PENFIELD – Parker Dam State Park has announced its program schedule for its 30th annual Woodhick Weekend on Aug. 30 – Sept. 1.
The annual Woodhick Weekend at the park showcases the area’s early lumber heritage and the history of the park, including the recovery of the forest started by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This year marks the 30th annual Woodhick event, which is highlighted each year by the amateur competitions and woodhick demonstrations the afternoon of Sept. 1.
This year there will also be lumber skills demonstrations on the afternoon of Aug. 31 by the PA Professional Lumberjacks Organization, a square dance Saturday evening with Hidinger and Friends, and “Music in the Park” the afternoon of Sept. 1 with The Jefferson County Line. The weekend wraps up at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 1 with the annual Woodhick Awards when participants of the amateur games who have excelled will receive their recognition as event winners, and the Woodhicks and Woodchicks of the Year are crowned.
Friday, Aug. 30
Woodsmen and River Drivers
6 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
They were a different caliber of men from an era that has gone by. However, their story is the story of Parker Dam’s early history. Learn more about their life while doing one of the most dangerous jobs of the time.
History of the Pennsylvania Forest:
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
It’s why the woodhicks were here– the forest. Come learn about PA’s forest and the changes it has seen over the past few centuries of time. Much of what we know as Pennsylvanians has been shaped by our forest and its resources.
Saturday, Aug. 31
Stumpfield and Logslide Trails:
11 a.m. – Campground Extra Car Parking Area
Hike along these trails as we explore some of the park’s lumbering heritage. Although a long time ago, you will see some of what remains from those woodhick days gone by.
Lumbering Skills Demonstrations – PA Professional Lumberjack Organization
1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – behind Beach House
Many specialized skills made a woodhick valuable in the forest. Their hard work and skills were put to the test each day as they faced one of the most dangerous jobs of their day. Today, the stakes aren’t quite as high, but the skill level is. Watch as members of the PA Lumberjacks demonstrate their skills and explain how what they do was useful in the forests to the earlier woodhicks.
Music in the Park – Square Dance with Hidinger and Friends:
7 p.m. – Pavilion 5
Join in the dancing, or just come to watch and enjoy the music. If you don’t plan to dance, bring along a lawn chair and enjoy the event.
A Peaceful Revolution – 80 Years Later:
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
It was a very trying time for many, but one program helped put scores of young men to work. More importantly, it taught them something. Learn how the CCC changed the lives of so many, and how its legacy lives on.
Sunday, Sept. 1
CCC Garden Dedication:
12 p.m. – Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
Join us as we dedicate the new tree and the stone at the museum in memory of Lou and Helen Adams, as well as in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
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.
30th Annual Woodhick Games:
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Woodhick Games Field
Test your traditional woodhick skills against other amateur woodhicks in five events. Best score will win you an event; best overall score will give you the coveted title of Woodhick or Woodchick of the Year. There’s a Junior division for those who are 12 and under. Register for free at the table in the grove above the Cabin Road (look for the banner) so that you can participate in the 30th Woodhick Games. Note: This year, if you win a prize, you must be at the Woodhick Awards program at 6:30 p.m. to receive it.
Arrival of Smokey Bear:
1 p.m. – Woodhick Games Field
Smokey Bear will be in the park for a while to greet the competitors, their families, and other park visitors. Be sure to go up and say hello, he’s always glad to make new friends.
Woodhick Camp Demonstrations:
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Woodhick Games Field
Watch the camp cooks demonstrate their task of feeding the many hungry woodsmen, and the blacksmith, as he shows his skills with iron and tells his tall tales. Look also for the historic tools display and the traditional Bean-hole Beans to be removed from the ground.
Log Birling Demonstration:
3 p.m. – Lake Shore, below the Woodhick Games Field
Driving logs downriver, it was a skill you must possess, or face deadly consequences. Here the stakes aren’t quite as high– but bragging rights are on the line.
Music in the Park – The Jefferson County Line:
4 p.m. – Woodhick Games Field
Come and enjoy this local band as they sing and play songs for the competitors and all other park visitors. The blue-grassy and folk feel will have your toes tapping.
2013 Woodhick Awards:
6:30 p.m. – Woodhick Games Field
The competitors have given it their all, now it’s time to reward them. The winners of each event will be awarded their prizes; however, winners must be present this year to receive their treasures. Then, we will crown the 2013 Woodhick, Woodchick Jr. Woodhick, and Jr. Woodchick of the Year. Bring along a lawn chair.