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10 Things to Do in Columbia & Montour Counties This Year

by: Nancy Bishop

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:

  1. Ricketts Glen State Park
  2. Montour Preserve
  3. Knoebels Amusement Resort
  4. Historic Covered Bridges of Columbia & Montour Counties
  5. Covered Bridge & Arts Festival
  6. Briggs Farm Blues Festival
  7. Bloomsburg Fair
  8. Bill’s Old Bike Barn
  9. Berwick Christmas Boulevard & Winterfest
  10. Benton Rodeo


1. Ricketts Glen State Park

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 29during 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 world for 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.

Beaver Run Spring Auction Coming April 20

Original post published in 2019 by Nancy Bishop; revised for 2024

If you’re one for a bargain, you don’t want to miss the Beaver Run Auction on Saturday, April 20, 2024. It’s not just one auction – it’s several all going on at the same time on the auction grounds at 290 PPL Road in Anthony Township.

Be sure to arrive early. Although the auction is scheduled to start at 8:30 AM, it draws a huge crowd, so you’ll need to get there early to find parking, to register and get your number so you can bid, and to check out what’s available that you might want to bid on. Be sure to bring a lawn chair! And it wouldn’t hurt to bring a spouse or other family member or friend along to help you if you want to bid on items in different categories. There can be as many as six or eight auctions going on simultaneously.

All kinds of items are auctioned: antiques, furniture, quilts, building materials, farm equipment, crafts, flowers, plants, livestock and more. Admission is free for the event, which is held on the grounds of the Beaver Run Amish School. Money raised in the auction benefits the Beaver Run School and several other Amish schools in the area. The auction is always held the third Saturday in April. There used to be an auction the first Saturday in September, though it has been replaced in recent years with a similar type of event. Please stay tuned for more details if a fall event will be held in 2024.

Photo Credit: susquehannavalley.blogspot.com

And, of course, there’s the food. Lots of food, but don’t miss the barbecued chicken and the doughnuts – and the homemade pies and ice cream!

Even if there’s nothing specific that you’re in the market for, go to the auction anyway. You might find something and it’s great entertainment. When I was a teenager, the father of one of my best friends was an auctioneer on Cape Cod. Even today when I hear the word “auction” his voice plays in my head going “Ten, ten, I’ve got ten here. Will anyone give me fifteen? Fifteen, fifteen, do I hear twenty?”

So, get in your car Saturday and head out Route 54 East from Danville to Arrowhead Rd. Turn right and follow Arrowhead Rd. to PPL Road. Then follow the line of traffic! For more information, call Jacob Hershberger, auction chairman at 570-490-0927.

Susquehanna River Water Trails Launches New Logos & Branding

March 4, 2024

Lewisburg, PA – The managers of the Susquehanna River Water Trails (SRWT) are pleased to announce the release of a logo and branding suite to promote and help users navigate this unique network for on-water recreation. In conjunction with this announcement comes some exciting public programming, including a set of videos and a Susquehanna River Sojourn Series scheduled for the 2024 paddling season.

The Susquehanna River Water Trail system was one of the first identified and designated within the Pennsylvania Water Trail Program. With over 500 miles of navigable waterway crossing 22 counties, it is also Pennsylvania’s largest water trail.

Because it is so large, the Susquehanna River Water Trail is divided into four manageable branches or sections based on river characteristics and major landmarks—the West Branch, North Branch, Middle Section, and Lower Section.

These branches are managed respectively by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (West Branch and Lower North Branch), Endless Mountains Heritage Region (Upper North Branch), Susquehanna River Trail Association (Middle Section), and Susquehanna National Heritage Area (Lower Section).

Each branch has a unique and interesting character, and the inspiration behind the new branding is meant to celebrate those differences while recognizing each within the unified Susquehanna River Water Trail system.

“The public typically sees the Susquehanna River as a whole versus the individual branches,” explains SGP Executive Director, Leslie Warriner. “The new logos and branding recognize their natural unity, but also allow the opportunity to showcase the things that make each branch special.”

To celebrate this new release, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) led production on two videos highlighting the stunning landscapes, many activities, wildlife, and landmarks to be seen on each branch. The videos can be viewed on the SGP Facebook and Instagram profiles, or by visiting https://bit.ly/SRWTvideo.

