A Gretna Evening: Music, Ice Cream, and a Mayoral Handoff

by Stacy Schroeder

The evening of August 11, 2025, carried all the hallmarks of a classic Mount Gretna summer night. Music floated through the trees as the tribute band performing in the Playhouse ran through its final preparations. The parking police arrived, corralling the growing number of cars, while others strolled in from all directions. Shouts of joyful children rose from the playground, and the steady hum of staff serving customers at the Jigger Shop added to the evening’s soundtrack.

The Hall of Philosophy’s rows of double doors stood open, welcoming both these summer sounds and the small crowd that assembled for the August meeting of the Mount Gretna Borough—the municipal governing body of the section of Gretna that comprises the Pennsylvania Chautauqua. This group came to witness something many nearby might not have realized: the evening marked a significant moment in the community’s history.

Mayor Joe Shay, a Mount Gretna resident for 53 years and mayor for more than half that time, was formally stepping down.

“I have loved watching this community grow and evolve during my time as mayor,” says Joe, who doesn’t recall exactly when he was first elected but believes it may have been as early as 1994.

Working alongside Borough leaders and staff, Joe has helped guide the community through upgrades to the water treatment system, technology changes, and events such as the pandemic. His resignation was prompted by a move to a nearby home outside the borough.

While leaving both his position and his residence, Joe isn’t leaving the community. “I will still be in town regularly, running my computer business and available for calls with the Fire Company,” he says. He’s referring to Gretna Computer Consulting, a local business he has operated alongside his service as mayor, and to the Mount Gretna Fire Department, a volunteer company that serves the wider community. Joe is both a firefighter and current president of its board.

After the meeting was called to order, a few brief reports were shared before Joe’s resignation was accepted with thanks for his many years of service. A unanimous vote followed to appoint resident Kerry Royer as interim mayor until this fall’s elections, where she is running unopposed.

[Photo credit Shannon Fretz.] Kerry Royer, first female mayor of Mount Gretna, is sworn in by Judge Bradford H. Charles of the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania. Her oldest son Luke holds the Bible.

Kerry and her family have been part of the Gretna community since 2003 and have lived in the borough for 11 years. Her appointment comes at the start of one of Gretna’s busiest weeks, as the 51st annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show—of which she is director—takes place next weekend.

“We are able to pull together to host a nationally ranked Art Show in our tiny town,” Kerry says, noting that top-notch music, theater, and immersive lectures are among Gretna’s other strengths. “As Art Show director, I have worked alongside simply the best team of people, so it was easy to say yes to running for mayor.”

She credits residents committed to preserving Gretna’s history and culture as the community’s greatest asset. “These individuals are the reason I am committed to serve as mayor. I know I have remarkable people aligned to help me showcase what is so special about where we choose to live and thrive.”

Kerry also spoke about her goals in this new role. “Mount Gretna is more than just its aesthetic charm. We are settled into the natural landscape, and that harmony is paramount to our residents. Preserving our sense of place is at the forefront of civic responsibility.”

[Photo credit Stacy Schroeder.] Gretna's two most recent mayors, Kerry Royer and Joe Shay

She highlights the creativity that defines Gretna. “The real magic here is the latitude we are all given to put our creativity to work. You see it in the personality of each cottage, the wondrous paths, the wild landscaping and tended gardens, the public art and historic buildings, the small bands and world-class performers, and the electric feeling of an audience when live music is about to start. Behind it all are the people who dreamed of a place that could astonish at every turn. My goal is to preserve those opportunities and help usher in more as community members bring forward their ideas.”

Last evening, two leaders—both deeply rooted in Gretna and devoted to its charm and people—quietly passed the torch from one to the other, while all around them, the life of Gretna hummed.