With the arrival of warmer weather comes increased public access to outdoor recreation opportunities on the water. The Susquehanna River Water Trail is a treasure trove for the paddling and boating public. Not only is it located right in our backyard, but it has a host of landscapes, history, and fauna to explore while on the river.
History
The Susquehanna River is the longest commercially non-navigable river in the United States. It starts at Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York, and ends in Havre de Grace at the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The Susquehanna is also considered to be the oldest major river system in the world, and dates back to the Paleozoic Era (543 to 248 million years ago). Amazingly, there is evidence that the flow of the ancient Susquehanna actually predated the formation of the Appalachian mountains over 300 million years ago.
PC: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
Now, let’s get started: this quick guide offers steps to jumpstart the planning phase and have you and your family and friends out on the water before you can say “let’s get our fanny on the Susquehanny!”
Get Your Permits
First things first, make sure your boat has the proper registrations and launch permits. Anyone operating an unpowered boat, such as a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard, who wishes to use a PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) or a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) boat access, including those at state parks, may either register their boat or purchase an annual launch permit. Not all launches require a permit, but when in doubt, the best option is to purchase one. These are available by clicking here. Funds from the permits go back to the water trail through maintenance and improvements of the PFBC launches.
Don’t forget the proper permits if planning to hit the river with your own personal craft.
Plan Your Route
Before setting out on the river, it is essential to plan your route. Select a put-in and take-out based on the river conditions, your skill level, and your desired activity. The average time to kayak a mile is between 20-30 minutes, depending on river conditions and personal abilities. Those wishing to float, fish, or newer paddlers should consider a shorter 2-4-mile stretch.
Be sure to consult maps or route descriptions to check for hazards (dams, rapids, etc.) and research in advance how to navigate around them. Here’s a handy interactive map with launches and hazards on the Susquehanna.
Prepare Your Shuttle
Due to the one-way nature of a flowing river, two cars are often required for a paddling excursion—one at your put-in and one at your take-out. It is a good idea to place the vehicle that can transport boats at the end so that you can remove one shuttle trip and not have to go back for the boats.
Also, when planning your route, make sure that you can easily drive between the put-in and take-out for shuttling purposes. In some places, available bridges to cross the river may be limited, so selecting launches on the same side of the river ensures you don’t add mileage to get to your vehicles.
Check Your Gear
A PFD (personal flotation device) and signaling whistle are required per PA law to have onboard your vessel at all times. Make sure that your PFD is suited to your weight and body type, and check that it is within the factory date (i.e. a 15-year old PFD that your best friend’s aunt bought is not a great idea). When in doubt, you can perform a basic inspection of the PFD. Check to see that the straps are in good working order and not frayed, look at the shoulder straps to ensure they are not worn or torn, and test the floatation with a simple squeeze to confirm that it will rebound and that it has not shrunk within the fabric.
A good PFD is required by PA law to have onboard your vessel at all times!
Dress & Pack For Success
Wear clothing that is quick drying (no cotton) and make sure to bring along plenty of drinking water. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, lip balm, insect repellent, a first aid kit (in a waterproof container), cell phone and/or GPS, and snacks are also good additions to your adventure. You might also want to place valuables in a drybag that can be fastened securely to your vessel.
Check River Conditions
The characteristics of a river can change dramatically as the water level rises or falls. Before setting out on any river adventure, it is essential to check the water levels on your route. High water generally increases difficulty due to faster flow and increased hazards such as low bridges, floodwater debris, and low hanging trees. Low water can be just as difficult as shallows may turn into dry banks and low areas become muddy sandbars.
Ideal levels for paddling the Susquehanna River depend on your route. Paddlers are advised to check levels by visiting the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website and searching their network of gages. Please note that flooding levels on these gages are often higher than what constituents flooding conditions for a boater. Use your best judgement when deciding to advance a trip and consult outfitters or river experts when in doubt.
Five Mountain Outfitters in Shickshinny is a great rental option for the north branch of the Susquehanna.
Final Checks in Safety
Before setting out on your paddle, make sure to share your itinerary with a friend or family member. Let someone know where you are planning to boat, when you are leaving, and when you plan to return. Also keep an eye on the weather forecast. Postpone your trip if thunderstorms are on the horizon. If it’s nothing but blue skies and sunshine—full steam ahead! For additional safety and paddling resources, click here.
Follow this paddling safety checklist and you’ll be well on your way to a fun and safe day on the river!
Bonus Material: What if I Flip?
Flipping is always a possibility even for experienced paddlers. In the event of a flip, stay calm. The first step is to hold onto your boat and your paddle. For river kayaking, the easiest method is to hold on to your boat and kick your way to shore where you can take-out and re-situate yourself.
