"We will have different things this year, along with things folks are used to as well," said Becky Link, development associate with Friendship Community. "We decided this year's theme is 'Same Run. Different Fun.'"

The run Link spoke of is the annual 5K that has been part of the annual Friendship Fest and 5K since 2017. In 2020, the 5K alone was held in September, but this year, the 5K and the Fest will be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 8, beginning at 8 a.m. at Friendship Community, 1149 E. Oregon Road, Lititz. Registration for the 5K is open at http://www.friendshipcommunity.net. Registration will also be available on site on the day of the event. Free T-shirts will be given to participants while supplies last.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a plant tent will offer a variety of spring flowers, perennials, and hanging baskets for sale. Both cash and a limited-contact card payment option will be available. Link reported that local greenhouses have partnered with Friendship to donate items for sale.

In a second tent, also open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friendship Heart Gallery will offer some artwork for sale, including items from the Primitives by Cathy collection. Among these will be water bottles and blocks that sit on shelves and bear the work of a Friendship artist and sometimes inspirational messages. "(Primitives by Cathy) takes Friendship artwork and puts it on home decor pieces," said Link, who noted that coasters and notebooks will be among the pieces for sale. "It's not just a gift; it's a gift with purpose and meaning," said Link, who noted that a portion of the sale will go back to the gallery. She said both the plants and the artwork make great Mother's Day gifts.

Link said that she hopes some individuals who are served by Friendship Community will be at the Fest. "Doran has been at previous Fests," she said. Doran, who is legally blind, is known for the woven potholders he sells by donation. "It's a craft he loves to do, and he donates proceeds back to Friendship," said Link, who added that the potholders can be used as hotpads and coasters, and that each is colorful and distinctive. "It's art and function (together)," she noted.

Another individual who may attend is Josh Doughty, who fulfilled his lifelong dream of writing a book along with his home-based services team member, Dave, who meets with him regularly. "They're buddies," said Link, who explained that Dave encouraged Josh in the writing process. Josh will bring copies of "Josh's Journey ... With Family, Friends & God" to the Fest.

A drive-through chicken barbecue will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of this year's Fest. Both individual half-chickens and chicken meals will be sold. Meals will include a half-chicken, applesauce, chips, a roll with butter, and a beverage. Chicken may be purchased by car or as a walk-up. There will be no seating area.

Link said organizers are looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the community in a new way. "It will be a fun day at Friendship Community. We are excited to see the smiles behind the masks," she said.