Winter Wine in the Pines

Love is in the air! Celebrate an early Valentine’s Day at the 2nd Annual Winter Wine Festival located at the Danville Borough Ballroom in Danville, PA on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. It will feature Freas Farm Winery, Broad Mountain Winery, Kulpmont Winery, Red Shale Ridge Winery, and Old Forge Brewing Company beer, food tastings provided by Mayberry Hospitality Catering, Big Dan’s BBQ, Seidel’s Mardi Gras and Mirella’s Fine Cakes & Pastries. Live entertainment with Woody Wolfe and Gabe Stillman & the Billtown Giants, 50/50 drawing, chinese auction raffles and more!

Tickets will be $30.00 per person for this event. Sorry, no ticket refunds. Event will be held regardless of weather conditions.

Tickets will be sold at any of the following locations:   (Limited Seating)

  • DBA Office at 620 Mill Street, Danville
  • Old Forge Brewing Company, Mill Street, Danville
  • Red Shale Ridge Winery, Mill Street, Danville
  • Shade Mountain Winery, Riverside
  • online at visitdanvillepa.org

Any available tickets will be sold the day of the event at the door.

Don’t forget to RSVP to the official Facebook event.

Any Questions please contact the DBA office at 570-284-4502!

Destination Blues Music Festival

3 days, 18 venues, 35 performances, 70 musicians — this can only mean one thing:

The 5th annual Destination Blues Music Festival!

It takes place starting Friday, February 16th, though Sunday, February 18th, in Berwick, Bloomsburg, and Danville – “Your Blues Heaven on Route 11” in Columbia and Montour Counties, Pennsylvania.

Victor Wainwright & The Train headline, on Saturday the 17th, when they and six other bands play the landmark Caldwell Consistory at 150 Market Street in Bloomsburg.  Get your advance tickets for just $25: click here to order yours now.

Other bands at the Consistory include Vanessa Collier, Mississippi Heat, Ursula Ricks, Bobby Kyle & The AdministersDustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen, and the Uptown Music Collective’s 3rd Street Blues Band.  We’ll have food by Big Dan’s BBQ, DD Take-Outs, and Naps Pizza, as well as Turkey Hill Brewing Company beer, Freas Farm wines, Catawissa sodas, and more.

Other events throughout the weekend include bands at 16 venues on Friday afternoon and evening, with no cover charge anywhere and free buses connecting them all; Blues for breakfast and brunch on Saturday at Fog & Flame and Balzano’s in Bloomsburg, as well as live storytelling at The Exchange; and another Blues brunch at Balzano’s on Sunday, followed by the Gospel Blues performance at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomsburg. For the complete line-up, click here.

2018 Wine & Chocolate Week!

This February, treat your sweetheart to a romantic outing filled with wine and chocolate. The “Wine & Chocolate Week” in Columbia & Montour Counties is a great way to celebrate the Valentine’s Day season with a loved one, significant other, or group of friends. From Friday, February 9th to Sunday, February 18th, wineries will offer special chocolate pairings with their wines, and participants will have the chance to get tickets stamped at each location for chances to win a prize.  Each winery will provide an individual prize basket and one large Grand Prize basket will be compiled with bottles of wine from every winery. Tickets are FREE, but tasting fees may apply at several of the wineries.

The wineries participating in this year’s February Wine & Chocolate event are:

Colonel Ricketts Hard Cider Winery – Benton
Elk Mountain Winery Outlet at Stoney Acres – Benton Outlet
Freas Farm Winery – Berwick
O’Donnell Winery – Berwick
Pickering Winery – Orangeville Outlet
Red Shale Ridge Vineyards – Danville Outlet
Shade Mountain Winery & Vineyard – Riverside/Danville Outlet
Three Dogs Vino – Bloomsburg

To find a brochure of our wineries with directions and further info, please click here.  All of the wineries on the brochure will be participating EXCEPT Purple Cow Winery, who is closed for the season.  The other eight wineries are the participants to visit for the event.

**NOTE** The trail can be completed during each winery’s normal business hours. Please call or visit individual wineries’ websites for their hours of operation.  

How it Works

  1. If you are interested in participating in the Wine & Chocolate Week, 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 an 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 seasonal 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 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 prize baskets. All participants who complete every stop on the trail will have a chance to win any of the individual baskets and the Grand Prize basket regardless of where they turn in their ticket.

Early Bird Sports Expo Approaching

The 30th Annual Early Bird Sports Expo is approaching. The show is at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds on January 25-28, 2018. The doors open Thursday, Jan 25th at 4 PM. Parking is free. The hours of the show are:  Thursday 4 PM – 9 PM, Friday 10 AM – 9 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM.  The event features boats, RVs, ATVs, outfitters, hunting and fishing equipment, kayaks, the area’s finest taxidermy work, artists, sportsmen’s groups and archery suppliers.  Over 120 vendors.

