Candy Lake game takes over the Raystown Lake Region Visitors Center!

The Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau and Raystown Reflections Gift Shoppe invite you to imagine a world where all of your surroundings are made of candy, cookies and other treats. For the week of December 7-13, 2015, the Raystown Lake Region Visitor Center has been transformed into Candy Lake.

Inspired by a popular childhood board game, Candy Lake is an imaginary lake featuring islands where the landscape and structures are made of sweet treats. Visitors to Candy Lake follow a colorful path to visit each island display. The islands have been designed by area businesses and organizations along a candy theme. Attendees can choose to play the life-sized game, or simply stroll through the displays on their own.

At the end, guests are invited to make a free-will donation to vote for their favorite island. Each organization and business presenting an island has chosen a charity that will benefit from the cash votes, and at the end of the week, the Raystown Reflections Gift Shoppe will match the public contributions to the charity that receives the most.

The first 100 children aged 12 and under will receive a stocking and a small toy courtesy of the Raystown Reflections Gift Shoppe and Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau.

#PAHolidays

You can see more photos at:
Candy Lake event at the Raystown Lake Region Visitors Center

Participating businesses and organizations include: Rockhill Trolley Museum, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Huntingdon County, Fairfield Inn and Suites benefiting Habitat for Humanity, Juniata College, Thompson’s Candle Co. benefitting Huntingdon House, Perma-Chink benefiting Habitat for Humanity, Gage Mansion Bed & Breakfast benefiting Huntingdon Landmarks, Standing Stone Coffee Company benefiting St Vincent de Paul and Isett Heritage Museum benefiting Huntingdon House.

December 7-13, 2015
Monday 8am-2pm, Tuesday-Wednesday 8am-4pm, Thursday-Saturday noon-8pm, Sunday noon-4pm

The Raystown Lake Region Visitors Center

Every year, more than 20,000 people pass through the Raystown Lake Region Visitors Center inside Raystown Lake’s Seven Points Recreation Area near Hesston, Pennsylvania.  The Visitors Center is home to the US Army Corps of Engineers Raystown Lake Project Ranger Staff as well as the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau.  The two organizations work closely together in the building’s operation and programming.

New seating area in the lobby of the Raystown Lake Region Visitors Center courtesy of Park Furniture of Huntingdon (Photo by Vickie Smith)

This cooperation was evidenced this morning as Park Furniture of Huntingdon delivered some beautiful lodge furniture as a donation for a new seating area in the main lobby.  Park Furniture is a member of HCVB, and has been very generous in providing the furniture, which they intend to rotate as styles change.

Raystown Lake Region Visitors Center Exhibition Area (photo by Bruce Cramer)

In addition to having a great and comfortable place to relax in air conditioning on a hot afternoon, the Visitors Center features exhibits, displays, and public restrooms, as well as one of the best overlooks of Raystown Lake, all free of charge.

The staff of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau is always willing to answer questions, give directions and recommendations for things to do, places to eat, places to stay, places to shop, and more at the information counter.

Vickie Smith, HCVB Visitors Center Manager, assisting customers with directions. (Photo by Abram Eric Landes, aelandesphotography.com

The Visitors Bureau also operates the Raystown Reflections Gift Shoppe, where you can grab a quick snack, Raystown Lake souvenirs, local artwork and crafts, books about local history, other works by local authors, and more.

The Visitors Center is also a trail head for the Hillside Nature Trail and as of May 2012 for the Allegrippis Trails, and soon to be for a loop trail connecting all of the campsites within the Seven Points Campground to the Visitors Center, picnic areas, Seven Points Beach, and Seven Points Marina.

From now through August 14th, every Tuesday morning HCVB hosts a Wake-Up Reception that includes displays and door prizes from area attractions, restaurants, and shops, continental breakfast, and a featured guest.  Tuesdays Mid-June through Mid-August 9:30-10:30 AM.

Raystown Lake Region Visitors Center, Hesston, PA (Photo by Abram Eric Landes, aelandesphotography.com)

Next time you’re in the area, stop in to the Visitors Center and say “Hi!”

