Don’t miss out on two must-attend festivals: Swan Hollow’s Hanover Lavender Festival & Snack Town Street Fair
By Ana Maria Villanueva-Lykes
The sun is finally out. After being cooped up indoors all winter, we are eager to step outside and enjoy the fresh air. The smell of spring and the subtle scent of lavender beckon—as does the smell of freshly baked pretzels, crab cakes, funnel cakes and more. With so many events happening in Hanover to celebrate a thriving community and beautiful days ahead, the possibilities are endless. Among the most anticipated this year are the Hanover Lavender Festival and the Snack Town Street Fair.
A Fair on Fragrant Fields
Swan Hollow Lavender Farm, a family-owned and operated organic lavender farm in southern York County, welcomes visitors in June and July to pick lavender from its vibrant purple fields. The grove is also the perfect backdrop for weddings, picnics, tea parties and children’s parties. This expansive 14-acre farm is not only home to fragrant blooms, but the property also features Hanover Lavender Festival taking place June 21 and 22.
Jen Swanner, owner and operator of Swan Hollow, started small, growing her fields gradually each year. By 2024, she was finally ready to share her farm with the community. Despite soaring temperatures over 100 degrees on opening day, revelers were undeterred. “We were shocked that for our first festival, we had sold out,” Jen recalls. They estimated about 1,200 festivalgoers attended their first run, and this year they expect about 2,000 people.
When Jen planted her first lavender plants in 2021, she never imagined that one day she would witness crowds enjoying the fields and harvesting the fragrant crops. After four years of arduous work—watering, weeding, trimming and tending to about 1,200 plants—she is finally reaping the rewards. “At one point during the festival, I looked up into the field and there were probably a hundred people all picking. That brought me to tears, seeing that many people are enjoying what we worked so hard for,” she remembers.
This year, the festival will be divided into morning and afternoon sessions on June 21 and 22. The event exclusively features local artisans and food vendors, including KM Studios, Phoenix and Raven, and LilyBird & Co. “We want to bring an authentic festival experience by offering only vendors that are local artisans and makers, as well as many lavender products as possible,” Jen explains. A wide assortment of lavender products will be available, including lavender-flavored ice cream, cookies, lemonade and even lavender-infused vodka.
People can sit by the creek—or even in it—to cool off while enjoying live music from Dillweed, Rust Hounds and Amy Peck. While parents are lavender picking or picking on fries, children can keep busy with numerous kid-friendly activities and crafts. If they’re lucky, they might even spot Luke or Sophie, two of the farm’s resident donkeys.
Swan Hollow grows Phenomenal and Sensational lavender, varieties that are healthy for Pennsylvania’s climate. Festivalgoers can pick bunches of these varieties of about 100 stems each for five dollars. If not picking, sitting amidst the fragrant field alone is enough of a reason to come out, regardless of the heat. “A favorite memory was sitting in the lavender field and picking it with my family,” says Cierra Jackson, an attendee of the inaugural festival. “The setting was perfect.”
Street Snack Shindig
Meanwhile, in the heart of town, another festival is brewing—and baking—with local beer, pretzels and a variety of street fare and attractions. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is celebrating its delicious legacy at the fifth Snack Town Street Fair, organized by the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce. And because Hanover is part of the Pretzel Belt and the Pennsylvania Snack Belt, it is only fitting for Utz Snacks—one of the leading snack companies—to sponsor the event. Formerly celebrated as the Hanover Dutch Festival, the Snack Town Street Fair will be held on July 12, featuring more than 200 vendors offering food, crafts, games and entertainment.
The one-day event celebrates Hanover’s dynamic community and serves as an excellent venue for local artists and businesses to showcase their creations to a broader audience. “It boosts the local economy by supporting small businesses and artisans, strengthens community bonds and showcases the charm of our town to visitors,” says Sarah Messer, president of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce. In recent years, attendance has surpassed expectations, with more than half the population of Hanover joining the festivities. More than 10,000 visitors are anticipated this year, says Sarah.
Tents and food trucks will line the streets of the downtown area, offering everything from funnel cakes to crab cakes. Nearly all local businesses, including Aldus Brewing Co., Merlin’s Coffee and OAK, will open their doors to attendees. “We’ve been doing this for about 7 or 8 years from way back to the Hanover Dutch Festival. We love how it’s community-oriented and helped us grow our business,” says returning vendor Robin Deitch of Robin’s Nest Bakery. “We also love our chips!” she laughs, referring to the snack foods sold every year.
Guests can bring lawn chairs to relax and enjoy country and blues from the Wyatt Becker Band, as well as rock and reggae from Heads or Tails Experience. This year, there will be two stages—one in Brewer’s Alley and another on Franklin Street—allowing more bands to share their talents. Younger partygoers can also enjoy bounce houses, face painting and crafts.
Young or old, there will be something for everyone at the full-day street party. Many show up early to avoid the heat, but Sarah loves the morning time for a special reason. “My favorite part of the day is watching downtown Hanover wake up and come to life bright and early in the morning as vendors set up and attendees fill the streets,” she says. “It’s a truly special sight to see our community come together and celebrate! It’s a testament to the spirit of Snack Town.”
Hanover Lavender Festival
June 21 – 22, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Swan Hollow Lavender Farm, 420 Impounding Dam Rd., Hanover
Buy a $25 ticket per carload and choose your time slot—
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit swanhollowlavenderfarm.com
Fifth Annual Snack Town Street Fair
July 12, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Hanover
Free and open to the public
Learn more at snacktownstreetfair.com
Festival FAQs
What do we need to prepare for?
Plan for warm temperatures. Cover up and lather up on sunscreen. At the lavender field, wear closed-toe shoes and watch out for bees. Expect a big crowd; make a plan for your kids in case they become separated from you. Have them memorize your phone number or write it on their arm.
When’s the best time to go?
Avoid arriving during the last hour, as items usually sell out quickly and some vendors start packing up early.
What do we need to bring?
Bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets, as there may not be enough seating.
Will there be parking?
Plan on parking and walking for both festivals. Car entry will be limited according to capacity at the Hanover Lavender Festival.
Will vendors take credit or debit cards?
Bring cash. Not all vendors accept cards.