The PA Hunters Safety Course will be held on Thursday Jan 25th from 6 PM – 9 PM and finishes up on Saturday Jan 27th from 9 AM -12 PM (2 day class; must attend Thursday night).  Interested individuals can register on the PA Game Commission website.  Space is limited to first 100 people who sign up – this is for both kids and adults.

This year, the 3D range is more challenging.  The course will have new moving targets to keep the archery shooter on their toes.  It is sponsored by the Staff at Drop Tine Archery once again.  Even if you do not shoot, watching others attempt their fate is always exciting.

Organizers are happy to announce that they are hosting the Daymon Davis-Jerry Zimmerman Memorial PA State Championship Turkey calling Contest.  They have had many requests for this over the years and are very excited to be able to have it this year at the Early Bird Sports Expo.  A number of people asked to bring back Frank Angelo who did demonstrations on Fly fishing with the big pond, so he’s back this year.  Frank has a heart for this sport and is willing to teach anyone the techniques on the do’s and don’ts with fly fishing.

 

Free Parking; Admission Price: $6.00 ($5.50 with coupon); Kids under 12 – Free.

Military Personnel:  Free with ID.

Senior Day (65+), Friday, Jan. 26, (10 am – 3 pm only) – $3.00

Show Hours:
Thursday, January 25th: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Friday, January 26th: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday, January 27th: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, January 28th: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

For more details, visit the Early Bird Sports Expo’s website.

New Year’s Eve 5K

Lace up those running shoes – the Bloomsburg Area YMCA is getting ready for their annual New Year’s Eve 5K! Whether you like to run for the lead, or are simply looking to walk for a good cause with your family, the YMCA would love to have you join them.

All proceeds will benefit Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility in the Bloomsburg community.

Race Day Times:
– Sunday, December 31st
– Registration/Check In: 5:00PM – 6:45PM
– Race Begins: 7:00 PM

Early Material Pick-up Time:
– Friday, December 29th 12:00PM – 7:00PM

Registration Fee:
$30

Meetup Location:
Bloomsburg Area YMCA
30 East 7th Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815

How to Register:
In person: Visit the front desk of the Bloomsburg Area YMCA and ask for a registration form to fill out.
Online: Click here to register online. Deadline for online registration is Friday, December 29th.

Be one of our first 300 participants and you are guaranteed a NYE beanie.

Montour Preserve Releases Winter Newsletter

The Montour Preserve’s Winter Newsletter has been released.  The publication provides seasonal updates on events and goings-on at the Preserve for the months of December – February.  An update is given on Great Horned Owls, various hawks, and snow fleas, and how to see each creature. There is also a feature on the what to watch for in the winter night sky, including meteor showers, moon cycles, and eclipses. There will also be a “Stars of Winter” presentation taking place from 7 – 8:30 PM on Saturday, January 13th at the Preserve.

On February 24th and also on March 4th, there will be the Preserve’s Maple Sugaring Open House at the Environmental Education Center. Maple sugaring is a truly North American tradition and has been a long tradition at Montour Preserve.  Learn some history of sugaring and follow the process from sap to syrup in this interesting family experience. Programs begin on the hour. Afterward, head to the Sugar Shack to experience the sights, sounds and scents of maple sugaring.

Looking to become a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist? Adults interested in natural history and dedicating time each year to natural resource education and conservation are encouraged to apply. Pavilion rentals are also still available at the Preserve for the 2018 season, but space is limited.  Finally, the newsletter provides an update of Visitors Center hours for the winter season. Check out the full winter newsletter here for more information, full articles, and schedules!

Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and PA Department of Environmental Protection annually host the Governor’s Environmental Awards Dinner, which honors the recipients of the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence.

The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence are presented each year to highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth. The awards are the highest statewide honor bestowed upon businesses, individuals and organizations for environmental performance and innovation.

The Wolf Administration invites all Pennsylvanians who’ve recently worked on successful environmental projects to apply for the state’s top environmental recognition: the 2018 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, honoring individuals and organizations whose dedicated efforts have improved air, land, and water quality in Pennsylvania. “The commonwealth would be a different place if not for the great work of many Pennsylvanians who tackle the full range of environmental challenges, from local creek cleanups to citywide sustainability,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “It’s a pleasure to shine a light on their work with the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence.”

DEP oversees the application and award selection process. Projects are evaluated on the basis of seven criteria: degree of environmental protection, climate change, sustainability, partnership, economic impact, innovation, and environmental education and outreach. A project doesn’t have to meet all criteria to merit an award. The award is open to all individuals, whether a project leader or participant, and to all schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, farms, and government agencies.