HISTORY IS ALIVE AT MAYFEST OF HUNTINGDON APRIL 28, 2012

Back to the 50's Hula Hoop Contest at Mayfest of Huntingdon (photo by Ed Stoddard)

HUNTINGDON, PA — Welcome in spring at Mayfest of Huntingdon, a unique historic-themed festival in Pennsylvania with free entertainment, more than 150 street vendors, and costumed performers from various historical eras. The event is hosted on Washington Street in historic downtown Huntingdon, Pa., on April 28 from 9 am to 5 pm, rain or shine. Attendees will enjoy free music, dance performers, demonstrations and exhibits during their stroll through history at Mayfest; along with store and restaurant specials. Each block on Washington Street features a historical theme: Renaissance Faire presented by Allensville Planing Mill;
Victorian Era; Colonial Times presented by Moove In Self Storage; Back to the 50’s presented by Price Motor Sales; and Woodstock. Attendees are invited to wear costumes to join in the fun. Stage schedules and other details are available at www.MayfestofHuntingdon.com.

New for Mayfest 2012:

Italian Street Painting with Graham Curtis- between 3rd and 4th Streets

Italian Street Painting chalk art at its finest. Join renowned local artist Graham Curtis as he creates a temporary masterpiece in chalk on Washington Street in historic downtown Huntingdon PA. Check it out in the Mayfest Renaissance Faire section on April 28, 2012!

Ray Owens Performances at 12, 1, 2p — between 8th & 7th Streets

Treat yourself to a truly versatile performer, GRAMMY Nominated Singer/Songwriter, and National Recording Artist – an entertainer whose engaging vocal style and infectious blend of good time music and humor continues to captivate audiences across the country. Ray has established himself as one of the most requested entertainers today. His travels have taken him from Camden, Maine, to Key West, Florida – Los Angeles, California, to Long Island, New York, and tours throughout Europe. He has performed with such legendary entertainers as Garth Brooks, Arlo Guthrie, Bill Monroe and Bob Hope, and he has toured with Willie Nelson and America, as well as many other major acts.

Ray whips up a veritable feast of classic American songs and stirs in a healthy helping of humor for all audiences to enjoy. When he serves it up from center stage, he pulls you into a world of fun. Ray’s repertoire has grown to include some 900 songs and encompasses such a range of traditional classics, original songs and comedy that it is not hard to imagine why he has so much popular appeal to a wide variety of audiences.

The Crustaceans – performance beginning at 3 p.m. – between 5th and 4th Streets

The Crustaceans are an eclectic group of aging rockers who enjoy playing popular classic rock songs. You will be tapping your feet and singing along to these rock-n-roll classics from the ‘60s through today. The Crustaceans will be performing at the Desert Garden Day Spa starting at 3pm on Saturday, April 28 (Washington & 5th) during Mayfest of Huntingdon.

Centre Squares dancing! Performances 10 a.m. – 1 p.m between 8th & 7th Streets

Square, round & line dancing with the popular State College group. Demonstrations and oh, yes, audience participation encouraged!

Entertainment on Every Block of Downtown Huntingdon PA During Mayfest!

Make way for the Queen on the Renaissance Block at Mayfest of Huntingdon (photo by Ed Stoddard)

Washington Street festival navigation guide:

• Renaissance Faire presented by Allensville Planing Mill: Between 3rd & 4th
• Woodstock: Between 4th & 5th
• Victorian Era: Between 5th & 6th
• Back to the 50s presented by Price Motor Sales: Between 6th & 7th
• Colonial Times presented by Moove In Self Storage: Between 7th & 8th

Stroll Through History on Washington Street in Huntingdon PA on April 28, 2012 DOWNTOWN HUNTINGDON STORES & RESTAURANTS are open. Stop in our shops!