Next Steps
Ready to hit the water? Request a free copy of the latest Susquehanna River Paddling Guide, with various river itineraries for different sections of the river, including two different options for the North Branch, which flows directly through Columbia & Montour Counties!
Now get out and have some fun on the river this year! (PC: Five Mountain Outfitters Co.)
The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) releases paddling itineraries in their “Explore the Susquehanna” newsletter every June. To receive these emails, sign up here.
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Nestled in picturesque northeastern Pennsylvania near the Pocono Mountains, Columbia & Montour counties offer things to do to satisfy everyone – from the outdoor enthusiast to the history buff. Here are my top 10, in no particular order:
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic.
With more than 13,000 acres, Ricketts Glen State Park, located at 695 State Route 487, above Benton in Columbia County, is one of the most scenic areas in all of Pennsylvania. The park is annually one of the most popular in the state, for good reason. Ricketts Glen is home to the Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. Hike the Falls Trail and explore the Glens, which has a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside. The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of 22 named waterfalls in the park. Old growth timber and diverse wildlife add to the scenic landscape and inspiring beauty.
The 245-acre Lake Jean offers swimming and boating (electric motors only). A boat rental concession operates during the summer season and offers rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and canoes. Ten modern cabins are available for rental year-round and the park also has 120 campsites. To learn more about Ricketts Glen State Park, visit their official website.
2. Montour Preserve
The Montour Preserve – Photo Credit: @kyleshikes
Located off Route 54 near Danville, the Montour Preserve is a hiker’s paradise with 11 trails located around Lake Chillisquaque, a 165-acre reservoir on the middle branch of Chillisquaque Creek. An Environmental Education Center is located near the entrance to the Preserve and is a great place for kids and adults alike to learn about some of the region’s history, animal inhabitants, and more. If you’re out exploring the trails or enjoying the lake, you may just spot a majestic bald eagle overhead, as they will occasionally nest around the lake.
While visiting the Preserve, visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many lakeside pavilions, try their hand at fishing in the lake, or visit the Montour Preserve Fossil Pit, which consists of approximately one acre of exposed Mahantango Formation shale. Formed some 395 million years ago during the Devonian Period when much of Pennsylvania was covered by a warm, shallow sea, these shales are particularly rich in fossils. The best part? You can keep anything that you find!
The Montour Preserve – Photo Credit: @teamhontz
March is an especially great time to visit the Preserve, namely for the annual Maple Sugaring Open House. This year’s open house is planned for Saturday, February 29, during the hours of 9:30am – 1:30pm, and again on Saturday, March 14, during the hours of 12:00pm – 4:00pm. On Saturday, February 29, the program will include a pancake breakfast from 9am – 11am (tickets must be purchased in advance) and outdoor demonstrations at the sugar shack and sugar bush from 9:30am – 1:30pm.
On Saturday, March 14, the program will include both an indoor and an outdoor component. The two-hour program begins in the Environmental Education Center with a short talk and film on the cultural and natural history of maple sugaring. This is followed by a short walk to the sugar shack and sugar bush to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of maple sugaring. Attendees may choose to attend the indoor and/or the outdoor portions of the day’s programs. Maple products will be available for purchase on both dates as in previous years. Participants should dress for the weather. The sugaring open house programs are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Jon Beam, Assistant Director, Montour Area Recreation Commission at: JBeam@MontourRec.com.
The Montour Preserve is open from dawn until dusk daily year-round. The Visitors’ Center is open Monday – Saturday from 8 AM – 4 PM during mid-February through mid-December. It is open Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 4 PM during the winter season (mid-December through mid-February). The Montour Preserve is managed by the Montour Area Recreation Commission. To learn more about the Montour Preserve,visit their official website.
3. Knoebels Amusement Resort
The Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Resort
Regardless of whether you are a local to the area or a potential visitor from outside the area, Knoebels Amusement Resort is an absolute can’t-miss each year. Visit America’s largest free-admission amusement park and make new memories the old fashioned way with classic rollercoasters, kid-friendly rides, swimming, camping, golf and attractions for the whole family!
Whether you want a tame ride or a thrill, Knoebels has it all. Be sure to try the Phoenix, a classic wooden coaster that has been ranked as the top wooden roller coaster in the worldfor the past two years at the annual Golden Ticket Awards, presented by Amusement Today. This nostalgic favorite always offers a thrill that won’t disappoint. A fast ride with upwards acceleration and a “double out and back” layout has passengers flying through the air and catching a bird’s eye view of the rolling, tree-covered hills. Aptly named, the Phoenix was reborn at Knoebels in 1985 after rising from the ashes of its history as the “Rocket” roller coaster, which was built in 1947 in San Antonio TX.
