Land Conservancy Road Rally offers fun, friendly competition on Saturday, October 18

(9/10) The Land Conservancy of Adams County’s 16th annual Road Rally is coming up on Saturday, October 18. This popular community event invites participants to travel Adams County’s back roads and explore its beautiful landscape at the peak of fall color, all while learning about the county’s many hidden and not-so-hidden treasures.

"The Churches of Adams County" is the theme for this year’s Road Rally. Rally teams will visit and learn about local churches, their congregations and histories, as well as church camps, church schools, interesting graveyards, and more.

The Land Conservancy’s Road Rally is a perfect mix of friendly competition and a beautiful drive in the country: it’s not a race, speed is not a factor, and no experience is required. Teams follow numbered route instructions and look for clues to Adams County’s fascinating and lesser-known sights. Participants are judged on their ability to follow directions, solve clues, and arrive at the Finish Line Party with the most correct answers.

The Rally’s Finish Line Party features food, entertainment, door prizes, and awards for top-performing teams. There are many ways to win prizes—from costumes to cars to bragging rights for last place. The coveted "fuzzy dice" award, sponsored by ACNB Bank, goes to the Grand Champion. Other prizes are awarded to "Coolest Car," the best "Character Costume," as well as the "Road Scholar" and the "Dirtiest Car." Awarded to the last place finisher is the prize for "Dead Last, But Finished." This year, Pastor David Wright of the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church will serve as Honorary Rally Master.

The entry fee for Rally teams (driver and navigator) is $50 for Land Conservancy members and $60 for non-members, but you can ride for free by recruiting a sponsor at the $250 level or above.

Rally teams must preregister, and early registration is encouraged for this popular event. A maximum of 60 teams may compete, and team registration closes October 3. The Rally is held rain or shine, with the first car heading off at noon.

"The Land Conservancy Road Rally is a fun way for people to explore Adams County’s beautiful countryside and quiet back roads," said Land Conservancy president Norma Calhoun. "Participants get the opportunity to experience the rural beauty the Land Conservancy has been working to preserve for the last 20 years, and they get to join with us in that work for the future by supporting this event." Since its founding in 1995, the Land Conservancy has partnered with interested landowners to preserve more than 9,000 acres of Adams County’s farmland, woodland, streams, and open spaces.

This year, Rally organizers have introduced a new Rally Bucks program to benefit event sponsors. Land Conservancy members can earn "Rally Bucks" dollar for dollar with every purchase made from participating Road Rally sponsors. Members turn in their receipts by October 1 and the member with the most Rally Bucks wins a $250 gift certificate from Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers. The winner will be announced at the Finish Line party following the Road Rally on October 18.

"We’re excited about the Rally Bucks program because it allows us to give back to our sponsors by encouraging our members to support them," said Rally Master Bob McIlhenny. "Our sponsors are thrilled with this new way for them to participate in the fun spirit of the Rally."

Rally sponsorships start at $250 ($200 for nonprofits) and include free Road Rally registration and Finish Line party tickets for up to four people as well as recognition in the Rally’s full-color program, among other benefits.

The Land Conservancy is an accredited nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the rural lands and character of Adams County. For more information about the Land Conservancy and participating or sponsoring its 16th annual Road Rally on Saturday, October 18, call (717) 334-2828, email lcac@adamscounty.us, or visit www.LCACnet.org.