Prickett) - Community Sponsors
Engle Printing & Publishing Co. Inc. - Community Star
WJTL 90.3FM - Media Sponsor
Get ready to party like it’s 1776!
4PM - Event opens to the public. Food Truck Alley, vendors and activities open, featuring:
2026 VENDORS: Casey Jones’ Restaurant (hot dogs, chicken fingers, fries), The Barn Bistro (Adult Beverages, Soda, Water, Frozen Lemonade - also out in the crowd for your convenience!), PA Boys BBQ, Walk-O-Taco, Old Road Pretzels, Perry’s Pizza, Joe on the Go, Penny’s Ice Cream, and Kona Ice of Lancaster and York.
Only vendors at the Paradise Station property are recognized vendors of this event.
Visit and interact with our sponsors and event friends, explore a festive Makers Market by Creatively Lancaster on the Upper Level, Photobooth by South Central Photo Booths, Caricature drawings by Caricatures by Courtney, and more!
7:30PM - Celebrate America! Concert and Fireworks Spectacular on the lawn (expanded seating!) with The New Holland Band, Perfect Harmony and the Celebrate America Singers…and many more 250th surprises! Hosted by former WGAL News Anchor Anne Shannon.
A freewill offering will be accepted to help cover the cost of this community event. Fireworks show by Schaefer Fireworks. For 2026, there is no rain date scheduled.
PARKING
On-Site parking (expanded this year!) - $20/vehicle. Large buses should contact us in advance at 717-687-5000 ext 117. Cash and credit cards accepted. No advance parking sales. All parking contributions at Paradise Station go directly towards covering the cost of the fireworks show.
Option to ride the Strasburg Rail Road train directly to property. $24.99/vehicle. Click here for more information and advance ticket purchases.
For those with mobility and handicapped accessibility needs: please note that the Strasburg Rail Road is NOT handicapped accessible for this event. Please plan to park at Paradise Station and have your handicap placard visible when approaching our parking guides. Spots are first come, first served, and drop-off is also available. If you require advance assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 717-687-5000 ext 117.
GROUPS
Group reservations are available for bus groups and other large groups. Please reach out to us to inquire about options at kprickett@paradisestation.us or by calling 717-687-5000 ext 117.
ON-SITE LODGING at THE RED CABOOSE MOTEL
Sleep in a caboose, a historic farmhouse suite, or our luxurious Conductor’s Quarters. Make your reservations today!
ON-SITE DINING at CASEY JONES’ RESTAURANT
Dine on a real P70, 80-ton coach car that once rode the rails of the Pennsylvania Rail Road! For one night only, we’ll be open until 11 p.m. in case you need a bite to eat after the show. Deck seating also available. Reservations required. Call 717-687-5000 option 3.
Photo by Greg Kelton, 2025.
The Celebrate America Choir with The New Holland Band. Photo by Lauren Altheah Photography, 2025