Another favorite is “Flying Turns”, a trackless wooden bobsled coaster that is the only of its kind in the world. Each car leaves the rails for a ride controlled only by the forces of gravity and momentum. A modern remake of an old Coney Island classic, this ride will not disappoint adrenaline seekers. The park also has classic rides like bumper cars, the ferris wheel, and a historic carousel.
Flying Turns at Knoebels Amusement Resort
Want to take a break from the action? Not a big ride fan? There are plenty of other attractions at Knoebels for the casual amusement park fan. Take a tour of the museums, visit the bald eagle habitat, try your hand at mini golf, or enjoy an immersive 4D movie experience. You can even watch live demonstrations from the Black Smith and Lost Logger in the Americana section. Just down the road from the park, you even can enjoy 18 holes at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course. For more information about Knoebels Amusement Resort, visit their official website.
4. Historic Covered Bridges of Columbia & Montour Counties
The Sam Eckman Bridge is one of 25 Historic Covered Bridges in the Counties
Pennsylvania is the state with the most covered bridges remaining in the country, with approximately 200 bridges. Columbia and Montour counties are home to 25 of the state’s covered bridges. This places the counties as having the third highest number of bridges in the entire United States, only behind Parke County, Indiana and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. No two covered bridges are alike and each one has its own history, personality and story to tell. Columbia County alone has 19 bridges, Montour County has two covered bridges and four additional bridges span the divide between Columbia & Northumberland counties. Explore on your own or join the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau for its 7th annual Covered Bridge Bus Tour in May of 2020 (call the Columbia-Montour Welcome Center at 570-784-8279 for details). Many of the bridges are located on quiet dirt roads or in small town parks, so the journey to each will be a pleasant trip into the rural countryside.
Perhaps the most iconic highlight of the area’s covered treasures are the East and West Paden “Twin” Covered Bridges. They are one of only two sets of twin bridges in the country. If you are interested in visiting the area’s historic historic covered bridges, you can find more information right here.
5. Covered Bridge & Arts Festival
The Covered Bridge & Arts Festival
Situated in the beautiful surroundings of Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, the Covered Bridge & Arts Festival has something for everyone. More than 350 craft vendors & 38 food vendors, amusement park rides, free parking & free admission make it a fun excursion for the family. The festival annually draws over 150,000 visitors over the course of the four days, making it one of the largest craft shows in the state.
Also offered on several days during the festival are guided bus tours to several of the Columbia County covered bridges – including the Twin Covered Bridges. The traditional journey includes the following bridges: Paar’s Mill, Esther Furnace, Davis, Hollingshead, Rupert, Josiah Hess, Stillwater, East & West Paden (the “Twin Bridges”), and occasionally the Johnson Bridge (time permitting). Tickets must be purchased in advance for the bus tours.
The 39th Annual Covered Bridge & Arts Festival will take place October 8 – 11, 2020. For more information about this year’s festival, please visit the official Covered Bridge & Arts Festival web page.
6. Briggs Farm Blues Festival
The annual Briggs Farm Blues Festival is gearing up for its 23rd annual show this year on July 9-11, 2020. One of the most-awarded blues festivals in the country, BriggsFest continues to provide world-class blues music in a family-friendly environment. There’s something for everyone to enjoy – from farm-fresh sweet corn and soul food to a vendor village and free hay rides pulled by red antique tractors. Located on Route 93 only a few miles north of Interstate 80, Briggs Farm is easy to reach and offers camping as well as easy access to nearby hotels. To find out what’s playing on BriggsFest’s three stages in 2020, visit Briggs Farm’s festival website.
Briggs Farm Blues Fest
7. Bloomsburg Fair
The Bloomsburg Fair – Photo Credit: @ryguysworld
Anyone familiar with Central Pennsylvania will be able to tell you about the Bloomsburg Fair. The Fair is celebrating its 165th year in 2020, and will run from September 25 – October 3. Check out the agricultural exhibits and the national act concerts – see Brad Paisley on September 27th and Chicago on October 2nd, just to name a few. However, the biggest draw to the Bloomsburg Fair is undoubtedly THE FOOD. Whatever you could imagine – funnel cakes, cheesesteaks, bacon flavored cotton candy, 50 different flavors of egg rolls, cinnamon ice cream, apple dumplings, deep fried pickles or oreos, corn dogs, caramel apples, pierogies – you can find it at the Bloomsburg Fair. Amusement rides, demolition derby, tractor pulls, horse races, tigers, and wild west shows are all just added bonuses. For more info, head over the the Bloomsburg Fair’s official website.
8. Bill’s Old Bike Barn
Bills Old Bike Barn outside of Berwick, PA.
