This year is GARMA’s 50th anniversary. I’m only a year younger than GARMA (yes, I own my age and am not afraid to admit it). I think back about all the shops and restaurants that have come and gone and there are a lot of good memories I have of this town. So here’s my 50 years of memories, minus a year.

My first job was with the Gettysburg Travel Council when it was in the Lincoln Train Station at the railroad tracks on Carlisle St. I walked to work after school and would regularly stop at Hartzell’s Luncheonette to buy sticks of Jolly Rancher candy. It was the only place in town you could find them. Another favorite stop would be for a quick slice of pizza at Mamma Ventura when they were on the square.

My mom and I would stop at Ernie’s Texas Lunch for “2 with” to take home. We’d usually call the order in ahead of time because my mom knew their phone number by heart (the last four digits are the year she graduated high school). Our other spot to hit was Tommy’s Pizza, but back when it was at the railroad tracks on N. Washington St. I loved waiting for our food to come out because I could play the jukebox for a quarter.

Growing up my dad would always take me and my step-sisters to the movies at the Majestic Theater. Back then it was still only one large theater and we’d usually see something my dad wanted to see (more so then what we girls were interested in). We’d go to People’s Drug Store when it was on the square, in the David Wills House, and buy all kinds of candy and sodas so we didn’t pay the movie theater prices. Sorry Majestic for doing that.

 At night one of the few places that would still be open past 9pm was Codori’s House of Gifts. As long as there were people walking the streets, Mr. Codori would keep the door open. Sometimes it would be 11pm and you could count on him being there. I always admired that about him.

If you haven’t been able to tell by most of my articles, I truly do love my town and can be very nostalgic. There’s so much history here aside from the battle. So many businesses that have come and gone, and some that have managed to stay and stand the tests of time. One business I’d like to celebrate that has stood the tests of time is Martin’s Family Shoes. I’ve been shopping at Martin’s since I was in high school. Over the years Martin’s has always been steadfast in carrying great brands and providing great customer service. Thank you Martin’s Family Shoes for being a 50 year GARMA member.

Please bear with me as I continue to reminisce about my olden days growing up in Gettysburg. And, help me celebrate the GARMA businesses that are mentioned in these articles. We’re really proud of our members and encourage you to support them and Gettysburg.

​For a complete listing of members visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.
Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St.

March is here, and spring will be sprung! Isn’t funny how we attach such monikers to certain months, days, events, people, etc? Spring actually starts March 20th. Whether it will feel like it or not is another story. Let’s hope for sunny skies and rain to make some rainbows!

March does hold some fun activities, regardless of the weather. Immediately starting out the month on March 1st, we celebrate Fat Tuesday. In Pennsylvania Dutch country, and other areas with large German populations, it’s commonly referred to as Fastnacht Day. So start your diet now so you can fill up on delicious fastnachts. Check with local churches and other organizations to see who will be making fastnachts for purchase.

March 4th is First Friday and GARMA wants you to have a Sham-Rockin’ good time. Join our participating member businesses that evening and find out what fortunes are in store for you. Everyone can let loose, be a Leprechaun, and participate in shenanigans even if you aren’t Irish.

If you’re up for some laughter on First Friday, the Gettysburg Community Theatre Adult Improv Troupe will be performing. If you’re familiar with the TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway, then you know to expect the unexpected. Also, on March 18th, the Majestic Theater will host “HYPROV – Improv Under Hypnosis” with Colin Mochrie (of The Drew Carey Show and Whose Line Is It Anyway fame). March should be hilarious!

March also brings some of our shops and restaurants out of hibernation. The Gettysburg Heritage Center will reopen for the season on March 21st. For some of us old-timers, we still remember and refer to it as the Wax Museum, and that may have been the only time some of us were there. The Heritage Center is a must see for locals and tourists alike. Gone are the wax figures of old (and didn’t someone, at some point tell you that one of them was real and would jump out at you as you walked by, or was that just told to me as a little kid?). Now you can visit the museum and discover what life was like for the civilians living in the town before, during and after the 3 day battle.

For you foodies, March also brings the reopening of Hunt’s Battlefield Fries on Steinwehr Ave. I for one can’t wait to get a cheesesteak from this little gem of a restaurant. It wasn’t until the pandemic started that I decided to try some takeout from Hunt’s. Shame on me for not trying them sooner. I can only sum up the experience in one word – deliciousness.