SUMMARY OF EVENTS FOR MAYFEST OF HUNTINGDON 2011 Saturday, April 30:

9:00-5:00	150+ Street Vendors on Washington Street ‐ crafts, art, food, exhibits, demonstrations and more (including approximately 30 non-profit organizations)
9:00-5:00	46th PA Regiment Infantry Civil War Band with period correct clothing – between 5th & 6th Streets
10:00-1:00	Ancient Echoes – between 3rd & 4th Streets
10:00-3:00	Italian Street Painting with Graham Curtis – between 4th & 3rd Streets
10:00-1:00	Centre Squares dancers, demonstration and audience participation – between 8th & 7th Streets
11:00	Dan & Galla – between 6th & 7th Streets
12:00	Ray Owens, classic American songs – between 8th & 7th Streets
12:00-4:00	Dayze Gone Bye Conestoga Wagon Rides ‐ Pick up at 5th & Washington Streets ‐ Must have a Mayfest Button to ride. (Can be purchased on the wagon or at the information booth)
12:30	50s Contest Hosted by Dan & Galla – between 6th & 7th Streets. (Near 613 Washington Street) Jitter Bug Contest, Bubble Gum Blowing, Pie Eating, Hula Hoops, FUN! Costume contest: Anyone in a costume can participate! Awards in many categories including most historically period correct and funniest costume.
1:00	Ray Owens, classic American songs – between 8th & 7th Streets
1:00	Jump rope and hop scotch competition – between 4th & 5th Streets
1:00	Hootenanny with Local Musicians – between 7th & 8th Streets
1:00	Jen Bertiaux , live acoustic music at The Daily Scoop & Lil Debs Custom Stained Glass Art Studio, 4th & Penn St.
2:00	Nick Miller Project featuring Gabe Green – between 4th and 5th Streets
2:00	Ray Owens, classic American songs – between 8th & 7th Streets
3:00	Street party with local band favorite The Crustaceans! Live music – between 4th & 5th Streets

DETAILS on entertainment plus fun things to do and see at Mayfest of Huntingdon:

Renaissance Faire – Washington Street, between 3rd & 4th Streets Presented by Allensville Planing Mill

Ancient Echoes performs Celtic Music & English County Dance group wears period costumes and interacts with the audience. The group includes Holly Foy who began playing guitar at age 11 and took up the hammered dulcimer in her late 20’s. She plays guitar, Irish skin drum (bodhran) and hammered dulcimer. Also performing will be Lisa McDivitt playing the recorder, harp and Irish floor harp. She has been a member of the SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism) for over 25 years and spends a week each summer at Pennsic, the largest Renaissance gathering in the world.

Knighting Ceremony – Kids can become knighted by the Queen for doing a good deed. Parents can nominate their children for knighting. Times to be announced.

Don’t miss the zany outhouse race to benefit Relay for Life / Cancer Society, home-brewed beer demonstration and authentic blacksmith demonstration on this block.

Woodstock Era – Washington Street, between 4th & 5th Streets

Dayze Gone Bye Conestoga Wagon Rides (Mayfest button required.) Start your ride in a horse-drawn vintage Conestoga wagon at the corner of 4th & Mifflin. Ride through historic downtown Huntingdon.

The Toss n’ Turn Twirl & Dance Team performs jazzy routines that are sure to be crowd pleasers. Also, don’t miss the jump rope and four-square competition on this block.

Victorian Era – Washington Street, between 5th & 6th Streets

Performing throughout the day will be the 46th PA REGIMENT BAND (Logan Guard) formed in December 1995 by a group of musicians from the Altoona area. The bands desire is to honor the Logan Guard Militia from Lewistown, the 46th PA Volunteer Regiment, and the musicians from Birdsboro Community Band who enlisted together and maintained the morale of the troops with their music throughout the war.

Don’t miss the DUNGEON on this block!

Back to the 50s – Washington Street, between 6th & 7th Streets Presented by Price Motor Sales

Dan & Galla will perform 50s tunes at scheduled times during the day. They also host the fun 50s-style contests like jitter bug, bubble gum blowing, hula hoop, and pie eating!

Don’t miss the COSTUME CONTEST hosted by Dan & Galla! Anyone in a costume can participate! Awards in many categories including most historically period correct and funniest costume.

Colonial Times – Washington Street, between 7th & 8th Streets Presented by Moove In Self Storage

Don’t miss the Hootenanny with local musicians on this block!

CHECK WWW.MAYFESTOFHUNTINGDON.COM FOR STAGE SCHEDULES, DETAILS AND UPDATES

Mayfest of Huntingdon is chaired by volunteer Linda DeArmitt and produced by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. The event is sponsored by Price Motor Sales, Moove In Self Storage, Allensville Planing Mill, the Huntingdon County Visitor’s Bureau, The Borough of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, WTAJ-TV Channel 10, wearecentralpa.com, HUNNY 106.3, QWiK Rock, and many local businesses and individuals who donate to make this event possible. Many other sponsors are listed at www.mayfestofhuntingdon.com.

