PENFIELD – Autumn is in full swing, and for many, this is their favorite time of the year. Some enjoy the cooler weather. Others venture out to see nature’s brilliant leaf displays. Still more look forward to fresh apple cider and other treats normally enjoyed during the fall and harvest season.
These experiences and more will be available at Parker Dam State Park’s 5th Annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float, Oct. 23.
Come out and help celebrate the traditions of fall. From 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., be sure to check out traditional activities such as apple cidering, candle dipping, bannock and butter, natural dyes, leaf art, and pioneer games.
Throughout the afternoon there will also be other educational programming on topics such as the Pennsylvania elk and bats, snakes, and spiders. Several local artists and craftspeople will also be on hand to showcase and sell their wares throughout the afternoon. The concession stand will be open during the festival until early evening for festival goers to purchase many delicious items.
At 5:00 p.m. pumpkin carving will begin (pumpkins can be purchased at the Cooper Farm Market stand at the festival), and at 6:45 p.m. the Beach Bonfire will begin.
The Pumpkin Float will take place at 7:00 p.m., when we set the lighted jack-o-lanterns adrift on the lake. Then until 8:00 p.m., we’ll be telling stories and making s’mores around the bonfire. Parking will be available all day along Mud Run Road in the Day Use Area and also in the turf parking area below the Park Office. All activities are just a short walk into the Day Use Area near the Beach House and Pavilions 1 through 4. Admission and activities are free of charge. So bring the entire family along and enjoy a whole day’s worth of fun activities at the park. Make the Parker Dam State Park Fall Festival one of your fall traditions.
You can find more information about state park programs and special events by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks Web site and clicking on “Calendar”. You can also stay informed on-line with what is happening in Pennsylvania state parks by subscribing to Resource, DCNR’s electronic newsletter.