In closing, I would also like to introduce you to some new GARMA members. Please take the time to visit these members and experience their wonderful shops and organizations. Welcome - Gettysburg Olive Oil Co., M’Lady’s Parlor, Gettysburg Pride, Civil War Tails, Oh Man, Food 101, and the Children of Gettysburg 1863 museum.

For a complete list of GARMA members, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.
Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks, 30 York St.

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 As we look back at 2021, the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association feels fortunate to have had a great, progressive year. New board members were welcomed, a new committee was formed, and leadership changed hands. 

In June 2021, Kathy Gilbert announced her resignation as President, and thankfully continuing to serve as a board member. July 1st, Vice President Jennie Dillon assumed the role of President and board member Michelle Lenzi was voted in as Vice President. New board members included Marci Cropp, Debbie Joyner, and Gary DeCroes.

Weather held out beautifully for GARMA’s 54th Outdoor Antique Shows held in May and September. Proceeds from the antique shows are used to purchase, replace, and maintain the Christmas decorations for Gettysburg. The weather also cooperated, except for being a little chilly, for the annual event which is always held the day after Thanksgiving.

Christmas in Gettysburg was made a little more joyful this year for our shoppers as GARMA decided to forego the tradition of the Holiday Shopping Spree which was limited to only one winner of $1000. To generate more fun and excitement this season, GARMA board members were all over town passing out gift certificates ranging from $5 to $20 to random shoppers. Much appreciation was expressed by the recipients and the merchants. $1000 was still given out all total with hopes to increase that amount in the coming year.

President Jennie Dillon continues to write engaging monthly articles for the Gettysburg Times promoting the member businesses and activities happening in the community. GARMA plans to continue building on our successes within the community in supporting businesses with events, social engagement and increased awareness of the amazing and unique businesses located in Gettysburg. Our ultimate goal is to create customer friendly events that will increase Gettysburg’s pedestrian traffic, sales and awareness for member businesses.

GARMA, always looking to have a prominent presence in our community and give back, collected donations the month of November for local veteran organization For The Love of A Veteran. Members collected food items, sundries, and cash donations to be given to this wonderful cause. GARMA is always looking to support and partner with non-profit organizations in our community.

One of GARMA’s ongoing efforts to drive business in Gettysburg is First Friday. As we reflected on this event, we recognized that changes needed to be made to keep this event relevant. A First Friday committee was formed of board members and some of the membership, meeting monthly to brainstorm new ideas. Our goal is to not only encourage our own community to shop, dine and stroll on that day, but to make First Friday a destination event bringing people here from all over the Central PA area.

We must acknowledge those who have helped GARMA continue to be a vital, relevant, membership based organization. GARMA does not have a paid staff, so we rely on our integral board members who volunteer their time to the betterment of this organization and community: Jennie Dillon, President (Artworks), Michelle Lenzi, Vice President (Lele B’s Boutique), Ruth Dunlap, Treasurer (Dunlap’s Restaurant), Kathy Gilbert (Gettysburg Day Spa), Marci Cropp (Rosie’s Collection), Marci Bievenour (Gettysburg Print & Frame), Gary DeCroes (Gettysburg Rental Center), David Kelly (Gettysburg Times), Marcia Wilson (Adams County Democratic Committee), Debbie Joyner (Gettysburg Foundation).

We also thank our membership. Without their continued trust and confidence in GARMA’s abilities, we would not be. Visit our website www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com for a complete list of members, activities and events. If you are a business interested in joining GARMA, an application and payment option are both on our website. We would love to have you on board.
 
2022 GARMA Members

I don’t know why, but lately I’ve struggled each month with what I’m going to write for my article. However, this month is a little different because GARMA has big news to celebrate.

This year is our 50th anniversary! Started in 1972 as the Retail Merchants Association, GARMA (now known as the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association) has grown in not only membership, but in our presence with what we do in our community.

Being born and raised here in Gettysburg, I become a little nostalgic when I look over the names of businesses that have come and gone as members. I remember where businesses used to be, and what is there now. I think about how much this town has grown and how diverse it has become. It’s refreshing to have such an eclectic array of shops, museums and restaurants that are locally owned and operated versus a town full of national chains. This is part of Gettysburg’s charm.

