Schedule Announced for First Fork Festival at Sinnemahoning

Schedule Announced for First Fork Festival at Sinnemahoning

The 7th Annual First Fork Festival will be held on Saturday, October 12th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Sinnemahoning State Park. Local authors, artists and artisans will showcase their talents amidst a backdrop of full autumn color in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

The First Fork Festival provides a unique opportunity to shop for gifts, or pick up something special for yourself, while enjoying the beautiful fall weather in the First Fork Valley. High quality art, local handcrafted items and a variety of local foods will be available for sale. Scheduled demonstrations and hands-on interpretive activities throughout the day make this festival fun for the entire family.

Live demonstrations include blacksmithing and flintknapping with Robbie Ickes, 18th century fire building and toy building with Chris and Lori Haas, wood turning with Mahlon Davenport, the French and Indian War stories with Bill Roberston, as well as white-tailed deer and elk conservation, beekeeping, health with oils, and more. Visiting the First Fork Festival for the first time this year is the PA Woodmobile, a 34-foot long trailer filled with interactive exhibits about Pennsylvania forests the important products that come from the lumber and paper industries.

As a highlight of the festival, singer and songwriter, Jim Colbert, will take the stage from 1:00-3:00 PM in front of the Wildlife Center. Colbert, aka the Bellefonte Balladeer, will perform originals with subject matter ranging from playwright Eugene O'Neill, Centralia's mine fire, vintage Triumph motorcycles and old Buicks to a host of selections about his home town of Johnstown. A delight to the ear, Jim's award-winning songs offer a cross section of Americana seen through the eyes of a life-long Pennsylvanian. Following Jim's opening for Red Molly in Merrick, NY, critic Gene Frey said, "Jim Colbert entered a room full of strangers and left a room full of fans and friends, all won over by his engaging personality, warm voice, and a set of well-crafted, personal songs. See him wherever you can."

This community-focused admission-free event takes place at the Sinnemahoning State Park Office and Wildlife Center, just off Route 872 in Grove Township, Cameron County, 14 miles south of Austin, PA.

If you would like a copy of the First Fork Festival schedule or have questions about the festival or other programs at Sinnemahoning State Park, please contact the park office at 814-647-8961 or SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov or visit the park's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sinnemahoningSP