The water trail managers are also banding together to offer the ultimate sampling of the Susquehanna River this upcoming season. The Susquehanna River Sojourn Series will offer a set of four guided paddles, during which the public can experience each branch firsthand. The anticipated schedule is as follows:

  • North Branch: June 1, 2024, Oakland to Hallstead
  • Middle Section: June 29, 2024, Fort Hunter to City Island
  • Lower Section: August 17, 2024, Marietta to Columbia
  • West Branch: September 21, 2024, McElhattan to Jersey Shore

Additional details and registration will be available at susquehannagreenway.org/sojourn-series.

The logos and branding mark the completion of Phase I of the “Susquehanna River Water Trail Wayfinding Program.” Phase II will include an in-depth study of the West Branch and North Branch to determine where the new branding can be applied to signage intended to improve on-water navigation. Final reports of Phase II will then be used to guide implementation in Phase III of the program, which includes fabrication and installation of the signage.

A unified wayfinding system on the Susquehanna River Water Trail’s four branches will unite the individual sections under one cohesive wayfinding system. Intentional wayfinding will enable users to confidently engage with the water trail, mitigate risks at hazards, and facilitate exploration of new sections of trail. The addition of user-friendly information and infrastructure will also open up the availability of the Susquehanna River as a recreational destination for users of all ages and ability levels.

As the convener of the water trail managers and overseer of a landscape that overlaps with the entire water trail, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) is leading these efforts.

“The vibrant and colorful design of the logos were crafted with visibility in mind for later signage implementation,” explains Warriner. “Their versatility also allows for the eventual inclusion of the New York and Maryland sections of the Susquehanna River. Talks are in the early stages, but this is a very exciting partnership opportunity that would unite the entire Susquehanna River corridor.”

SGP would like to thank the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), whose funding makes the Wayfinding Program possible. 

Detailed maps of the Susquehanna River Water Trail are available for purchase on SGP’s online shop at susquehannagreenway.org/shop. The SGP website also hosts free day-trip itineraries and planning resources at susquehannagreenway.org/water-trails.

For more information about the Susquehanna River Water Trail, visit susquehannagreenway.org/water-trails.

Covered Bridge Photo Contest Returns!

Each year, the Visitors Bureau holds a photo contest to produce a 550-piece puzzle featuring one of the area covered bridges. Limited-edition puzzles have been produced the past thirteen years and have featured the East & West Paden bridges (multiple times), the Knoebels Bridge, Keefer Mills Bridge, Esther Furnace Bridge, Stillwater Bridge, Josiah Hess Bridge, Rupert Bridge, Kramer Bridge, a special Twin Bridges 10th Anniversary Puzzle, the Wanich Bridge, the Parr’s Mill Bridge, and most recently, the Jud Christian Bridge.  The 2024 edition of the puzzle will be released for sale to the public this fall, and will be based on the winner of this year’s photo contest. Extremely limited quantities of past years’ puzzles (2022 & 2023) are still available at our Welcome Center. If you are interested in purchasing a past edition, please visit the Welcome Center during normal business hours (M-F; 8:30am – 4:30pm).

– 2024 PHOTO CONTEST – 

The 2024 Covered Bridge Photo Contest is BACK! The contest will run from March 11 – May 31.

HOW TO ENTER

Click Here to Enter! This year, submit your photo directly into our online form. Note – there is a MAX file size of 20mb. If your image is selected as a finalist and a higher resolution photo is required, we will reach out via email.

RULES & REGULATIONS:

  1. Entry to the contest is FREE.
  2. All photos must be owned by the person submitting them. By submitting, you are giving the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau permission to use your photo as their 2024 puzzle and in future marketing efforts for the contest and for the counties.
  3. All photos should be high-resolution (at least 2000 pixels on shortest side).
  4. A max of FOUR photos per photographer will be accepted.
  5. All photos must be of bridges located within either Columbia County or Montour County. For a map/list of the bridges, please click here.
  6. NEW Guideline for 2024 – judging preference will be given to photos featuring one of the following twelve bridges:
    • Creasyville Bridge
    • Davis Bridge
    • Fowlersville Bridge
    • Hollingshead Bridge
    • Johnson Bridge
    • Krickbaum Bridge
    • Patterson Bridge
    • Richards Bridge
    • Sam Eckman Bridge
    • Sam Wagner Bridge
    • Shoemaker Bridge
    • Snyder Bridge

IMPORTANT NOTE: Photo submissions of ALL 25 of our bridges WILL still be considered, and an outstanding image of one of our bridges not listed above still has a chance to be selected as the winner.

The top overall photo will be selected by the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau to be featured as the 2024 Covered Bridge Puzzle. The winning photographer will have their name and a short bio published on the puzzle box. The winner will also receive a free puzzle and will be announced to local press outlets.

