Lancaster County Prepares For Packed February Calendar

February 2026 is shaping up to be a month packed with activity, reflection, and civic engagement across Lancaster County and the nation at large. From bustling local government meetings and school board sessions to a calendar brimming with national celebrations and global spectacles, the shortest month of the year is anything but uneventful. Residents and officials alike are preparing for a whirlwind of events, decisions, and commemorations that will leave a mark both locally and beyond.

At the heart of Lancaster County’s civic life, a series of important meetings are scheduled to take place, each carrying its own set of pressing agenda items. The East Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors will convene at 7 p.m. on February 4, 2026, at the municipal building in Landisville, offering both in-person and remote access for community members. According to local announcements, the board will address a variety of administrative and community issues, including escrow reductions for development projects, invoice approvals covering the period from January 22 to February 4, and ratification of a disaster emergency resolution in response to Winter Storm Fern, which swept through the area from January 24 to 26. The supervisors will also consider a traffic impact study escrow agreement with Kready Farm LLC, a grant funding application for the Church Street Bridge, and authorizations for special events and records resolutions in police and finance departments.

Education is also in the spotlight as the Lampeter-Strasburg School Board prepares to meet at 7:30 p.m. on February 2 at the district administration building in Lampeter. As outlined in the district’s public agenda, the board will review a host of personnel recommendations, from resignations and new hires to leaves of absence and changes to supplemental contracts. The business and finance committee will present a recommendation for an agreement with IPF Investments LLC, while miscellaneous items include a vending agreement, preliminary approval for a foreign trip, and both first and second readings of updated board policies. The next meeting is already on the calendar for March 2, signaling a steady rhythm of governance and oversight.

Lancaster City Council is preparing for a busy stretch as well, with its Committee meeting set for 6 p.m. on February 2 in the Nelson M. Polite, Sr. Council Chambers at City Hall. The committee will review minutes from previous meetings, consider nominations for various city boards and committees, and tackle a slew of finance resolutions. These include exonerating 2025 water and sewer charges for city-owned properties and updating signatories for the city’s pension plans. The Community Planning Committee will address amendments to the sewage facilities plan for multiple projects, and the Public Works Committee will consider changes to park pavilion rental fees and a bill involving eminent domain for a portion of 828 S. Prince Street.

On February 3, a special meeting of the Lancaster City Council will focus on a legislative agenda item consenting to the appointment of a new police chief. The council will also conduct interviews with five applicants vying to fill a vacant council seat—a process that underscores the importance of representation and transparency in local government.

Historic preservation remains a priority in Lancaster, as the Historical Architectural Review Board meets at 6 p.m. on February 3 to consider the replacement of entry doors at 147-149 Church Street. Meanwhile, the Lancaster City Planning Commission will gather on February 4 to review minutes, consider a time extension for the Stadium Row II land development plan, and hear an informational presentation on the 216 Greenfield Road development. Ongoing updates on subdivision and land development projects are also on the agenda, demonstrating the city’s ongoing growth and evolution.

Elsewhere in the county, the Manheim Township Zoning Hearing Board will meet on February 2 to consider a request for a special exception allowing an accessory dwelling unit at 612 Stockdale Drive to exceed the typical maximum square footage, reaching up to 1,200 square feet and including the basement. In the Penn Manor School District, the school board will convene at 7 p.m. on February 2 at Penn Manor High School. The agenda includes a review of the superintendent’s report, approval of the Lancaster County CTC proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year, and a decision to take back two elementary autistic support classrooms. Personnel actions, tax exonerations, and renewal of a sponsorship agreement with Lancaster Toyota are also on the docket, with the next meeting scheduled for February 17.

While local governance keeps Lancaster busy, the national calendar for February 2026 is equally full. According to The Economic Times, the month kicks off with National Freedom Day and Imbolc on February 1, followed by Groundhog Day on February 2. Super Bowl Sunday arrives on February 8, with the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots set to face off at 6:30 p.m. ET, promising a night of excitement for football fans across the country.

Valentine’s Day, falling on Saturday, February 14, conveniently aligns with Presidents Day on Monday, February 16, the only federal holiday in February. This timing creates a long weekend for many, offering extra time for celebration or relaxation. Presidents Day, originally established in 1879 to honor George Washington’s birthday and later expanded to include Abraham Lincoln, is now observed on the third Monday of February, thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Law of 1971. The day not only honors past presidents but has also become a major shopping holiday, with retailers offering sales throughout the weekend. As reported by The Economic Times, most banks and the United States Postal Service will be closed on February 16 in observance of the holiday.

February is also Black History Month, beginning with National Freedom Day on February 1, which commemorates Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the 13th Amendment in 1865. This year marks the 100th anniversary of national Black history commemorations, offering an opportunity for reflection and education throughout the month.

Globally, the 2026 Winter Olympics will begin on February 6 in Italy, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET. The Games promise to capture the world’s attention, adding to the month’s sense of energy and anticipation.

Nature lovers and skywatchers will have their own reasons to look up, as February brings several celestial events. The Snow Moon will illuminate the sky on February 1, followed by a new moon on February 17 and a planetary parade on February 28.

For those who enjoy quirky celebrations, February’s national days include National Tater Tot Day (February 2), National Pizza Day (February 9), Galentine’s Day (February 13), Singles Awareness Day (February 15), Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17), National Love Your Pet Day (February 20), and National Margarita Day (February 22). Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, falls on February 17, followed by Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent on February 18, marking a period of reflection for many faith communities.

With such a rich tapestry of local governance, national holidays, global events, and cultural observances, February 2026 promises to be a month that keeps everyone on their toes. Whether participating in a township meeting, cheering at a Super Bowl party, or reflecting on the legacy of Black history, there’s something for everyone to engage with and remember this February.