🌹 The Lancaster Ledger

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Good morning, Lancaster.

St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow, which means half of Lancaster County suddenly remembers they're Irish. Annie Bailey's and McCleary's are both going all out on Tuesday, so if you need us, we'll be wherever the live music and Guinness are flowing. But first — we've got a Monday Ledger to get through.

In today's Lancaster Ledger:

• Snow geese are departing Middle Creek in droves

• 90 acres of Mount Joy farmland could be rezoned tonight

• Lancaster's $22M Amtrak pedestrian bridge opens this fall

• McCaskey High raised $10K+ for Special Olympics

• A Garden Spot bowler just defended his state title

Let's do it.

— Collin

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Thousands of snow geese are lifting off the waters at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Kleinfeltersville right now, and if you haven't seen it in person, you're missing one of the most jaw-dropping natural spectacles in the region. The 6,300-acre facility draws roughly 150,000 visitors every year to watch these massive flocks swirl into the sky as they begin their annual migration to Arctic breeding grounds. Last year's peak count hit about 100,000 geese on a single day, though a 2018 record documented roughly 200,000 birds.

Here's the wild part: greater snow goose populations have exploded from approximately 3,000 in the early 20th century to current estimates near one million birds. McGill University wildlife biology professor David M. Bird called it "probably one of the biggest conservation problems facing wildlife biologists in North America today." Avian influenza continues circulating among Pennsylvania's wild birds since 2022, so admire from a distance. But seriously — go see it if you can. It's free, it's stunning, and it won't last long.

If you live in Mount Joy Township, tonight's the night to make your voice heard. Traditions of America, a Chester County-based developer, wants to rezone roughly 90 acres of agricultural land off Snyder Road into a 222-unit active-adult community for residents 55 and older. The concept plan shows 154 single-family units and 68 duplexes, plus a clubhouse and outdoor pool. A proposed text amendment would also lower the minimum density for active-adult communities in the township from four units per acre to two.

The Mount Joy Township planning commission recommended approval by a 3-2 vote, but the Lancaster County Planning Commission unanimously recommended rejection. The public hearing is tonight, Monday, March 16, at 7 PM at the Elizabethtown Area School District Middle School Auditorium, 600 East High Street, Elizabethtown. If you have opinions about farmland preservation versus senior housing, this is your chance.

That long-awaited pedestrian bridge connecting the Keller Avenue parking lot to the Lancaster Amtrak station? It's actually happening. The $22 million project — fully funded by the federal government — is anticipated to be complete this fall. Structural steel is expected to be delivered this month. The bridge will allow passengers to walk over a section of railroad track running parallel to the station's platforms instead of relying on the old shuttle bus system.

High passenger demand prompted the creation of a 400-space parking lot accessible from Keller Avenue, which was initially serviced by shuttle buses over the North Duke Street bridge before being closed near the end of 2024 to make way for construction. A local resident, John Farrell of Manheim Township, had written in asking whether the project had been called off due to the apparent lack of progress. It hasn't. It's just a $22 million bridge. These things take a minute.

Students, educators, and community members gathered at McCaskey High School on Friday for the inaugural Lancaster Mobile Polar Plunge, and they raised more than $10,000 for Special Olympics Pennsylvania. The event brought together schools and supporters from across the region to raise awareness and funding for the Unified Champion Schools program, which provides training, competitions, and inclusive athletic opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities.

The School District of Lancaster hosted the first-time event, and based on that kind of turnout and fundraising, it seems like this one's going to become an annual tradition. Love to see it.

Garden Spot High School's Gavin Courtney is officially a back-to-back state champion. Courtney defended his title at the Pennsylvania State High School Bowling Championship held at Leisure Lanes in Manor Township on March 13, defeating Serra Catholic's Preston Smith in the finals. He was also named the 2026 Boys Singles Champion in the Lancaster-Lebanon League bowling competition.

Two consecutive state championships in any sport is impressive. Two consecutive state championships in bowling while representing Lancaster County? That's legendary. Congrats, Gavin.

You! Well, it could be powered by your business. The Lancaster Ledger is growing fast and we're looking for local businesses who want to get in front of the Lancaster County community. Interested? Reply to this email and let's chat.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are community events we think you'd enjoy. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Annie Bailey's St. Patrick's Day Celebration | Irish dancers, Guinness glass engraving, and food and drink specials all day | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM | Annie Bailey's Irish Public House, 28-30 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Free admission

McCleary's Pub St. Patrick's Day Celebration | All-day St. Patrick's Day celebration with Irish food all day | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | McCleary's Public House, 130 W. Front Street, Marietta, PA 17547 | Free admission

Trail Running Film Festival | Documentary screening celebrating trail running culture, hosted by RunPA & Every Mountain Outdoors | 7:00 PM | Tellus360, 24 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Check trailfilmfest.com for tickets

Art Battle Lancaster | 12 painters compete live in 20 minutes — vote for your favorites and bid in a silent auction | Doors 6:30 PM; Painting 7:00 PM | West Art, 816 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 | $15.76-$21.00

Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through 'The Change' | Hilarious sequel to the smash-hit musical comedy about four women navigating midlife | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM | American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Hwy East, Lancaster, PA 17605 | $44-$74

