February Community Corner
Family Fun
Feb. 1: Head to Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the 17th annual Family Fun Fair with free family-friendly activities in the center court, first floor. www.shopharrisburgmall.com
HBG Flea
Feb. 1: Shop the HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures and curated curios, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. www.hbgflea.com
Photo Display
Feb. 1-29: Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation will display winning photographs from its 2019 “Through the Seasons” photo contest in the East Wing Rotunda of the PA Capitol building, Harrisburg. All photos were taken in a Pennsylvania state park or forest. www.paparksandforests.org
Decisions 2020
Feb. 3, 17: World Affairs Council of Harrisburg hosts “Great Decisions,” a program on world affairs organized by the Foreign Policy Association. Sessions are every other Monday at 1 p.m. at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, through May 11. Cost is $10 per session, $65 for all eight. www.fredricksenlibrary.org
Story Times
Feb. 3-22: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for a young children’s program that promotes literacy and provides a fun library experience. A variety of days, times and age sessions are available. www.fredricksenlibrary.org
Cardiologist Cooking
Feb. 4: Join UMPC Pinnacle cardiologist Michael Bosak in the kitchen at Giant Food, 3301 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill, 6 p.m., for “Cooking with a Cardiologist,” a fun, interactive event with heart-healthy dishes. Cost is $10 per person. www.pinnaclehealth.org
KIDZ Wednesday
Feb. 5, 19: Toddlers and young children and their families are invited to have fun learning with educational, hands-on activities at free KIDZ Wednesdays, at Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., Harrisburg. www.shopharrisburgmall.com
Book Sale
Feb. 7-9: Joseph T. Simpson Public Library, 16 N. Walnut St. Mechanicsburg, will host a book sale, starting Friday, Feb. 7, 6 to 8 p.m., with a members’ preview. Doors will open to the general public Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a “bag sale” on Feb. 9, 1 to 3 p.m. www.friendsofsimpsonlibrary.org
Truffles for Couples
Feb. 7-15: Take your Valentine to the Hershey Story’s Chocolate Lab, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., for an evening of truffle making for Valentine’s Day, 6 to 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy drinking chocolates from around the world and making hand-rolled ganache. Tickets are $25 per person. www.hersheystory.org
Kids Club
Feb. 8: Head to the Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St., for Kids Club on the second Saturday of each month, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a free, fun-filled event for kids of all ages. Each month may feature shows, crafts, interactive activities and more. All kids and families are welcome to attend. www.shopharrisburgmall.com
Trivia After Hours
Feb. 8: Guests ages 21 and older are invited to “90s TV Challenge” BYOB trivia night at Fredricksen Library, 100. N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 7 to 9 p.m. Popcorn, corkscrews, bottle openers and prizes provided. www.fredricksenlibrary.org
Cabaret Fundraiser
Feb. 9: Join Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus at “I Heart Drag—The Sequel!” annual Valentine’s Day fundraiser to enjoy a fun cabaret performance at Lounge 704, 704 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 4 to 6 p.m. Admission is $10. www.harrisburggaymenschorus.org
Land Preservation
Feb. 11: Join Manada Conservancy at Hershey Gardens Conservatory, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, 7 p.m., for a free talk on “The Union Canal: Preserving a Piece of the Past” with Ed Martel. www.manada.org
Civil War Talk
Feb. 11, 18: Scott Hancock, associate professor of history and Africana studies at Gettysburg College, will give free talks on “Who Caused the Civil War?” on Feb. 11 at East Shore Area Library, 4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 18, 6 to 7 p.m., at Madeline L. Olweine Memorial Library, 2410 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. www.dcls.org
Discover Owls
Feb. 12: Kids ages 7 to 12 and their families are invited to “Kids Discover—Owls” at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn how owls hunt at night and identify different species by listening to their calls. Fee is $5 per kid; adults are free. www.wildwoodlake.org
Mid-Day Getaway
Feb. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27: Unwind over lunch at the McCormick Riverfront Library, 101 Walnut St., Harrisburg. Bring your lunch to the library between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for coloring, card games, board games and low-stress activities. www.dcls.org
Curious Kids
Feb. 13: State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, invites kids ages 3 to 6 and their families to “Curiosity Kids” to explore traditional Native American clothing, with hands-on experiments in science and art, 11:30 a.m. www.statemuseumpa.org
Movie Benefit
Feb. 13: Community CARES hosts a “Midnight in Paris” movie event and Valentine’s Day date at Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center, 44 W. High St., 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Proceeds benefit the group’s work. www.morethanshelter.org
Food Preservation
Feb. 13: Learn the basics and best practices of canning at Penn State Extension in Cumberland County’s “Home Food Preservation: Introduction to Preserving,” 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Cumberland County Service Center, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Registration is $15. www.extension.psu.edu
Voting Celebrations