Bill’s Old Bike Barn on Rt. 11 between Bloomsburg and Berwick is a must-see experience for everyone, both young and old. Bill’s has amazing displays of motorcycles and memorabilia from all around the globe. Each time you visit you’re sure to find another item you missed on your previous trips. The front room of motorcycles is impressive enough, but then you’ll find the military display in the next room, complete with foxhole, a ’45 NOS Military Bike, a 30-caliber machine gun, and even palm trees finished off with Spanish moss! No detail was left out, right down to the 1940 military parachute that covers the display. Also, a 1913 Harley Silent Grey Fellow and a 1914 Triumph have taken their place along with vintage European carousel horses and pristine Moto Guzzi’s and the incomparable 1909 Peugot.
Bill also collects 1939 New York World’s Fair memorabilia, which is displayed along Main Street in Billville, the little village constructed inside the building that is complete with a mock mansion, smoke shop, music store and a 1939 New York World’s Fair Bar. Countless other rooms display oddities and collectibles that Bill has found over the years. One of his most recent additions was an entire room devoted to Mickey Mouse memorabilia, which is an absolutely incredible sight to see.
Bill’s Old Bike Barn is open year-round Thursdays & Fridays from 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturdays from 9:30 AM – 3 PM, and Sundays from 1 PM – 5 PM. Admission is just $5.00. For more information, visit Bill’s Old Bike Barn’s official website.
9. Berwick Christmas Boulevard and Winterfest
Every night in December, Market Street in Berwick comes alive with lights, animatronics, singing displays, and decorations on the annual Berwick Christmas Boulevard. Bring the whole family and drive the one-mile route to enjoy the festive displays and wave to Santa from the warmth of your car. On December 1st, the Christmas Boulevard powers up its lights, while the town also plays host to the Berwick Winterfest. The sidewalks will be packed with delicious foods, toasty drinks, and craft vendors. Other activities include free cookie decorating, horse & carriage rides, a gingerbread house contest, crafts, face painting, marshmallow-roasting stations, live music and ice-sculpting. Find more information about the Christmas Boulevard and Winterfest and plan to pay Berwick a visit in 2020.
10. Benton Rodeo
Benton Championship Rodeo
Cowboys and cowgirls from across the country come to northern Columbia County each July to compete in activities such as bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, bareback bronc riding, and more at the Benton Rodeo grounds. If you’ve never been to a rodeo before, you’re in for quite a show. The Benton Championship Rodeo is considered one of the finest rodeos east of the Mississippi, with competitors vying for top honors each night.
The rodeo will be celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2020, and will host the Championship Rodeo and Frontier Days Celebration from July 14 – 19. For more information about this year’s upcoming rodeo, visit the Benton Rodeo Association’s official website.
The weather outside is changing and the leaves will soon be in their autumn glory, which means it will be time to celebrate the start of fall in Columbia & Montour Counties with the 42nd Annual Covered Bridge & Arts Festival! This immensely popular four-day fall festival will be held at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds in Bloomsburg, PA from Thursday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 6th. Hours for the event are 9 AM – 5 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 9 AM – 4 PM on Sunday. The event is produced and coordinated by the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau. Parking and admission to the festival are FREE and tour buses are always welcome.
Visitors will enjoy one of the East Coast’s largest craft festivals, which features 300+ fine arts and craft vendors, food vendors, wine, beer & spirit tastings, fall activities, live fine artist crafting demonstrations, a weekend petting zoo, and much more. The Covered Bridge & Arts Festival has been awarded the tag of one of the 200 Best Arts & Craft Shows in the country ten times by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
Columbia & Montour Counties are home to 25 covered bridges, third most in the United States, and the area festival pays homage to these historic treasures. Visitors can elect to spend a day or two at the festival and another portion of their visit sightseeing the counties’ iconic bridges, nestled in the rural Central Pennsylvania landscape amongst a vibrant fall foliage backdrop.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will be able to see some of the crafters working on their craft in real-time, right in front of them. From painting to photography, woodcrafts, textiles, pottery, blown glass, jewelry, handmade fudge, hot sauces, and so much more, the event will have something for everyone to find for even the pickiest of family members on the Christmas gift list. And with 30+ food vendors, there will be no shortage of delicious fall treats to enjoy as you shop.
The Covered Bridge & Arts Festival will also feature a weekend petting zoo and a few carnival games for children in attendance. Plus, kids can enjoy completing a festival scavenger hunt, available all four days of the event and organized by the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum. Prizes will be awarded to all youth who complete the hunt.
