Looking ahead to this year's Peach Fest, organizer Betty Ferstler noted that there is a feeling of familiarity in the traditions associated with the event. "We do the same things (each year)," commented Ferstler. "It's comfortable (because) people know what they will find. They stop in to shop and say 'Hi' to friends."

The 26th annual Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church Peach Fest will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the church, located at the corner of routes 322 and 897 in East Earl. The fest will run from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., and it will feature a flea market, book sale, activities for children, silent auction, and bake sale, along with food items for purchase.

The Peach Fest menu offers a variety of foods, but there is an emphasis on peaches, with peach-flavored items available for purchase throughout the day. Breakfast items will include pancakes with or without peach topping and whipped cream, sausages, and sausage and egg casserole. Lunch will feature hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs with or without sauerkraut, and pulled pork sandwiches. Sliced peaches with or without whipped cream or ice cream will be on the dessert menu. A variety of baked good items will also be available for purchase for dessert. Coffee and other beverages will be sold by donation.

As in the past, free children's activities will be part of the day. Children are invited inside the church library to take part. This year, free face painting, free ice cream, and free children's books will be available.

A baked goods table will include homemade peach pies, as well as a variety of other pies, cakes, brownies, cookies, whoopie pies, and other baked treats.

As in the past, church members will bake fresh peach pies to be sold. This year, members will gather at the church on Friday, Aug. 15, to do the baking. Peach pies may also be preordered prior to Sunday, Aug. 10, by calling the church at 717-354-5573. Preordered pies may be picked up during the event. The homemade pies are a tradition of the fest that has proven popular among area residents. Church pastor Krisana Poontajak confirmed that one person orders about a dozen pies each year and has done so for several years.

Church members have collected a number of used books to sell. "We have a wonderful variety of books at super reasonable prices," said Ferstler, who added that coffee table books, history books, and books related to specific wars will be part of the mix. In addition to books, church members have gathered yard sale items that can be purchased by donation. "We call it the pay-what-you-want table," said Ferstler. A table of costume jewelry will be set up for sale, as will a display of craft items made by members of the congregation.

Organizer Barbara Zook said that inside and outdoor flea market vendors will be on-site. According to Zook, flea market spaces will be available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals who have questions or are interested in reserving a vendor space may call 717-368-1769.

This year's silent auction will consist of about a dozen items, including theme baskets and gift certificates. Among the many theme baskets organizers expect will be a Thai basket and a Pepperidge Farm basket.

Each year, a percentage of the funds raised by the fest are donated to a nonprofit organization. This year, the Columbia Dream Center, located at 360 Locust St., Columbia, will receive 20%. The Dream Center is a mission of the Columbia Presbyterian Church, overseen by pastor Dave Powers. The purpose of the center is to service the community and surrounding area through food, shelter, clothing, and resources, filling needs and healing hurts. To that end, the center provides an emergency shelter, restart center, pantry, clothing bank, free lunches for children, Power Packs, and a soup kitchen. More information about the Columbia Dream Center may be found at http://www.columbiahas.org.

Readers who would like more information about Cedar Grove may visit http://www.cedargrovepresbyterianlanc.org.