The Grateful Gathering 2026

 

 

Join us for the first annual Grateful Gathering, hosted by The Grateful Stead, a Lancaster County 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue and sanctuary!

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Strasburg Community Park – Strasburg, PA

The Grateful Gathering is a family-friendly fall community festival built around three things that are at the heart of everything we do: Community • Compassion • Connection.

While our rescued animals are a big part of our story, the Grateful Gathering is about much more than animals. We're creating a day where families, local businesses, nonprofits, makers, musicians, and community organizations can come together, have some fun, meet their neighbors, and celebrate the people and organizations that make our community special.

What to Expect

We're working hard to put together a full day featuring:

Live Music on the Amphitheater Stage
Food Trucks & Local food vendors
Local artisans, makers & small businesses
The Grateful Stead & Some special furry friends!
Kids' Bounce House
Face Painting
Kids' Crafts
Local nonprofits & community organizations
Educational & interactive activities
Giveaways & fundraising activities

And we're still adding more!

Why We're Gathering

The Grateful Stead provides a safe, loving home for animals in need while working to create meaningful connections between animals, people, and our community.

Our goal is to create an event that supports the animals who call the Stead home while also giving local businesses, nonprofits, artists, organizations, and families an opportunity to support one another and build new connections.

We're hoping this first Gathering is just the beginning of a new Lancaster County tradition.