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 10th annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float on Oct. 17.
From 12 p.m. until 5 p.m., attendees should be sure to check out traditional activities such as apple cidering, candle dipping, bannock bread, butter making, natural dyes, flint knapping, leaf art, pumpkin carving, apple butter, blacksmithing, the camp cook and pioneer games.
Throughout the afternoon there will also be other educational programming on topics such as Pennsylvania Elk, the history of the Civil War era and critters that are creepy crawlies.
Several vendors, artists and craftspeople will also be on hand to showcase and sell their wares throughout the late morning and afternoon. The concession stand will be open during the festival until early evening for attendees to purchase many delicious items.
At 5 p.m., the Friends of Parker Dam State Park will lead 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 shortly before 5 p.m.
Following the 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 is asked to park in the designated area and be at their vehicle by 5:10 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 attendees should bring along a lawn chair or blanket. The Pumpkin Float will take place at 7 p.m., when the lighted jack-o-lanterns adrift on the lake.
Then, attendees 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.