So what are we going to do for our anniversary year? For starters, our First Friday Committee is looking to do some fun quarterly events that will help make Gettysburg’s First Friday a destination event. February’s First Friday will be our traditional Chocolate Walk, but elevated. Prizes will be awarded to those who turn in their First Friday Chocolate Walk maps with the most shops and restaurants visited. More information will be available on our Facebook page and our website, www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

While going through the GARMA archives, we have found out that this will be the 60th anniversary of the Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show. The show has actually been in operation since 1962 (if I am wrong, I do apologize, but I am reading from a letter included with the original constitution of the RMA in 1972 stating that “this will be the 10th year for the show”). Our biannual shows will be held Saturday, May 21 and Saturday, September 24. New for this year, we will be introducing arts and artists. As always, a vetting process will occur when accepting new dealers for our show. It’s time to grow and change things up a bit.

As I talk about great things for the anniversary year to come, I also want to talk about this past holiday season. This year, in lieu of the one-winner shopping spree we used to promote, GARMA handed out $1000 worth of gift certificates to random shoppers, within a 3 week time frame, to promote shopping in our member businesses. When I was walking through town handing out gift certificates, I felt such an enormous wealth of Christmas Spirit. I felt like the Grinch whose heart grew 3 times that day. The reception from the recipients ranged from “I can use this for my purchase now?!” to “I read about this in the paper and can’t believe I got picked”. I want to thank my team of Elves (Board Members) who volunteered their time to also give out gift certificates. The positive feedback from the shops and restaurants was tremendous. My hope is that next year we may be able exceed that $1000.

There are many other thanks to give, which are acknowledged on our website. Personally, I want to thank my GARMA team of Board Members whom I would be lost without. And from our Board Members, we want to thank our members for their continued support of this organization. It’s a choice to be a member, not an obligation. We thank them for continuously choosing GARMA. If you are interested in becoming a GARMA member, visit our website for details.

Thank you to Gettysburg. You came out in great support this year to shop local. You kept us going and we are ever so grateful to you all.
 
Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St.

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The holiday season is upon us. The countdowns to Christmas have already started, whether it be the actual days until the holiday, or how many Saturdays until the big day. We’re constantly being reminded of this via social media, radio, and TV. GARMA’s countdown has started, too.

Join us Friday, November 26 from 5:30 – 6:15 for the annual lighting of the Gettysburg Christmas Tree. Santa will light the tree at 6pm and then meet the little ones at his Shanty located on Lincoln Square. For more details visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. This holiday season, from November 29 – December 30, GARMA will again be offering FREE holiday parking all day Monday through Thursday on select, marked meters. Those marked meters are located on the first blocks of Carlisle, York, Chambersburg and Baltimore Streets, Lincoln Square and the first block of Steinwehr Ave.

GARMA has come up with an exciting, fun way to put fast cash in your hands this holiday season. GARMA Elves will be spreading joy passing out GARMA Gift Certificates from Thanksgiving to Christmas. You may be out shopping or dining and one of our Elves hands you a GARMA Gift Certificate to use toward your purchase. Or save your gift certificate to use later. With over 65 businesses that are GARMA members you never know when you may encounter one of our Elves.

GARMA Gift Certificates are a great gift to give that “hard to buy for” person. Gift Certificates can be purchased at Artworks, 30 York St., Gettysburg Heritage Center, 297 Steinwehr Ave., and Goin’ Postal at the Gettysburg Outlets. Visit our website to see a list of all GARMA members who accept gift certificates. Gift certificates are a great way to try out a restaurant or shop you’ve always wanted to go to but kept putting it off.

The air is crisp and the leaves are falling just in time for First Friday, Gettysburg Style on November 5th. Shop, stroll and dine and have an “unbeleafable” time. You can visit the First Friday page on our website for a list of participating GARMA members. Click on the business logos and you’ll be directed to their website or Facebook page to see what events they may be having.

GARMA is also collecting items for our veterans the month of November. We will be supporting For the Love of a Veteran located in Hanover. They have provided us with a donation list that can be found on our website. Participating GARMA businesses will have a collection box with the wish list attached where you can drop off your donations.

Shop, dine, and support local. Be patient and be kind. Make someone smile.

​Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St.

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Gettysburg is a destination location for many reasons. The obvious reason being the history of the battle. But as we all know, Gettysburg is so much more and has so much more to offer.

