Singers must sing. Teachers must teach. Players must play.

And performers must perform.

Lots of performing and entertaining will occur at the upcoming Fun in Leola Variety Show. It's a community fundraiser whose proceeds will benefit the event's host, community-driven Zion Lutheran Church.

"(Performing) is what I'm best at," said Tait Harbaugh, who's known as magician Papa Tater in the entertainment world and who's the organizer and master of ceremonies for the event. "My true skills are in performing. (The event) is a double whammy; we're entertaining people but we're also helping the church. People will get to feel the warmth of the entertaining. It's getting that feeling of helping the community through being a community. It's always more fun to do things as a group."

Presented by Papa Tater Magic and the Lancaster Juggling Club, the inaugural Fun in Leola Variety Show promises enjoyment for people of all ages. The family-friendly show will be performed on Saturday, Aug. 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Road, Leola.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the 90-minute show is free to attend. A freewill offering to benefit the church will be received at the door.

"In a single word, the atmosphere will be fun," said Harbaugh. "(All the performers) who are coming, their goal is to provide fun. I'm hoping the people who are there are going to be amazed. Some of the things we do will involve audience interaction and stage illusion and will hopefully wow folks. The final trick will involve all of us."

"We have some fun folks coming," added Harbaugh. "They are people who travel all over to perform. I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with. They all volunteered to help out."

With Harbaugh introducing acts and filling in lulls in the action, performers scheduled to appear are creative juggler Nick Moosic, magician Justin Squared, magician Majik Andrew and magician Professor Phun. Audience members can expect to be engaged and on the edge of their seats.

Up to 200 people are expected to attend the fun community event.

"I have a blast performing for one person," said Harbaugh. "The size of the crowd doesn't matter. It would be nice to have a bunch of people to support the church, and hopefully we can make them laugh."

"I try not to set (financial) goals. ... I'd rather be happy and surprised with what we make," continued Harbaugh. "At this point, supporting Zion is supporting the community because of all the things (the church does)."

Zion Lutheran conducts a free meal for the community every month, runs clothing and food drives for Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services and serves as an overflow homeless shelter during the colder months. In addition, the church sponsors the Leola Community Garden and conducts numerous fundraising and community events designed to engage and benefit its neighbors.

"(The show) is for the community to come and have some fun," said Harbaugh. "When you're trying to make the world a better place, it means a lot."

For additional information about Zion Lutheran Church, go to http://www.zionleola.org.