Key Takeaways
- The Lancaster Santa Stumble event is an annual bar crawl where participants dress up as Santa or his elves to raise money for local charities.
- The event takes place in Lancaster city, starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, and features participating bars such as Tellus360, Yorgo’s Restaurant & Lounge, and The Village.
- To participate, attendees must donate $10 (plus a $0.75 fee) to the organization and receive a button that grants entry and access to specials at participating bars.
- The event benefits local charities, including Arc Lancaster Lebanon PA, Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation, Feathered Sanctuary EBR, and Precious Paws Community Cats.
- The event was created in 2009 by friends Pete Ruggieri, Stephanie Horst, John Hockley, and Joe Gebhard to raise money for the mounted patrol horses and police dogs.
Introduction to the Lancaster Santa Stumble
The Lancaster Santa Stumble is a unique and festive event that takes place in Lancaster city, where participants are encouraged to dress up as Santa or his elves and embark on a bar crawl to raise money for local charities. The event starts at 4 p.m. on Friday and features a variety of participating bars, including Tellus360, Yorgo’s Restaurant & Lounge, The Village, and many more. To participate, attendees must donate $10 (plus a $0.75 fee) to the organization, which grants them a button that allows entry and access to specials at participating bars.
Participating Bars and Button Sales
The Lancaster Santa Stumble features a long list of participating bars, each offering special deals and discounts to attendees who present their button. Some of the participating bars include Marion Court Room, South County Brewing Co., Shot and Bottle, Meduseld Meadery, Rural City Taproom, American Bar & Grill, West Art, Hildy’s Tavern, House of Pizza, and Our Town Brewery. Buttons can be purchased online, and those who have already bought them can pick them up at designated locations, such as Stubby’s Bar and Grille or Tellus360, on specific days and times. Additionally, buttons are available for sale at Woof ‘N Tails and Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation during business hours, although these locations only accept cash.
Charities Benefiting from the Event
The Lancaster Santa Stumble is more than just a fun and festive event; it also serves as a fundraiser for several local charities. The event benefits organizations such as Arc Lancaster Lebanon PA, Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation, Feathered Sanctuary EBR, and Precious Paws Community Cats. These charities work tirelessly to support the local community, and the funds raised from the Lancaster Santa Stumble will go towards helping them continue their important work. By participating in the event, attendees can have a great time while also giving back to the community.
History of the Lancaster Santa Stumble
The Lancaster Santa Stumble was created in 2009 by friends Pete Ruggieri, Stephanie Horst, John Hockley, and Joe Gebhard. The event was originally designed to raise money for the mounted patrol horses and police dogs, and it has since grown into an annual tradition. Unfortunately, Pete Ruggieri passed away in 2023 due to thyroid cancer, but his legacy lives on through the event. In addition to the annual winter event, the Lancaster Santa Stumble also hosted its first summertime event in June, with proceeds benefiting the Lancaster County Community Foundation. The event has become a staple of the Lancaster community, and its continued success is a testament to the power of community and charity.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Lancaster Santa Stumble is a unique and exciting event that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to dress up as Santa or his elves, enjoy special deals at local bars, or simply give back to the community, this event is the perfect opportunity to do so. With its rich history, charitable mission, and fun atmosphere, the Lancaster Santa Stumble is an event that is not to be missed. So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to stumble your way through Lancaster city while supporting a great cause.