​All of the tourism factions of Gettysburg and Adams County do their part to bring visitors to Gettysburg with their creative and exciting annual events. GARMA also has a few events that we bring to the table to drive visitation to Gettysburg.

Our monthly event, that has been going on for quite a few years is First Friday, Gettysburg Style. Every month has a First Friday! What an easy way to remember when the event is held without having to know the actual date on the calendar.

Our First Friday Committee comes up with themes and events for member businesses so there is continuity in town as to what is being celebrated. Members are encouraged to be as creative as they like with those themes and events; the skies the limit. Businesses may stay open a little later than usual, have sale specials, activities, refreshments, live music, etc. The committee is dedicated to making First Friday a Destination Event for Gettysburg every month.

To find out what a GARMA member may be doing to celebrate, go to the First Friday page on the GARMA website and click on the logo of the business you’re interested in. You will be directed to either the business’s Facebook page or website.

GARMA also starts the holiday season with the annual lighting of the Gettysburg Christmas Tree. This event is always held the Friday evening after Thanksgiving (as we shoppers and retailers call it, Black Friday). GARMA has a great team of elves who pull this event together. You can enjoy the countdown to the tree lighting while sipping hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music. GARMA brings Santa into Lincoln Square and the jolly old elf asks everyone to help him countdown to 6 o’clock and yell “Light That Tree”. Afterwards Santa makes his way to his Shanty to greet all the children and their families (4-legged children included).

Our other big event is the bi-annual Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show. Held the 3rd Saturday in May and the 4th Saturday in September, 2022 marks the antique shows 55th year. Vendors and shoppers line the streets of downtown Gettysburg looking for a good buy. However, the 2020 and 2021 antique shows have had quite a hurdle to overcome with the ongoing pandemic. Vendor numbers have decreased during this trying time. We can only look forward, never back, and hope that better times are ahead to bring you a great 55th year.
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GARMA operates with a 10 person Board of Directors. We are comprised of business owners and representatives of Gettysburg businesses who volunteer our time to help bring these events to this community. If you’re interested in becoming a GARMA member, please visit our website at www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com to fill out an application. If you are a current member and are interested in becoming more involved with GARMA, please email us at info@gettysburgretailmerchants.com. As is said, the more the merrier.
 
Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St. 

I’ve always been told that I have a quick wit. A snappy comeback to someone’s comment has always come easy for me. Growing up, I think that it’s amused my Mom, and sometimes I think it’s annoyed her. But guess what, Mom? I’m going to try and put this skill to good use.

I was having coffee with my dear friend Karen Land, the director (or “side coach” as she calls herself) of the Improv Troupe at Gettysburg Community Theatre. I asked her “what is Improv?”. I mean, I do have the basic gist of what it is and how it should work. However, I thought I’d ask the professional. So as we’re talking, I’m thinking that I could certainly try my hand at Improv. I’m rarely caught off guard; always try to be on my toes. I could put that quick wit to good use.

So I’ve already committed to Karen that I’ll attend the audition for the Improv Troupe at the Theatre. Auditions are Sunday, September 12, 7pm at Gettysburg Community Theatre at 49 York St. (you must be 18 years or older to audition). No experience is necessary to audition. You’ll have a great “side coach” who will help you.

Another creative outlet for me has been singing – well, actually, karaoke. The Gettysburger on Chambersburg St. has karaoke every Tuesday night from 9pm-12am. I’ve done karaoke at many different places, but I must say that The Gettysburger is the best. Everyone sings! No one is shy, no one laughs just because you may sing off key. Everyone is clapping and supportive. When you’re there, you’re singing amongst friends. Start your evening there with a great dinner and homemade dessert before belting out Freebird.

If being on stage or performing in front of others isn’t your style, there’s still plenty of fun things to do this month.

Saturday evenings the Gettysburg Heritage Center comes to life with their series “Night at the Museum, 1863”. You can find out what life was like during the battle for the townspeople of Gettysburg. We all remember civilian Jennie Wade, but we tend to forget about the others living here during those three days and beyond.

September 4th marks the opening of the Gettysburg Foundation’s Children of Gettysburg 1863 museum (formerly known as The Rupp House) on Baltimore St. Children and adults will learn what life was like for the youth of Gettysburg during the battle. The museum offers a hands-on historical experience.

