PENFIELD – The following programs have been announced for the Parker Dam State Park.
Thursday, July 4, Independence Day
Park Bike Tour
9 a.m. – outside Park Office
Know the park? Learn more about it as we pedal about 2.5 miles, seeing some of the often- missed parts of the park. All children under 12 must wear a helmet– limited number available to borrow.
Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum: Open to public – 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
During this 80th anniversary year, come learn more about this inspiring works program that shaped our park and many lives.
Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence
2 p.m. – Beach House
Today we celebrate our country and our freedoms. Let’s reflect on these freedoms as the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence is broadcast over the public address system for all to hear and appreciate.
Parachute Games
3 p.m. – Beach House
Join in some fun parachute games as we learn about our natural resources. You only need to bring along a fun attitude- and sneakers.
Friday, July 5
Hike with Your Senses
3 p.m. – Ball Field
Come along the Souders Trail as we explore nature with our 5 senses. The trail is short, and not too difficult; but we will make 5 stops to discover a portion of the park’s beauty with each of our senses. Please wear appropriate footwear for the trail.
Lake Paddle and Bat Count
8 p.m. – behind Beach House
We’ll take a quick paddle around the lake, and then head to the bat boxes near the dam to count the number of bats that emerge for their nighttime hunt for insects. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or you can borrow one of the park’s kayaks. Please, no pets.
Nature’s Fireworks
9 p.m. – Campground Host Site (#107)
Join the Naturalist as we track some of the park’s wildlife. After we identify them and follow the path they’ve taken, we’ll also learn about some of the ‘creepy crawlies’ that can be found out and about at night.
Saturday, July 6
Kayak Basics
10 a.m. – behind Beach House
There is a $3 fee for ALL participants. Learn what type of kayak you would be comfortable in, how to prepare for a day on the water, and most important– how to get in, out and get around in it. Limited number of kayaks available– although not necessary, you can reserve one at the park office.
The CCC: 80-Year Conservation Legacy
2 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
This holiday weekend, let’s take the chance to remember a great chapter in our country’s history. This year is the 80th anniversary of the CCC – come learn about their amazing legacy and what they did in the local area.
Shade Grown Coffee and Sweet Fern Tea
6:30 p.m. – Campground Host Site (#107)
Come enjoy a cup of ‘shade-grown’ coffee after dinner; sweet fern tea also available. Learn about the benefits of seeking out shade-grown and environmentally-friendly coffee and how that helps support wildlife.
Extirpated Species
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Accounts of Pennsylvania’s wildlife history can be an interesting look at the early settlers’ attitudes toward, what was then, a wild frontier. Learn about animals no longer found here, but were present in those earlier times. Then, watch as an in-depth look is taken at 1 specific extirpated species.
Sunday, July 7
High Country Arts and Crafts Fair at S.B. Elliott State Park
Sponsored by the Clearfield Elks
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Annual event sponsored by the Clearfield Elks featuring: arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations, entertainment, food, shuttles to and from the parking area, and much more. Food, music, and plenty of great arts and crafts await. Visit the park table at the festival to get info on the short historic walks that will be occurring throughout the day.
History Walk
2 p.m. – Beach House
If you went back 50 years, what might you see at Parker Dam? Would the park be any different? How about 100 years? Or, 500 years? Learn more about how the area of the park has changed over time. We will be walking around the lake and crossing the spillway rocks, so please wear appropriate footwear.
Tea and Talk– Wild Medicinals
6:30 p.m. – Beach House steps
They’re everywhere– plants that can be used to treat a variety of ailments. Some don’t get used as often as they once were, but others are still found as ingredients in some of our over-the-counter medicines. Sweet fern tea will be available to try– bring along a cup or mug suitable for hot beverages.