Feb. 13, 14: All are invited to celebrate the 100th birthday of the League of Women Voters at Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, 1280 Clover Lane, Harrisburg, Feb. 13, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 14 at the Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg. www.palwv.org
Foreign Film Friday
Feb. 14: Join Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, for “Like Water For Chocolate,” a romantic fable from Mexico that centers on a young woman who discovers that her cooking has magical effects. Showings are at 2 and 7 p.m. www.fredricksenlibrary.org
Anniversary Party
Feb. 14: Celebrate Heartshine’s one-year anniversary, hosted by StartUp HBG, 922 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, 5 to 8 p.m., with sweet and savory bites and sparkling refreshments at its first zero-waste event. Bring your sweetheart and/or sweet heart. www.heartshine.org
Creative Date
Feb. 14: After your Valentine’s Day dinner, head to BrainVessel, 4704 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, 7 to 10 p.m., to unwind with music, desserts and more. www.brainvessel.com
Love Gala
Feb. 15: Christian Life Assembly hosts the third annual “Celebrate the Love” Valentine’s gala at 2645 Lisburn Rd., Camp Hill, 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event will feature Forever Families founders, popular speakers and authors Jeff and Debby McElroy. Semi-formal attire is suggested. The cost is $45 per couple, which includes a meal. www.clacamphill.com
Learn About Islam
Feb. 15, 28: Fredricksen Library will host a five-part series in February and March on “Getting to Know Islam Through Its People and Films,” with a screening of “Muhammed: Legacy of Prophet,” Feb. 15, 1:30 p.m., and screenings of “Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think,” Feb. 28, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The 7 p.m. screening includes a Q&A. www.fredricksenlibrary.org
Legislators’ Forum II
Feb. 20: Join Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the West Shore Chamber of Commerce for the 2020 Legislators’ Forum II, with area members of the PA Senate—serving Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties—at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N. 2nd St., 8 to 10 a.m. Cost is $70 or $45 for members. www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org
3rd in The Burg
Feb. 21: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org
Musical Showcase
Feb. 21: Joseph T. Simpson Public Library will host a spring musical showcase, with six local high schools presenting a sampling of songs from their upcoming musicals, at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, 1050 S. York St., Mechanicsburg, 7 p.m. www.friendsofsimpsonlibrary.org
Heart Ball
Feb. 22: American Heart Association hosts the 2020 Capital Region Heart Ball at Hershey Lodge, 325 University Dr., Hershey, 6 to 11 p.m. This year’s masquerade gala includes auctions, cocktails, dinner, entertainment and dancing. Tickets are $250. www.capitalregionpaheartball.heart.org
Community Supper
Feb. 22: Heartshine hosts a full-service, zero-waste, donation-based fundraising supper with produce from its farm partners at Carlisle Co-op 330 E. Louther St., Carlisle, 7 to 9 p.m. Funds will support Heartshine’s mission to create a gathering place where all are welcome, regardless of means. www.heartshine.org
Lift Every Voice
Feb. 23: Enjoy a concert in honor of Black History Month, Steinman Hall, Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster, 3 p.m. The concert will feature songs, poetry and prose by esteemed 20th- and 21st-century African American composers and authors. www.artsmu.com
Education Mixer
Feb. 26: Socialize with local business professionals at Central Penn College/Education Foundation mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Conference Center at Central Penn College, 600 Valley St., Summerdale. The event is free and open to chamber members. www.wschamber.org
Nature Lab
Feb. 27: Join educators at 11:30 a.m. in the Nature Lab of the State Museum of PA, 300 North St., Harrisburg, for “Wild Cats of Pennsylvania.” This presentation is designed for general audiences and is included with general admission. www.statemuseumpa.org
Books on Tap
Feb. 27: Dauphin County Library System hosts a special book club at Zeroday Brewing Co., 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, 5 to 6 p.m., to dive into new genres and forms while getting to know other readers in a social setting. Join the discussion about Tana French’s “Faithful Place.” www.dcls.org
World War II
Feb. 27: Foreign Policy Association of Harrisburg hosts a free talk with Tami Davis Biddle, professor of national security strategy, at the U.S. Army War College. Biddle will speak on the impact of World War II on the current international system, 7:30 p.m. at the West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd., Camp Hill. Dinner precedes the talk. www.fpaharrisburg.org
Music Conference
Feb. 27-29: The 24th annual Millennium Music Conference will be held at the Hilton Harrisburg Hotel & Conference Center, 1 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, with keynotes, seminars, panels, workshops, day stage performances, one-on-one mentoring, demo listening, networking and concerts at local venues. www.MusicConference.net
Cucurbit School
Feb. 28: Penn State Extension will host a day-long Cucurbit Production School for growers and agricultural entrepreneurs at the Cumberland County Extension Office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Growers will get an in-depth look at producing cucurbit crops like squash, cucumbers and watermelon. www.extension.psu.edu
Tasting Event
Feb. 29: Get cozy at Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, at Winter Warmer Fest, 2 to 5 p.m. Enjoy free samples from participating breweries and an appetizer buffet and visit with beer-related vendors. Admission is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. www.abcbrew.com