On Saturday, October 5th, there will be live music at the bandshell throughout the day. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Knorrwood will take the stage. Knorrwood is an American-based instrumental folk-rock duo featuring brothers Wes Knorr (acoustic guitar) and Joey Knorr (percussion). Their magical kinship built upon rock n’ roll roots is heavily adorned by inspirations of ethnic music, cinematic soundscapes, and epic folklore. From 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. a well-known local group from Danville, Strawberry Ridge, will entertain audiences with their signature twist on bluegrass music. Expect to hear traditional old favorites as well as some modern songs in their repertoire. And finally, the Mighty Susquehannas will close out the live music schedule by playing from 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.. The Mighty Susquehannas are an ensemble of musicians who bring a variety of styles and influences to the table with a wide catalog of original material. Their self-proclaimed genre of River Funk has been central to their sound as the years pass along. They blend together healthy doses of Funk, Jam-Band, and Alternative Rock that has a little something for everybody.
There will be several new features of note this year at the festival. For classic automobile lovers, a variety of classic cars and trucks will be on display as part of a cruise-in. Classic car owners who would like to display their vehicles at the Covered Bridge & Arts Festival are still able to pre-register to do so. There is no cost for owners to bring their cars to the event, and a simple form can be filled out on the festival’s website page.
For the first time at the event, there will also be vesper services on Sunday morning at 8 AM, prior to the beginning of the festival that day. And returning this year after a hiatus will be a special guided covered bridge bus tour, leaving directly from the festival on Saturday, October 5th. Tickets for the bus tour are $30 per person. Bridges being visited on the tour will include: Rupert, Wanich, Shoemaker, Kramer, Patterson, East & West Paden Twins, Josiah Hess, and Stillwater. The bus tour will last from approximately 10 AM – 1 PM. The bus will leave from and return to the Festival. To learn more or purchase tickets, please contact the Visitors Bureau office at 570-784-8279.
For more information about the event or to plan your trip to the region, please click here.
It’s BACK – Cozy up in Columbia & Montour Counties this fall with the second annual Sweets & Spirits Trail, happening November 2nd through 10th!
Celebrate the harvest season by visiting eight Central PA wineries and one distillery and enjoying wine/spirits tastings with special sweet treat pairings. Some locations may also provide the recipe for the baked good so you can take it home with you and make it over the holidays! As you travel the trail, you’ll get your wine trail ticket authorized. Once you’ve visited each location, you’ll be eligible to win great prizes from the participating wineries.
**NOTE** Hours vary for each winery. The trail can be completed at any point from November 2-10 during each winery’s normal business hours. While hours are listed for participants this year, please consider visiting individual wineries’ websites or Facebook pages to confirm individual hours of operation as locations’ hours may change on short notice. No purchase necessary to win prizes; wine trail tickets are free. However, please note that wine tastings at each stop may have fees if you choose to indulge!
𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔: 1. If you are interested in participating in the Sweets & Spirits Trail, simply proceed to one of the wineries of your choosing during the posted event dates (you may start at whichever one you’d like). 2. Pick up a free event ticket at the first winery you visit – all will have tickets available. 3. Fill out 1/2 of the ticket and turn it in at the first winery. Keep the other half to record stamps/signatures. 4. Enjoy your first wine pairing and have your ticket authorized in the assigned space for that particular winery. 5. Proceed to the rest of the wineries during their normal business hours and enjoy delectable wines and sweet treat pairings + get more stamps/autographs! 6. At your final winery stop, turn in your completed second half of the ticket to be entered to win any of the prizes. All participants who complete every stop on the trail will have a chance to win any of the prizes. Prizes will include a variety of individual winery gift baskets as well as a grand prize basket that will feature bottles of wine from the participating locations.
𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: – Shade Mountain Winery: Smore treat paired w/ either our Sparkling Three Witches (semi-sweet white sparkler) or Proprietor’s Red (semi-dry red wine) MORE PAIRINGS TBA
Elysburg, PA – Though Labor Day marked the end of daily operation at Knoebels, there’s plenty of fun in store at Knoebels in September and October. Knoebels is excited to announce its fall events, including September Weekends, Knoebel Lumber 5K, and Hallo-Fun.
Knoebels is open weekends in September with ride passes available. Saturday hours are noon-8PM and Sunday hours are noon-7PM. On September 21, there will be a “Buy One Today, Get One Next May” promotion, providing guests who purchase a ride pass that day with a free ride pass to use on select dates in May 2025.
Another upcoming fundraiser is the 31th annual Knoebel Lumber 5K on October 5. All proceeds benefit Ralpho Township Public Library. Registration is at Pavilion L at 8AM and the race begins at 9AM. An official race t-shirt is provided to those who register early, and prizes are awarded to top finishers.
Once again, there will be four weekends of Hallo-Fun, Knoebels’ Halloween event. This year, guests can visit on October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, and 25-27 with park hours on Fridays from 6-10PM, Saturdays from 2-10PM and Sundays from noon-5PM. Ride passes or individual ride tickets are available.