New Digital Magazine Available

Here’s our winter online digital quarterly magazine! 


If you enjoy this edition, please feel free to forward a friend!
Your friends at the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau

Valentine’s Wine, ‘Shine & Chocolate Trail Returns!

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿! Enjoy a sweet journey through the wineries and distilleries of Columbia & Montour Counties this Valentine’s season with that special someone, or with your go-to group of friends! From February 9-18, visit seven participating area wineries along with one area distillery to enjoy special wine/spirits & chocolate features for a chance to win wine & spirits – themed prizes.

From Friday, February 9th through Sunday, February 18th, trail-goers can travel from location to location, tasting delicious seasonal wine & spirits features. Along the way, participants will be able to get their tickets stamped at each location. Trail-goers who visit every participating location will be entered to win a series of great winery-themed prizes.

The wineries participating in the Valentine’s Wine, ‘Shine & Chocolate Trail are:
🍷 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 – 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻
Address: 4378 Red Rock Rd, Benton, PA 17814
🧉 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆
Address: 204 Montour Boulevard, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
🍷 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘆
Address: 130 Twin Church Road, Berwick, PA 18603
🍷 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝟱 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺
Address: 1549 SR 487, Orangeville, PA 17859
🍷 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗼
Address: 214 Tabernacle Rd, New Columbia, PA 17856
🍷 𝗞𝘂𝗹𝗽𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗹’ 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗻 – 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻
Address: 9 S Comstock Rd, Benton, PA 17814
🍷 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘆 & 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗿𝗱 – 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲/𝗗𝗮𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁
Address: 1 D and H Ave, Danville, PA 17821
🍷 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗼
Address: 129 Hidlay Church Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Please note that hours vary for each location. The trail can be completed at any point from February 9-18 during each winery’s open business hours. Please call ahead or visit individual participating wineries’ websites or social media pages for hours of operation. No purchase necessary to win prize baskets; wine & spirits trail tickets are free, but please note that tastings at each stop may have fees if you choose to indulge.

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙩 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨:

  1. If you are interested in participating in the Valentine’s Wine, ‘Shine & Chocolate Trail, simply proceed to one of the locations 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 place you visit – all will have tickets available.
  3. Fill out 1/2 of the ticket and turn it in at your initial stop. Keep the other half to record stamps/signatures.
  4. Enjoy your first seasonal wine tasting 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 + 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 prizes (gift cards and individual winery baskets) or the Grand Prize basket regardless of where they turn in their ticket.

𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨:
– 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 (𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚): Trailgoers can choose two of three pairings: Six Dwarfs Mint ~ Chocolate covered pretzels; Jack’s Mountain Red ~ Peanut Butter Cups; Chambourcin ~ Dark Chocolate
– 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙣 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙮: Strawberry Morgue-a-Rita paired with mini chocolate eclairs.

  • MORE FEATURES WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS TRAIL APPROACHES.

Brighter Christmas Fund: Give Santa A Helping Hand!

by Nancy Bishop

Even the Jolly Old Elf himself sometimes needs a helping hand to fill that sleigh!

And since 1985, people have been doing just that through the Brighter Christmas Fund started by the Press Enterprise that year. In an article in the paper Nov. 27,1985, then Executive Editor Carl E. Beck Jr. said, “Especially at this time of year we believe our readers would like to help someone less fortunate.”

To kick off the Fund, the Press Enterprise donated $1,000. The money was to be used to buy groceries, clothes, and toys for needy people whose stories would be printed without giving away their identity in the weeks leading up to Christmas. A committee was formed to make decisions about the donations. Then, as it still is, the committee is made up of community volunteers and social service agency representatives. And the newspaper still runs the stories of recipients in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The original article announcing the Press Enterprise’s first-annual Brighter Christmas Fund, published on November 27, 1985.

Says current Press Enterprise Editor Pete Kendron, “To me, these folks from the region’s schools and social services who donate their time form the heart of the Brighter Christmas Fund.

“They reach out to all the people who apply and gather information on their income and expenses. During board meetings they scrutinize each application to make sure the applicants are being honest. We as a Board want to make sure that we honor the donors by ensuring their money goes to people truly in need.”

Recipients must live within the Press Enterprise coverage area. That’s all of Columbia and Montour counties, along with the areas of Luzerne County in Berwick Area and Northwest Area school districts and the areas of Northumberland County in the Danville Area and Southern Area school districts as well as Unityville in Lycoming County.

More than $2 million has been donated and given out since the fund started. This year alone, donations are near the $50,000 mark.