Anthony DeVito Headlines West Art | NYC-based comedian headlines a stand-up comedy show | 8:00 PM | West Art (Elbow Room), 816 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 | Check westartlanc.com for tickets

Health Rocks! | Health and wellness themed event at Lancaster County's premiere entertainment venue | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Mickey's Black Box, 101 Rock Lititz Boulevard, Lititz, PA 17543 | $25 advance / $30 day of (+ fees)

Zenkaikon 2026 | Anime, sci-fi, fantasy, comics, and gaming convention — panels, cosplay, vendors, and more (March 20-22) | Check zenkaikon.com for daily hours | Lancaster County Convention Center, 25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 | $75 pre-reg; $80 at-door (3-day); $45 Sunday only

Riverdance 30 - The New Generation | Grammy Award-winning dance spectacular celebrates 30 years with reimagined choreography (March 20-22) | 8:00 PM (also Sat 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM, Sun 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM) | American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Hwy East, Lancaster, PA 17605 | $59-$79; VIP $175

March Ecstatic Dance | Free-form, music-guided movement experience | 3:00 PM | Mulberry Art Studios, 21 North Mulberry Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 | $15-$20 (check venue to confirm)

POV Comedy presents Matt Bergman | Stand-up comedy performance | 7:00 PM | Tellus360, 24 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Check tellus360.com for tickets

The Shark is Broken | Hilarious behind-the-scenes comedy about the chaotic filming of JAWS — through March 22 | Fulton Theatre, 12 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 | $20-$74

You Can't Take It With You | Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy about the eccentric Sycamore family — through March 22 | Servant Stage at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 | Pay-what-you-will

Little Shop of Horrors | The rock musical comedy about a carnivorous plant named Audrey II — through March 21 | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, 510 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 | Dinner + show: $75-$83; Show only: $35-$55

Enchanted | Immersive dinner theatre with grand illusions from Master Illusionist Brett Myers | Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater, 3065 Lincoln Hwy East, Paradise, PA 17562 | Dinner+Show: Adults $74.95, Children $37.95; Show Only: Adults $54.95, Children $27.95; Premium $99.95

Joshua | Sight & Sound's spectacular newest production celebrating 50 years | Sight & Sound Theatres, 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, PA 17572 | Adults $82-$104; Children (2-12) $44

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Know someone who'd love this? Forward to a friend:

Monday High 67°F, low 28°F.

Tuesday High 37°F, low 22°F.

Open Mic Artist Sessions with Henry Devorick | Open Mic | 7:00 PM | Tellus360, 24 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Free

The Nancy Reagans: St. Paddy's Edition | Live Band | 4:00 PM | Tellus360, 24 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Free

Down by the Glenside / Sporting Hill Ramblers / Salt Hill | Irish/Folk | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM (multiple sets) | McCleary's Public House, 130 W. Front Street, Marietta, PA 17547 | Free

Annie Bailey's St. Patrick's Day Live Music (Keith Engle, James Dalton, Stogie Wagon, Dirk Quinn) | Irish/Variety | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Annie Bailey's Irish Public House, 28-30 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Free

Old Time Jam | Traditional/Folk Jam | 6:30 PM | West Art (Art Bar), 816 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 | Free

Major Vibes: Friends-Days | Electronic/DJ Set | 9:00 PM | Tellus360, 24 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Free

West Art Open Mics | Open Mic | 7:00 PM | West Art (Art Bar), 816 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 | Free

Chuck Ragan with Divided Heaven & Bret Tobias | Folk-Punk/Americana | 6:00 PM | Phantom Power, 121 W. Frederick Street, Millersville, PA 17551 | $25 advance / $30 day of

An Evening with Drew Angus | Singer-Songwriter | 7:30 PM | West Art (City Hall), 816 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 | $15

Slimfit | Live Band | 7:00 PM | Tellus360, 24 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Free

Electric Starlite | Vintage Jazz/Blues/R&B | 7:00 PM | Southern Market, 100 S. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 | Free

BIG ROOM VIBES with Major Vibes | Electronic/DJ Set | 10:00 PM | Tellus360, 24 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | $5

DJ Yung Goody Anime Rave | Electronic/DJ Set | 10:00 PM | Tellus360, 24 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Free

American Rock Revival | Rock/Tribute | 6:30 PM (doors); 7:30 PM (show) | Mickey's Black Box, 101 Rock Lititz Boulevard, Lititz, PA 17543 | $27.50 advance / $32.50 day of (+ fees)

The Roommates | Covers/Variety | 8:00 PM | Southern Market, 100 S. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 | Free

A Tribute to Old & in the Way, and Wood Flower | Bluegrass/Americana | 7:30 PM | West Art (Sanctuary), 816 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 | Check westartlanc.com for tickets

Benny Benack Jazz: Great American Crooners | Jazz | 7:30 PM | The Ware Center, 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 | $27 adults / $19 students

Irish Session with Paraic Keane | Traditional Irish | 2:00 PM | Tellus360, 24 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 | Free

Thanks for reading The Lancaster Ledger today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who still sets five alarms every morning and somehow sleeps through all of them.

Cheers!