PENFIELD – Various programs will take place this October at the Parker Dam State Park.
Saturday, Oct. 13
13th Annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float:
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.- Day-use Area
You can come celebrate the traditions of autumn. The main festival runs all afternoon with opportunities to learn heritage skills, watch folks practice their crafts and experience activities that may not be as common as they once were.
There will be a costume parade at the end of the afternoon, with a trunk-or-treat to follow. For more event details, please pick up a festival flyer or contact the Park Office at 814-765-0630.
Beach Bonfire and Pumpkin Float:
7 p.m. – Beach
You can take part in the Pumpkin Float and the glow of the evening bonfire. You might like to bring along a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. You can also set your jack-o-lanterns adrift on the lake atop the timber raft.
Then, you can watch as they (and hopefully the stars) reflect off the lake. After the pumpkins are lit, you can listen to the tales told ‘round the fire. Please have your pumpkins ready by 6:45 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 14
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Cidering:
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. – behind Beach House
You can bring your own apples and cider jugs to make your own cider (under park staff supervision). One bushel of apples will make about two to two-and-a-half gallons of cider. There is a two-bushel limit so that staff may process all the cider in a timely manner.
Saturday, Oct. 20
Things Naturalists Do:
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
So, what are some of the quirky things that some outdoor enthusiasts do? Call crayfish and fireflies; coax butterflies; mess with moths? Yep—that, and then some. There will be a PowerPoint presentation and lecture.
Wednesday, Oct. 24
Moon Watch:
8 p.m. – sidewalk between Beach and CCC Museum
You can bring a lawn chair and a cup or glass and visitors will watch the moon over the lake, weather dependent. Phases of the moon will be explained, along with moon lore.
Saturday, Oct. 27
GPS Basics:
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
So you can’t quite figure out how to work the GPS receiver you got as a gift. Or, you think one might be useful with hunting season around the corner. You can come and learn how they work, how useful they can be and practice the skills needed to use GPS technology effectively. You’ll also learn about the basics of geocaching.
Hike to the Vista:
2 p.m. – bench near CCC Museum
There should be some fall color to observe from the vista on the Trail of New Giants. You should bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
Sunday, October 28
National Chocolate Day Hike:
2 p.m. – Park Office
Parker Dam’s second-ever hike for chocolate. It will be a short hike through the forest along Souders Trail … and there will be chocolate.