But Santa still needs more help!

How can you turn away from Jane and Sam, who opened their home this year to Sam’s sister’s children to give the three, who are ages 6, 4 and 2, a stable home after their mother, who struggles with drug and mental health issues, couldn’t take care of them. They ended up adopting the children, although the legal fees for that were more than $2,000. Then Sam ended up having health issues that required surgery and weeks off from his job. While he recovered, the bills piled up, leaving nothing for presents from Santa. Thanks to the Brighter Christmas Fund, Santa will visit the kids, who are thriving in their new home. (Like all Brighter Christmas Fund stories, the names and some details of this situation have been changed to protect the family’s identity.)

“It’s stories like these that really touch my heart,” says Kendron. “So many brothers, sisters and grandparents step in to raise their nieces, nephews or grandkids, even when they aren’t in the best financial situation themselves. We know the problems addictions have created in our communities, but it’s rarer that we hear about the people trying to solve those problems even at a financial cost to themselves.”

In 2019, the Brighter Christmas Fund became part of the Community Giving Foundation, rather than continuing as its own separate charity. The purpose of the charity remains the same, but everyone felt the professionals at the foundation could better handle the administrative side of things, Kendron says.

Donations are accepted year-round at csgiving.org/donate (Pick “Brighter Christmas Fund” from the list of charities.) Any money not given out this year will carry over to future years. It assists the Brighter Christmas Fund Board in handling the earliest requests, which often start just after Halloween. However, the goal is to give out as much as possible each year.

For 2023, the Brighter Christmas Fund Board officers are: President, Nancy Irons, Columbia-Montour Aging Office Inc., Bloomsburg; Vice President, April Miller, Columbia County Children and Youth Services, Bloomsburg; and Secretary, Lisa Brelsford, CCDP Head Start, Bloomsburg.

Board members are: Danielle Spaid, Danville Child Development Center, Danville; Pete Kendron, Press Enterprise, Bloomsburg; Betsy Hack, The Good Samaritan mission, Danville; Ashley Hackenberg, Danville Head Start, Danville; Jennifer Campbell and Gail Titus, Beyond Violence, Berwick; Tammy Feudale, Tacy Bigger and Lindsey Fish, Columbia County Assistance Office, Bloomsburg; April Thomas, CMSU Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Danville; Joan Mosier, Bloomsburg; Michelle Welsh Pace, Columbia County Family Centers, Bloomsburg; Faith Rierson, CCDP Head Start, Bloomsburg; Julie Sees (Middle School), Berwick Area School District, Berwick; Karen Heaps, AGAPE, Bloomsburg; Jennifer Flick, Central Columbia School District, Bloomsburg; Alicia Lindenmuth, Bloomsburg Salvation Army, Bloomsburg; Alyssa Scott and Autumn Hart, The Women’s Center Inc., Bloomsburg; Deidra Unger, Salvation Army – Berwick, Berwick; Karri Harter, Community Giving Foundation, Berwick; and Tammy Mrozek, Bloomsburg High School, Bloomsburg.

It’s not too late to give Santa a helping hand this year. Won’t you join me in helping?

A Christmas Story Returns to BTE

A Christmas Story is currently in performances at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Here’s a backstage look with an interview with BTE’s Costume Designer, Jennifer Lippert.

Interviewer: What were your inspirations for the costumes?

JL: My inspiration for the costumes of A Christmas Story was the feeling of nostalgia remembering Christmas’ past. When designing I was drawn to using warm tones of color and textures of sweaters and wool that would evoke the feeling of comfort and warmth as adult Ralph fondly remembers one particular childhood Christmas. 

Interviewer:  Did you feel pressure with the iconic materials- how did you navigate it?

JL: There was a certain pressure to create certain looks from the movie, however this show being part of BTE’s repertoire we had some of the iconic looks already in stock. From there it was just a matter of making sure they fit our current cast of performers.

Interviewer: What is your favorite costume in the show and why?

JL: My favorite costume from the show is a tough question. I like all of them for different reasons, but I guess if I had to pick one it would have to be Miss Shield’s dress since I patterned and made it completely from scratch. 

Interviewer:  What is the number one thing you want our patrons to know about designing this show?

JL: This was my first design and full show that I’ve gotten to be a part of here at BTE! It was a lot of work designing and creating costumes for this show and its 2 casts of kids, but in the end, it was a great experience. 

Come check out the wonderful costume designs of A Christmas Story!

Running until December 28! Get your tickets before they are gone!

