The America250PA Mobile Unit — The Great American Getaway rolls into Lansford late Thursday afternoon, kicking off a scavenger hunt and movie in the park as part of nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.

The custom-built, interactive experience on wheels will give people a chance to try their hand Pennsylvania, one of three interactive exhibits featured in mobile truck located in Ashton Park from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The fast-paced trivia game challenges visitors with questions about Pennsylvania’s rich history and key civics questions from the U.S. citizenship test.

Another interactive exhibit, Keystone Quest, is designed as a retro-style video game that takes players on an adventure across Pennsylvania. Finally, visitors can share and record their own stories about their lives, histories and hopes for the future in the Commonwealth Chronicles exhibit.

Giveaways will also be available during the visit, after which the celebration shifts to a scavenger hunt in the park. Teams will search for items and prizes will be awarded, said Michele Bartek, organizer and Lansford councilwoman.

People are invited to bring chairs and blankets for the movie in the park, which follows the scavenger hunt. “National Treasure” will be shown.

The concession stand in the park will be open, and an ice cream vendor will also be on hand, Bartek said. People portraying historical figures will also greet and interact with those attending, she said.

Dual celebration

Lansford residents are also encouraged to participate in a patriotic home decorating contest to add to the festive look of the town’s dual celebration of the nation’s birthday as well as the borough’s 150th anniversary.

Judging of the homes will take place shortly after the Fourth of July.

— Kelly Monitz Socha