During Hallo-Fun, Knoebels transforms into a festive environment for the whole family. The entire park features fall décor, and seasonal menu items are debuted. Some rides even take on a whole new life with a Halloween theme, including the Pioneer Train and Haunted Antique Cars.
“We are looking forward to another exiting year for Hallo-Fun,” said Jon Slodysko, Knoebels’ Rides Operations Manager and lead for the Hallo-Fun event. “This year, we will once again expand our offering of thrills and chills to enhance this event that the entire family can enjoy. In 2024, we will offer more rides, more seasonal foods, and more activities to complement our already extensive fall and Halloween décor, creating the ultimate Hallo-Fun experience!”
from the Danville Business Alliance; photo credit to VisualFlow Creative Co.
Danville, PA — The Danville Business Alliance is thrilled to invite residents and visitors to the Danville Heritage Festival from September 6-8, 2024, in conjunction with the 46th Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Held the first Saturday after Labor Day, this beloved event is a celebration of Danville’s vibrant community spirit, rich history, and diverse culture, featuring food, shopping, and entertainment that make this community a special place.
“We are excited to bring together our community and visitors for a weekend that truly showcases what makes Danville so unique,” said Rebecca Dressler, Executive Director of the Danville Business Alliance. “This festival offers something for everyone—from history buffs and art lovers to families looking for a fun day out. It’s a perfect way to experience the charm and hospitality of Danville.”
The festival kicks off on Friday, September 6, at 4:00 PM with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the dedication of Canal Park, where a new mural celebrating Danville’s history and heritage will be unveiled. Over the weekend, attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities and events for all ages, including:
Pediatric Cancer Awareness Kickoff: A meaningful partnership with the Central & Northeastern PA Pediatric Cancer Awareness Committee for their kickoff event, supporting the fight against pediatric cancer.
Train Excursions: A unique way to explore the scenic beauty of the area. Round-trip trains depart the Danville Middle School at 10 a.m. towards Bloomsburg and 1:00 p.m. towards Northumberland. Tickets can be purchased at Scott’s Floral or the Danville Business Alliance office, or online at visitdanvillepa.org/events.
Live Music: Enjoy performances from talented local bands rocking the Canal Park stage throughout the weekend.
Local Canals Presentation: Discover the historical importance of local canals with a special presentation in Canal Park.
Historical Speakers’ Series: Engage with expert speakers at the Thomas Beaver Free Library for a deeper understanding of our region’s past.
Montour County Courthouse Tour: Learn about the architecture and history of this historic building with a guided tour.
Living History Demonstrations: Experience as history comes alive with interactive demonstrations.
Ring of Fire: This demonstration explores the process of changing a steam locomotive tire by burning gas to sweat tires off or on the rims.
Guided Walking Tours: Explore Danville’s scenic and historic sites, including the Memorial Park Walking Tour, North Branch Canal Trail, and Eel Dam River Walk.
Montgomery & Boyd House Museum Tours: Discover Danville’s local history through museum exhibits.
Foraging for Wild Medicinal Plants: Join Kristin Mikita on a guided foraging event at the Old Grove Farm at Edgemont to learn about foraging for wild medicinal plants as well as their preparations and uses.
Fireworks: End the day with a stunning fireworks display over the Danville/Riverside Bridge that will light up the North Branch Susquehanna River and the night sky.
The 46th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, September 7, will feature over 140 vendors, including a variety of food trucks serving BBQ, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Egyptian cuisine, pizza, sno-cones, ice cream, and baked goods. Craft vendors will showcase handmade items such as upcycled furniture, handcrafted jewelry, spa products, home décor, fine arts, crocheted items, dog accessories, pottery, candles, and more. This outdoor event, held on Mill St. and Lower Mulberry, also includes activities for kids and is a platform for local nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and funds for their causes.
“This event is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of our community’s past, present, and future,” added Dressler. “We want families to come and experience the best of Danville—our history, our culture, our food, and our local artisans and businesses. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create memories with family and friends.”
The festival is free to attend, with food, drink, and shopping available on a pay-as-you-go basis. The festivities are set to take place in the heart of downtown Danville, where streets will be closed to traffic to create a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors.
For more information on the Danville Heritage Festival and the 46th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts event, visit www.visitdanvillepa.org/events. Join us for a weekend filled with history, culture, and community spirit as we celebrate all things Danville!
by Nancy Bishop & CMVB Staff Originally published in August, 2019; revised for August, 2024
Visiting the area for the Little League World Series in Williamsport? When you’re not at the games in Lamade Stadium from August 14 – August 25, you may want to take advantage of the many other things to do and see in the surrounding area. There are so many fantastic things to do during your stay!
Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park.
To start, you’re certainly going to want to go to the nationally-known, award winning Knoebels Amusement Resort. If you’re not familiar with Knoebels, there’s no general admission fee for the park – you only pay for the rides you go on. And parking is always free.
