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 11th annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float, Saturday, Oct. 15.
Organizers say you should make plans now to come out and help celebrate the traditions of fall. From 12 p.m. until 5 p.m., you should be sure to check out traditional activities, such as apple cidering, candle dipping, bannock bread making, butter making, natural dyes, flint knapping, leaf art, pumpkin carving, blacksmithing, the camp cook and pioneer games.
Throughout the afternoon, there will also be other educational programming on topics such as Pennsylvania Elk and critters that are usually considered creepy crawlies.
Several vendors, artists and craftspeople will also be on hand to showcase and sell their wares throughout the afternoon. The concession stand will also be open during the event for festival-goers to purchase many delicious items.
At 4:45 p.m., there will be a costume parade for children, and children at heart, through the festival area. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should meet near Pavilion 1 between 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
Following the costume parade, there will be a Trunk-or-Treat period in the parking area near the park office until 6 p.m. Any campers or visitors who wish to provide treats are asked to park in the designated Trunk-or-Treat area and be at their vehicle by 5 p.m. There will not be trick-or treating in the campground or cabin areas this year.
The evening activities start at 6:30 p.m. when the Beach Bonfire will begin, and you are asked to bring along a lawn chair or blanket. The Pumpkin Float will take place at 7 p.m., when staff members set the lighted jack-o-lanterns adrift on the lake.
Then, you can sit around the bonfire and listen to the tales of the storyteller, while the pumpkins, and with any luck – the stars, sparkle off the lake.
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, parking and educational activities are free of charge.
“So bring the entire family along and enjoy a whole day’s worth of fun activities at the park,” organizers say. “Make the Parker Dam State Park Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float one of your fall traditions.”