Saturday, September 25th is the 54th Annual Fall Outdoor Antique Show on the streets of downtown Gettysburg. There’s a lot of work that goes into organizing the spring and fall shows. The morning of the show we start bagging the meters at 3:30am. By 5am the vendors start settling into their spots so they’re ready for business come 7am when the show officially starts. It’s a tiring day for all involved but a great way to increase downtown traffic for our restaurants and shops. 2022 dates are May 21st and September 24th.

Visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com for a list of GARMA members. Are you a business interested in becoming a GARMA member and you’re located within 5 miles of Lincoln Square? Contact us at info@gettysburgretailmerchants.com.
 
Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St.

Each week, usually by Tuesday, I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do the upcoming weekend. I like to plan ahead because it gives me something to look forward to. One or two days off of either mowing my yard (which I do find relaxing) or planning something with family or friends.

My mom and I have always enjoyed walking around town looking in all the shops or reading the plaques on or in front of the buildings. Yes, I’ve lived here all my life, but sometimes you still need to take time to smell the flowers even if you’ve smelled them before. And sometimes it’s fun to take a tour of downtown and see things from someone else’s perspective.

My friend Lori Mitchell has a unique tour business called Savor Gettysburg Food Tours. These walking tours are done on the weekends and gather a small group of people to walk the town and visit various selected eateries to taste samplings of their great cuisines. These tours not only introduce you to great food, but also give you a chance to look at every building and see what shops are here and what happened where. One of Lori’s tours is actually a tour and cooking class all in one.

The “Farmer’s Market Tour and Cooking Class” features local chefs taking participants through the Adams County Farmers Market where you can learn to shop like a chef. Once you’ve made your purchases of fresh produce you’ll proceed to the Adams County Arts Council. There you’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class where the chef teaches you how to prepare your market fresh items into delicious dishes. After you’ve prepared your food you’ll pair it with local wine from Reid’s Winery and Cider House.  

Our town and county is so rich in not only history, but also in what comes from the soil. Adams County is the Apple Capital of the east coast. Local wineries like Reid’s and Adams County Winery harvest their own grapes and other fruits to make such uniquely tasting wines. Our Farmers Market, who is an umbrella host every Saturday morning from May to October for local farmers to bring fresh grown produce to sell. The market and local retail shops are an outlet for local artisans to sell their handmade products.

One thing I love about Gettysburg is how locals work with locals. We’re still a small enough community to understand the importance of working together. In one tour you have three local entities being brought together, highlighting the best of Gettysburg and Adams County.

So take the time to walk the town, the market, the shops, the restaurants, take a tour and smell those familiar flowers. You may have a better appreciation for them. As Mayor Streeter says “Come. Visit. Enjoy the jewel of south-central Pennsylvania”.
Visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com for a list of GARMA members and events.
 
Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks, 30 York St

​The Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association has been an ever changing entity since its inception in 1972 when it was christened The Retail Merchants Association, Inc., of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (or RMA). This month we announce another change, this one of leadership.

At our June 10 meeting, our fearless leader, Kathy Gilbert announced that she would be stepping down from the role of President effective June 30. As Vice President, I have assumed the role of President effective July 1. I have those proverbial “very big shoes to fill” as I step into this new position. Personally and professionally Kathy has been a huge role model, mentor, confidante and most importantly, friend. I am ever so thankful that she has always included me and shared with me information that would help me take over the reign of this organization. We are all very grateful that Kathy is staying on with GARMA as a board member. I personally will be glad that when I look to my right at our meetings that Kathy will still be sitting there.

Kathy and I sat one evening looking through old GARMA papers and we were rerouted back in time looking at the names of the original 38 members of the “RMA”. Some of the businesses I slightly remember, as most didn’t survive past the late 1980’s. Most I remember hearing my mom talk about as the place to shop in downtown Gettysburg.

So many were specialty stores; ladies clothing, shoes, men’s clothing, appliance stores, hardware stores. Stores that cease to exist anymore because of the advent of shopping malls that housed all of these types of stores in one enclosed location. Big box stores came along and small business owners couldn’t compete with pricing and selection. Or, sadly, as owners got older they had no one to carry on the business after they were gone.

Gettysburg had Coffman Jeweler’s, Blocher’s Jewelry Store and The Charmed Circle (where I bought my high school ring). Ladies could shop for blouses, slacks and dresses at the Carol Ann Shoppe, Tobey’s, Modern Miss Shop and Mary Edith Shop. Children’s clothes could be found at Jack and Jill Shoppe.
 