Try out Flying Turns, the world’s only wooden bobsled
rollercoaster, and go freewheeling, swooping and swerving through some
thrilling hairpin turns! Or make a splash on Giant Flume – a great way to cool
off on a hot summer day.
Of course, if less thrilling rides are more to your liking, there’s the century old Grand Carousel, the Giant Ferris Wheel, or Ole Smokey, a miniature steam engine train that will take you on a leisurely ride along a scenic edge of the park and over the stream that runs through the park.
A must-see while you’re attending the World Series is the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum at the Little League complex in South Williamsport. The museum tells a chronological story of the league’s development from its beginning in 1939. It’s been a favorite destination for my grandkids whenever they’re visiting me. They especially enjoy the interactive exhibits.
The Crosscutters are one of six teams in the MLB Draft League.
Can’t get enough baseball? The Williamsport Crosscutters will have home games on August 23 and August 25 at 6:35 p.m. each evening vs. the State College Spikes. Part of the MLB’s summer Draft League, the Crosscutters play at BB&T Ballpark, the second-oldest operational minor league stadium in the country.
Pick your own peaches at Rohrbach’s Farm; photo courtesy of @ladymccoyy_
Looking for a farm fresh experience during your stay in Central Pennsylvania? Be sure to give your tastebuds a treat and visit Rohrbach’s Farm in Catawissa, open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The farm also hosts Big Dan’s BBQ as well as an outlet location of Freas Farm Winery. While at the farm, be sure to try some of the classic Rohrbach’s desserts at the bakery, browse the farm’s gift shop, explore the sunflower field, or pick out the perfect batch of peaches. Great photo opportunities!
Need some exercise after all that sitting at the games? Take your family to Ricketts Glen State Park to lounge on the beach, hike the nationally renowned Falls Trail, or try one of the park’s various programs throughout the week.
Don’t want to drive that far? Visit Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, on Rt. 15 in nearby Allenwood. With more than 40 species on site, you’ll see exotic reptiles and amphibians from around the world.
Reptiland is a favorite stop for all ages.
For an authentic Central Pennsylvania adventure, consider exploring the Susquehanna River by kayak with one of the area’s licensed outfitters. To plan a water excursion, Five Mountain Outfitters in Shikshinny and Riverside Adventure Company in Danville all offer rental services. For a more laid back water experience, simply rent a kayak for a few hours at the Montour Preserve, located just 15 minutes north of Danville. The Preserve is home to Lake Chillisquaque, a 165 acre reservoir lake.
The Montour Preserve is a great place to enjoy nature; kayak the lake, enjoy a peaceful picnic, or explore the fossil pit.
The Montour Preserve also has a fossil pit that was formed some 395 million years ago during the Devonian Period when much of Pennsylvania was covered by a warm, shallow sea. The most commonly found fossils at the site are Pelecypods (oyster, mussel and clam-type species), Cephalopods, Brachiopods (lamp shells), Byrozoans (moss-like animals), Crinoids, Gastropods (snail-like creatures), Corals and Trilobites. The site is open from dawn to dark year-round. Admission is free and visitors may keep any fossils they find. While not necessary, fossil pit visitors are encouraged to come prepared with some basic supplies, including: small geologist’s hammer, soft brush, safety goggles, a bag or bucket to carry fossils and supplies and newspaper or other material to wrap fossils for safekeeping.
Winning photograph will be featured as this year’s edition of Visitors Bureau’s historic Covered Bridge Puzzle series.
BLOOMSBURG, PA – The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce this year’s Covered Bridge Photo Contest winner. The winning image will be featured as the 2024 Covered Bridge Puzzle. This year’s puzzle will be released in the fall as the fourteenth installment in the Visitors Bureau’s limited-edition series, and will feature the Johnson Covered Bridge for the first time.
Tony Berard’s snapshot of the Johnson Bridge in Columbia County was selected as this year’s overall winner. Tony taught mathematics at King’s College for forty years. During breaks from teaching, he experimented with travel photography. Upon his retirement in 2012, he had more time to pursue photography as a serious hobby. He joined the Hazleton Camera Club, where he has remained an active member, having served as president in 2023. Tony and his wife live in Conyngham and enjoy visiting and photographing the historic covered bridges of Columbia and Montour counties.
Several other photographers were recognized in this year’s contest with an honorable mention designation: Ben Prepelka (photo featuring Sam Wagner Covered Bridge), Mark Koskulitz (Snyder & Johnson Covered Bridges), Margie Hunsinger (Hollingshead Covered Bridge), Bob Erlsten (Snyder Covered Bridge), and Kristina Martyniuk (Rupert Covered Bridge). The Visitors Bureau would like to thank everyone who submitted photos to the contest.
