Happy July 4! Have a great and safe holiday. The weather looks like it should cooperate and make for some good summer fun, picnics and all sorts of outdoor activities.
The holiday celebration for Canadohta Lake opens this Saturday, June 30, at dusk with a fireworks display. There is at this time (Friday morning, June 29 ), a slight risk of thunderstorms so keep a weather eye open; the rain date is July 1 at dusk.
The spectacular fireworks display is funded by local residents and tourists, so if you see a donation jar in one of the local stores, try to donate some money. This year the Crawford County Visitors Bureau donated $500. According to Canadohta Lake Business Association (CLABA) president Ann Bergheim, the cost of the display is about $10,000. CLABA is also selling outdoor candle luminaries at various local stores which can be used in your own backyard for the holiday weekend.
Read more about the fireworks display and a host of other July 4 events, such as the Kid’s Bike Parade and the Boat Parade, at the lake community at CANADOHTA. There are other celebration in places throughout the county, check your community listings and have fun, get involved.
On a more serious note, July 4 marks the Declaration of Independence and American freedoms and responsibilities, the birth of a nation. It was truly an historic occasion in 1776 which eventually swept across the globe; many American pioneers suffered and died for what we enjoy today.
Those sacrifices are important today as we, as a nation, face the 2012 presidential elections. This year, there seems to be a lot of political immaturity, silliness, extremism and flat out falsehoods. Register to vote this year, if you not a current voter, and learn about the issues involved from reliable news sources, think and reflect. Vote your conscience and not political party dogma. It’s America and it’s people first and foremost.
Home Gardens
The late tomato and potato blight has been discovered in about five eastern Pennsylvania counties. So far, no blight has been observed in western Pennsylvania or Crawford County. The deadly blight thrives in cool, wet weather, which the local region has been spared so far this summer. But it is worth the effort to keep watch; in most cases if tomatoes or potatoes become infected they need to be destroyed. More information and updates next week.
Another local crop seems to be very alive and well. Although it has been dry in many regions to date, the corn in most cases, is certainly knee-high.
Grange News
The Crawford County Pomona Grange, along with other agricultural organizations and past award winners, have announced this year’s selection to receive the Agricultural Hall of Fame Award and the Ag Industry Award. This years Hall of Fame winners are: J.Howard Caldwell of Venango and Robert T. Rose of Cochranton. The Ag Industry Award will be given to Allan Hart and Sons Farm Machinery of Cochranton. The awards will be presented at a special event during the Crawford County Fair. More detailed information will be printed next week.
Crawford County Conservation District-Woodcock Creek Nature Center
These programs are free and open to all to enjoy. Be sure to call and register at 814-763-5269. Note: The Bee Observation hive is now doing very good, according to beekeeper Charles Vorisek of Linesville. The bees are fun to watch so be sure to stop by and observe someday; it is fascinating.
Speaking of fascinating – Bat Night Count, Wednesday July 11, 8p.m. – 9:30 p.m.. Terry Lobdell will lead a bat observation and talk. Help count the bats as they exit the bat boxes at the Nature Center at dusk.
July 17, Tuesday 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Earth Song Performers will play and entertain familiar tunes set to environmental/nature lyrics. Some children’s crafts will also be offered.
From Bats to songs to SNAKES on July 24 4;30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Stephanie Feineigle will lead the discussion about these often misunderstood yet fascinating creatures. Maybe, if your brave enough, you can actually hold one. Should be a lot of fun.
PA Pymatuning State Park
GoGirls Biking Program is scheduled for Thursday July 12 from 6 p.m. – to 8:30 p.m. The GoGirls Biking Program is for girls ages 10 to 15 to get hooked on some fun, meet new friends, learn about bike safety, hiking and healthy snacks. Bring your bike or grab one which will be provided for fun and recreation. Registration is limited so call the Park Office soon at 724-932-3143 or for more information www.state.pa.us
Fishing Report
It's hot outside and couldn't resist using a winter photo from the Canadohta Ice Fishing Tournament.
Get the latest fishing reports and updates with Darl Black, Fish
Goodell Gardens
And now, back to good old summer weather!
There are many events happening at Goodell Gardens, stop by or see the calendar.
