"It just made more sense," Recovery Day Lancaster organizer Scott Theurer said about the merging of the Lancaster County Recovery Alliance event with 521 Club's Recovery Rocks event. "It's for the same thing. We do together what we couldn't do apart."
Last year, the two events took place in September several weeks apart, as September is recognized as National Recovery Month. The organizers of both events recognized that they attracted many of the same people, so they opted to join forces. The 521 Club, which is a sober club, is now a co-presenter of the new Recovery Day Lancaster/Recovery Rocks.
"We're bringing the music aspect," said Matt Supplee, who is the 521 Club's events coordinator.
The grand event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Buchanan Park, 901 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festivities will kick off with what Theurer called Lancaster's largest serenity circle. Attendees will be invited to recite the Serenity Prayer together as they gather in a circle on the park's lawn.
At 11 a.m., the 1-mile Walk for Recovery will step off. Participants will have the opportunity to make signs and don provided T-shirts celebrating recovery before processing around the park and the adjacent Franklin & Marshall College campus.
"The walk is for celebration and remembrance and to raise awareness," Theurer said. "Addicts don't look like the stereotype. We want people to see us healthy and having fun in the neighborhood."
After the walk, at approximately 11:45 a.m., an all-you-can-eat barbecue meal will be served. A variety of grilled meats and sides will be available for a minimum set donation. "Food is important for recovery," Theurer remarked. He explained that nutrition often goes by the wayside when the craving for addictive substances takes priority.
A total of 535 tickets will be available for the barbecue. The meal sold out last year, so readers are advised to purchase tickets in advance by visiting https://recovery-day-lancaster.ticketleap.com. Children age 7 and under may eat free of charge. Ice cream will be available for purchase.
Following the meal, Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace is slated to read a proclamation. The concert will kick off at noon. James Severson from Gatehouse and Rebecca Moyer of RASE Project will serve as the masters of ceremonies. The concert lineup will include Rick's One-Man Band, Dirt Road Redemption, and Half Past Dead.
Supplee noted that the leader of Rick's One-Man Band has multiple years of recovery, and his unique stage act includes playing a drum, a guitar or banjo, and a harmonica simultaneously while also singing. Dirt Road Redemption, an acoustic rockabilly/punk band, also has ties to addiction recovery. Half Past Dead is a Grateful Dead tribute band. "They put a cool spin on it," Supplee said of Half Past Dead. "Everyone seems to love (their music) because it's real chill."
Recovery Day Lancaster/Recovery Rocks is a child-friendly and pet-friendly event.
"I've been encouraging families to come," Theurer said. "Everyone who's been affected by recovery should come."
Attendees are invited to bring flying discs, footballs, and other outdoor games, as well as lawn chairs and blankets for seating. There will also be organized activities for children, a magician, and balloons. A cornhole tournament will be held for older youths and adults during the afternoon.
More than 30 organizations that offer resources for recovery will be represented at the event.
Alcohol, drugs, and smoking are not permitted at Buchanan Park.
For more information about Recovery Day Lancaster/Recovery Rocks, readers may message the 521 Club on Facebook or email LancasterRecovery@gmail.com.
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