Saturday July 19th, 2025 * 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The Blue Ridge Summit Free Library will hold its 49th annual Ice Cream Social and Book Sale on the library grounds.

The event is the primary fundraiser for the library.

Proceeds support improvements to maintain and keep safe this historic building, built in 1891.

More than 5,000 books will be offered for sale, including selections for adults, teens and children on a wide range of topics.

Additionally, library design t-shirts in new colors will be available for purchase along with t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and jackets at half-price discounts.

Early risers can join in the free Whistle 5K Fun Run/Dog Walk.

The dog walk is a brand-new addition for this year! Registration is on site at Summit Plaza from 7:30 AM – 7:55 AM.

This is a timed event, but there are no entry fees, and no prizes will be awarded. The race start time is 8:00 AM.

The Wayne Band will open the event, playing from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM.

At noon the Harvey Bridgers Award will be presented to a young student for exemplary use of the library and its services.

Local singer/songwriter, Rich Fehle, will perform at intervals throughout the event.

Special entertainment this year features local musicians/educators Bruce & Pam Rowland who will delight children of all ages with interactive songs and activities during a free performance beginning at 10:30 AM

Activities for kids will include fire truck rides from the Fountaindale Fire Co., face painting by Making Faces with artist Sarah Berkey (noon-2:00 pm) and more!

A variety of food will be offered for sale, including hot dogs, steamers, nachos, drinks and baked goods.

“Of course, this is an ice cream social, and again this year our ice cream is provided by Sarah’s Creamery, featuring the famous Penn State Creamery ice cream,” said Mary Anne Stanley, library board president. “A portion of their sales will be donated to the library.”

Other vendors and exhibitors to date include Antietam Watershed Association, Blue Ridge Garden Club, Buttonwood Nature Center, Ft. Ritchie Community Center, Happel’s Meadow Advisory Committee, Monterey Pass Battlefield Park & Museum, Paintings by Steve Burdette and Waynesboro Area Appalachian Trail Community.

Fundraisers include a silent auction, featuring more than 50 baskets with themed contents.

Winners will be announced at the close of the event.

A White Elephant Sale will feature lots of interesting and useful “barely used” items.

New this year, “Christmas in July” cash & carry holiday items and baskets.

In addition, the Summit Stitchers will sell raffle tickets for a handcrafted quilt.

The quilt will be displayed during the event, and raffle proceeds will benefit the library.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the library’s Yuletide Celebration on Saturday, Dec.13th.