The Johnson Covered Bridge was built in 1882 by Daniel Stine. Stine built this three-panel Queenpost truss bridge for approximately $750. The Johnson Bridge is 61 feet long and spans Mugser Run in Cleveland Township, just east of Knoebels Amusement Resort and west of Numidia. The bridge’s namesake is most likely Adam M. Johnson, a farmer who owned the land where the bridge is located. Johnson also owned a boot and shoe store near this site. It is believed that the bridge was originally built to provide a safer crossing of Mugser Run to reach his farm and store.
The Visitors Bureau is now taking pre-orders for the 2024 Johnson Covered Bridge puzzles – cost is $18, tax included. Puzzles are 550 pieces and supplies are limited. Individuals interested in pre-ordering a puzzle may visit: itourcolumbiamontour.com/2024-puzzle-pre-order-formto fill out the order form with a name, contact info, and number of puzzles requested. No payment will be taken at the time of pre-order. When the finished puzzles arrive (likely in September), those on the pre-order list will be contacted directly to arrange pickup or shipping plans. Afterward, any puzzles not reserved for pre-orders will be made available to the general public to purchase at the Visitors Bureau Welcome Center. Puzzles can also be shipped for an additional fee.
A donation of $2 from every puzzle sold will be made by the Bureau to the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association to go toward restoration and preservation of local covered bridge treasures. The Columbia County Covered Bridge Association restores, preserves, and advocates for the covered bridges of Columbia County for historical and recreational purposes. Their purpose is simple: they recognize the historic importance of the covered bridges as a public treasure to be available to, and be enjoyed by, the public. This non-profit association protects the area’s covered bridges not only for today, but also for future generations.
As an easy way to visit the historic covered bridges of Columbia & Montour Counties, the Visitors Bureau has also renewed a free mobile passport program that allows users to “check-in” at each bridge using their phone’s GPS proximity. The program offers directions and more information about each bridge along the way. Once travelers have used their passport to check-in at 13 bridges, they will receive a free commemorative patch as well as a handmade wooden replica ornament of the West Paden Twin Covered Bridge in Orangeville. If users complete all 25 bridge visits prior to December 31 of this year, they will also be entered in a grand prize drawing for an overnight getaway package in Columbia County as well as a piece of original artwork from area artist Pam Thomas. Those interested in signing up for the free passport may do so by visiting the Visitors Bureau’s website and navigating to the “Covered Bridges” page.
For more information about the Columbia-Montour region, and all the things to see and do in the area, please visit www.iTourColumbiaMontour.com or contact the Bloomsburg Welcome Center at 570-784-8279.
The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau’s popular annual Covered Bridge Puzzle series is returning for the 14th year. This year’s puzzle will feature the Johnson Covered Bridge (pictured below). If you’d like to pre-order one or more puzzles this year, you may do so by submitting the form below. Simply fill in your name, how many puzzles you’d like, your phone number and your email address.
Things to Note: 1. If you place a pre-order, you will be contacted directly via email and/or phone to let you know that puzzles have arrived at the Welcome Center, located at 121 Papermill Road in Bloomsburg. Puzzles will likely arrive at some point in September, 2024.
2. Puzzles are $18, tax included. No payment is collected in advance during this pre-order process.
3. If you need your puzzle(s) shipped to you, an additional shipping fee will be charged. 2024 shipping rates are as follows: 1 puzzle = $12 additional shipping fee; 2 puzzles = $14 additional shipping fee; 3 puzzles = $16 additional shipping fee.
4. Puzzles will be 550 pieces and will have a finished size of 18″ x 24″.
BERWICK PA – Journey Bank will host their third annual photography competition on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 Market St., Berwick, PA. The contest features local photographers who reside or study within a 50 mile radius of any Journey Bank office.
Journey Bank is proud to support local art programs and to celebrate the talent found in our local communities.
The event is free to competitors. Everyone is encouraged to participate, however photographers under the age of 18 must have parental permission. Interested participants are encouraged to pick up an entry packet at any Journey Bank location starting July 1, 2024 or they may e-mail any questions to photos@journeybank.com. The deadline for submissions will be Friday, September 13, 2024.
The 2024 Competition categories are as follows: Animals/ Wildlife, Flowers, Hometown Pride, Nature/Landscape and Black & White. The Hometown Pride category is new to the competition this year. Photographs will showcase the community historical landmarks, manufacturing or assets that make small town living meaningful and tell a story.
Photographers may enter a maximum of three (3) photographs per category to be judged. Photographs must be the original work of the photographer and be taken within the last 3 years. Employees Journey Bank and any family members living in their household are not eligible.
AWARDS
The following awards will be presented at 5:00 PM on Sunday October 13, 2024:
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