Men bought their clothing at Benn’s on Lincoln Square, T&S Menswear or Hershey’s Men Shop. If you needed a new appliance you went to Weishaar Brothers or Baker’s Electronics. Zerfing’s Hardware was the “go-to” place for every little thing you needed for home repair.

Other very honorable mentions that helped define a shopping experience in Gettysburg – Faber’s Restaurant (great milkshakes), Hartzell’s Luncheonette, House of Bender on the corner of Baltimore St/Lincoln Square, G.C. Murphy, Wolfe’s Restaurant (now The Pub) and of course George Olinger’s Trinkets, Treasures and Trash on the corner of Chambersburg and S. Washington Sts., home of the large totem pole in the front window.

I do want to recognize a business that has been a member of GARMA since the very beginning in 1972. Martin’s Family Shoes, located at 26 Baltimore St., have stood the test of time in Gettysburg for over 80 years. They’ve been steadfast in selling great quality footwear and providing great quality service. What a testament to John Fidler and his staff for seeing this business into a new century and coming through a monumental pandemic. Thank you John for your continued support of GARMA and the Gettysburg community.

Thank you all for indulging my walk down memory lane. Thank you to the businesses that have been members who have come and gone. We strive to do great things for this community such as bringing Christmas and Santa to Gettysburg and organizing the Spring and Fall Outdoor Antique Shows that bring great business to the downtown.

Thank you to all the leaders of GARMA, past and present. Thank you Kathy Gilbert for your dedication and determination to keep GARMA relevant to our businesses and community.

If you’re interested in finding out what GARMA is or are a business that is interested in becoming a member, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com
Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St.

“No one can come to Gettysburg unstirred by the thoughts of those who fought here, and of him who spoke here”. A profound quote by Dwight Eisenhower in 1946 as he spoke at the 114th commencement exercises of Gettysburg College.

Gettysburg College has now graduated their 2021 class and the students have gone off to start the rest of their adult lives. This past year was quite challenging for schools. Locals know that The Gettysburg Hotel, owned by the college, was used for dormitories this past school year. With things starting to return to a new normal, we’re excited that The Gettysburg Hotel will be open to the public for business as usual on July 1st. Not only does the hotel serve as beautiful accommodations for our guests traveling to Gettysburg, but also as a meeting and banquet facility.

Gettysburg has become a destination location for weddings. The Gettysburg Hotel has been a very popular destination to celebrate that special day. The hotel has five inside event spaces that can be utilized for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, smaller informal weddings and events in addition to their newly remodeled Grand Ballroom. For those of us who were born and raised here, you may remember that The Grand Ballroom was originally The Gettysburg National Bank (built in 1814). Who remembers calling and hearing “Gettysburg National Bank time is….”? The Bank was our source for finding out the correct time if we had to reset our clocks when the power went out and, for kids – at least me, it was the one phone number I could call and not get in trouble because it was free.

Gettysburg has many hotels and venues to offer for any kind of event or theme. In the last 5-6 years, barn weddings have become very popular. The Inn at Herr Ridge has expanded upon their regular business of casual/fine dining and accommodations with the addition of The Herr Ridge Farm Wedding and Events venue.

Backyard weddings are still very popular even with all the venue options available. When I’m not wearing my GARMA hat, I’m working my full time job at Gettysburg Rental Center as the Events Coordinator. We are supporting about 100 weddings for 2021 with tent rentals, tables, chairs or linens. That’s not including the graduations, retirement and birthday parties, etc. We’re not just an equipment rental store anymore.

Weddings are vital to our area as another source of income for hotels, restaurants, venues and all other services needed. When a bride is planning a wedding she also has to think about salon services (Gettysburg Day Spa has a dedicated wedding coordinator who will schedule your salon services at the spa or onsite the day of the event), DJ’s, Photographers, Florists and so much more.

I am Gettysburg, born and raised. I grew up with a great appreciation of the history of this town. From the pivotal role Gettysburg has played in shaping our nation, to being the home of a 5-star General and President of the United States. I can certainly understand why someone would want to come here, to our beautiful town, to marry and start their happy ever after.

For a complete list of GARMA members visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.
 
Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA and owner of Artworks, York St.