The role of the Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning Department (MTRPP) is to offer beneficial programs, encourage overall well-being and improve local lives. MTRPP's Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show is exercise for the spirit and activity for the soul.

"The goal of the department is to promote a healthy and well community where residents can find activities that align with their interests," said Chaley Bulla, Manheim Township's recreation program manager. "It's about just getting people out there and sharing their interests. When it comes to recreation, I think people think of sports programs. I don't think they always think of art as being part of things. I think this is just another way to bring people together."

The next edition of MTRPP's annual Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show will be staged from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the township's 70-acre park, 2369 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. The rain-or-shine event offers free admission and free parking at Neffsville Mennonite Church, 2371 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, and dogs are welcome as well.

"This event has been happening for many years," said Bulla. "It's a great way to get artists out and have an end-of-the-summer Saturday. It's nice to take a moment to enjoy nature and some art. The general theme of the art show is nature. All of the artists' focus is tied to nature."

The Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show will feature the work of more than 25 artists, most of whom are from Lancaster County, and their creations in the mediums of painting, photography, clay sculptures, metal sculptures, line drawing, crafts and jewelry. Some of the artists' work will be available for purchase, and prizes will be awarded in a handful of categories based on the impartial judging of an art expert.

"It's calm, but lively," said Bulla, herself a trained artist. "It's very welcoming, very relaxed. It's people wandering around and admiring art.

"Landis Woods is very quiet and very serene," continued Bulla. "But it's also beautiful; it's a nature park. It feels secluded, but you're actually surrounded by the township."

The presence of live music throughout the day will certainly do nothing to detract from the event's atmosphere. The Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show will feature the musical stylings of Stone Soup String Band from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Jim Sorrentino Jazz Band from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m; Lancaster County Folk Music and Fiddle Society from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.; and the Steve Barth Band from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

There will also be food trucks and hot and cold refreshments available from the Neffsville Mennonite Church youth group.

Come on out and make a day of it.

"It gives people an opportunity to present their work," said Bulla. "We see an influx of people at 10 o'clock, then later in the afternoon we'll see another influx. But there's a constant flow of people coming and going. The artists invite their friends as well."

During the 27 years of its existence, the Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show has endured its share of highs and lows, but it has remained a constant in the community.

"I'd like to think that people know about it, just because it's been around so long," said Bulla. "We try to get the word out about it. It's a long-standing event that has an opportunity to become more. I'm focused more on where it could go. It's a great way to get outside and explore the park."

For additional information, go to http://www.manheimtownship.org.