A holiday favorite for the whole family! Young Ralphie’s Christmas quest for a coveted Red Ryder BB gun turns into a lesson about what can happen when you finally get what you ask for! Hilarious and heartwarming – your favorite moments from the beloved film are captured on stage to share with a new generation.For more information, visit www.bte.org or call 570-784-8181.

Cash & Carry X Opens at Exchange Gallery

Sales begin December 1st

Now in its tenth year, the annual “Cash & Carry” show at Bloomsburg’s Exchange Gallery opened on Monday, November 20th. This year, The Exchange gave away 500 panels for artists to make work on – 333 eight-inch squares, more than 130 seven-by-nine-inch rectangles, and more than 130 nine-inch triangles. After we gave them all away, artists could make their own panels out of any durable material (no bread or cheese, please), and the show opened with more than 500 pieces; by the third day, the total came to 530 – the largest “Cash & Carry” ever. (Work will continue to come in throughout the show: Why set a hard deadline when we don’t have to?)

Artists could work in any medium and could alter the panels too if they wish. The show includes acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings; pastel and pencil drawings; collages; photographs; sculptures; fiber art; and various mixed media including pheasant feathers, LED lights, and cast iron, among many more materials. Most panels hang on the wall; some sit or stand.

One traditionally marks a tenth wedding anniversary with gifts made of tin and aluminum; in honor of the tenth year of “Cash & Carry”, we also encouraged artists to make ornaments out of recycled food and beverage cans, and we have more than two dozen of them hanging on a tree here for customers to choose among.

Most pieces sells for $30, with the artist receiving $24; many, including the ornaments, sell for $10, with the artist receiving $8. “These pieces make wonderful holiday gifts,” says Exchange executive director Oren B. Helbok, “and the very reasonable prices makes them accessible to everyone.”

As with all of the Gallery’s open-call shows, “Cash & Carry” welcomes participation by ALL artists, and this year’s show again has work by artists with decades of experience and by preschool children, and by everyone in between. More than 250 artists contributed work. They come from eight counties in central Pennsylvania, range in age from 3 to 70something, and include students at Bloomsburg High School, Central Columbia Middle School, St. Columba Catholic School, Liberty Valley Elementary School, Hazleton’s Valley Middle School, and Fern Hill School in Milton.

A group of people including volunteers hung the show, and “Cash & Carry X” FILLS the Gallery with beautiful, interesting, and joyful artwork. “It feels like Christmas in the Gallery every day this time of year,” Helbok says, “as more and more pieces arrive. Unless you have seen a ‘Cash & Carry’ show before, you have never seen anything like it.”

“Every year, more and more new artists get involved,” Helbok continues. “More than 800 artists have exhibited work in more than 80 Gallery shows since we opened here in 2014, but we plainly have come nowhere close to exhausting this region’s talent – and we plainly fill a real need for people who have never shown work publicly but very much want an opportunity to. Every year, I write checks to many first-time exhibitors, including school kids. Telling them ‘Your work has sold in a gallery’ has a very positive effect on the way that they think about their art. You really cannot measure the value of art by money, of course – but selling some doesn’t hurt.”

“Cash & Carry X” sales start at the show’s reception, which takes place on Friday, December 1st, and coincides with the “Coming Home For Christmas” event on the Square in downtown Bloomsburg. Beginning at 10 o’clock that morning, Gallery visitors may take numbers, and at 6 p.m. the person with number 1 may choose ONE piece to buy; if that person wants another piece, s/he must take another number and go to the back of the line. Then the person with number 2 gets to choose a piece, etc. “This process makes it fair,” says Helbok. “No one person gets to take ‘all of the good stuff’ – and it also makes for a lot of fun as buyers talk to each other about which pieces they want most and which they will aim for if their first choices sell.” After the first hour or so, buyers do not need to take numbers, and the Gallery will stay open that evening as long as it has interested customers. Sales will then continue throughout the run of the show, ending on December 29th.

The show’s name comes from its informal nature: Buyers take their pieces home with them as soon as they have paid for them. (In most Gallery exhibitions, work stays on the wall until the end of the show.) Contrary to the name, the Gallery accepts checks and charge cards too; we just like the way “Cash & Carry” sounds.

The Exchange Gallery, at 24 East Main Street in Bloomsburg, has regular hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays; hours vary slightly on Tuesdays through Thursdays. For more information about The Exchange, and its weekly hours, visit ExchangeArts.org or Facebook.com/ExchangeArtsDotOrg or call 570-317-2596.