Past winners may submit applications for new projects, but projects that have previously received a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence are not eligible. Applications are now being accepted online. The deadline for submission is Monday, January 8, 2018, at 5 p.m. Eligible projects must have been completed before November 1, 2017. Submission guidelines may be found at the application page.

Last year, 21 organizations received awards. Their projects collectively saved 8 million kWh/year; reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions by 14,608 metric tons; captured 3.2 million gallons of stormwater runoff; saved over $105 million in operation, maintenance, and energy use expenses; conserved 3 million gallons of water; engaged 8,500 students in environmental issues; recycled 68,000 plastic bags; properly disposed of 5,287 tires; and treated 450.5 million gallons of stream water that had been laced with acid mine drainage. The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence have been presented since 1996.

The event to honor the recipients of the “2018 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence” will be held on Tuesday April 24th, 2018 at the Hilton Harrisburg.

Covered Bridge Puzzles Almost Gone!

Looking for a great Christmas gift for someone on your list?  Consider giving them a piece of commemorative local history! The Visitors Bureau annually produces a limited edition Covered Bridge puzzle featuring one of the area’s beloved bridges.  The puzzles are 500 pieces, and a limited run of 250 puzzles are created.  When they are sold, no more will be produced. This year marked the 7th year of a puzzle being produced, with this edition featuring the Josiah Hess Covered Bridge.

Currently, there are only 33 Josiah Hess puzzles left at the Visitors Bureau Welcome Center.  A reminder, once they are sold, they will be gone – no more versions of this puzzle will be produced. These puzzles are being sold at the normal rate of $12, tax included.

There are also 6 remaining Keefer Mills Covered Bridge puzzles left from the 2014 production, and 1 Esther Furnace Covered Bridge puzzle left from 2015 production. These puzzles are being sold for a discounted rate of $8, tax included. No 2016 Stillwater Covered Bridge puzzles remain.

To grab one of these puzzles before they are gone for good, please stop by the Columbia-Montour Welcome Center (121 Papermill Road in Bloomsburg). Office hours are 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday. Alternatively, please call the Visitors Bureau at 570-784-8279 or 800-847-4810. Puzzles can be mailed to customers outside the area for an additional shipping charge.

Berwick WinterFest Comes to Town

This weekend, Berwick welcomes the start of the holiday season with the town’s annual WinterFest event from 4 PM – 8 PM. The main attraction is the opening of the 71st annual Berwick Christmas Boulevard – a mile of lights along Market Street.  This is one of the oldest Christmas light displays in the state, and has delighted children and adults alike for many generations.  After walking the Boulevard, attendees can enjoy the many free downtown activities provided by businesses and local organizations. At 5 PM, Santa will light the main Christmas Tree in St. Charles Park, and the Boulevard will open at 6 PM.

To kick off the day of festivities in Berwick, there will be a free showing of The Polar Express at The Berwick Theater and Center for Community Arts at 2 PM.  In the downtown, from 5 PM – 8 PM, there will be live music by the Bennett Brothers Band. Stop by Xtreme Row to see an O-gauge model train layout and a pop-up art exhibition by The Exchange. Many local artists, including students at New Story and Northwest, Millville and Bloomsburg, as well as professional artists, have made work for the show. Every piece sells for $25, with the artist receiving $20. Throughout the evening, music, food, crafters, and shopping opportunities can be found inside and outside many of the shops along Front Street. Other activities include free cookie decorating, face painting, and horse & carriage rides. At the Shoppes at Woodin Place, there will be live ice sculpting from 4:30 – 6:30 PM along with a fire pit for marshmallow roasting. For more information about this year’s WinterFest event, visit www.experienceberwick.com.

Pitch Black Rooms at Can U Xcape

Next Wednesday, November 22nd, for one night only, guests at Can U Xcape in Bloomsburg will be able to book the Tornado, Submarine, or Upside-Down Rooms and attempt to escape by flashlight only.  The rooms will be pitch black, and teams will have to attempt to navigate their way through a series of puzzles in the pitch black rooms by flashlight only. Will taking away full use of one’s senses enhance other senses…or lead to demise?

In addition, the Tornado Room will feature BRAND NEW PUZZLES.  Perhaps you’ve Xcaped the Tornado before, but do you think you will be able to get out in the dark with new puzzles? Seeking shelter from the storm, you run to the nearest structure, an abandoned house surrounded by overgrowth. As the first tornado hits, the storm damage traps you inside. You search for a way out, and begin to piece together the mystery of the last resident. Can you make it out before the next storm arrives and live to tell your tale?

Teams must book the full room, and space is limited. No admittance to guests under 18 during this event. Submarine and Upside-down Rooms will NOT be changed at all other than lighting levels. Book now at www.canuxcape.com/book.