Geocaching at Raystown Lake

by Kathy Jones

Looking for a fun way to get out and take a walk in the woods or for an excuse to get up and get moving?  Why not put some technology to work for you and explore geocaching at Raystown Lake?  Geocaching is a fun, low impact exploration that uses a GPS to find a “treasure” or cache.  The cache stays, but you get to sign in and the caches at the lake are actually activity based. Designed and placed in summer 2010 by Kathy Jones, an education professor at Juniata College, they have been a success among geocaches and now we invite YOU to get into the action.  Hand-held GPS units (with instructions) can be borrowed FREE of charge at the Raystown Lake Region Visitors Center at Seven Points Recreation Area.

The four current caches (a fifth has been lost, but will be replaced) and the GPS units were made possible by a grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection and placed with the cooperation of the Army Corps of Engineers, Friends of Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau and Juniata College.  The activities are kid friendly ways to explore the surrounding environs and include “It’s for the Birds”, “Tracks and Scat”, “Lizards and Snakes”, and “Rabbits and Squirrels”.

Each cache includes a storybook or two, a story written by Jones to introduce the activity and the equipment to carry it out, plus a logbook.  And in some case there may be other treasures inside with “tracker bugs.”  These tracker bugs can be taken and then placed into another geocache (because we know once you start, you won’t be able to stop).  And we ask you to also sign in and log your visit at www.geocaching.com – it’s free and easy to do. So get out there and enjoy the woods and learn how technology has “invaded” the woods, but is encouraging activity.

Happy Anniversary to the Boy Scouts of America!

This week, the Boy Scouts of America celebrate their 102nd anniversary.  In its century plus of existence, the BSA has molded millions of young men with its aims of developing character, citizenship and fitness. If you are involved in Scouting, as a scout, leader, employee, parent, or volunteer, we salute you.  We’d also like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the programs that Huntingdon County offers to Scout groups.

When Scouts complete any leg of the Scout Out Huntingdon County heritage trail system, they are eligible to earn the central patch, and the appropriate segment.

Scout Out Huntingdon County: 100 Miles of Heritage is a biking, hiking, and paddling trail system that is designed to be completed in five weekends, or if your group prefers, tackle any three contiguous legs of the trail to earn the 50-Miler Award.  This program features a central patch and a segment for each leg of the system.  As your Scouts complete a leg, they earn the appropriate segment.  The trail utilizes existing trails, rivers, and minor roadways to link interactive attractions, natural sites, historic sites, and campgrounds, giving the Scouts a unique learning adventure that is appropriate for their skill/achievement level.

Merit Badge Programs are offered by a number of attractions in Huntingdon County, and nearby.  Some of our attractions specifically cater to Scout groups.  Here are some that we highly recommend:

• Lincoln Caverns, 3 miles west of Huntingdon, offers unique programming for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and all levels of Girl Scouts that explore the geology and natural world of caves.  Lincoln Caverns also offers primitive camping to youth groups at its Warrior Ridge Campground.
• Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, located about half-way between Petersburg and Pine Grove Mills also offers Scout programs for all ages.  With it’s Raptor Center, nature trails, pavilions and regular programming, this is a great place for Scouting weekends any time of the year.
• Fort Roberdeau, located in the Sinking Valley section of eastern Blair County offers the unique opportunity for Scouts to live and dress like soldiers and citizens would have during the Revolutionary War.  The historic site is also a county park with nature trails, a visitors center, pavilions and more.
• Old Bedford Village, located north of Bedford, offers Scouts the chance to experience 18th and 19th century life in Pennsylvania.  Group programs include period appropriate trade immersion and crafts.
• Indian Caverns, located along Route 45 east of Spruce Creek, offers merit badge programs in Native American lore, as well as geology and others.  One unique program at Indian Caverns lets the Scouts actually spend the night in the cave!

Many other sites in the Raystown Lake Region provide opportunities for Scouts to advance, or complete partial requirements for merit badges.  If you would like to learn more about bringing your Scouts to the area, call the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau at 888-729-7869.

Happy Scouting!