Venture Out

TOP IMAGES OF 2024 1st Place

Your Next Adventure Awaits!

Chad Yohe of Bradford is shown with his daughter, Riley, 8, this past Father’s Day during the Paul’s Trading Post Tom Himes Memorial Fishing Tournament on the Allegheny Reservoir. It was Riley’s first fishing tournament — she caught this 21-inch walleye, her biggest catch to date — and father and daughter took sixth place. “A day a dad will never forget!”

This photo is the first-place winner in the Hunting & Fishing Photo Contest.

This year for the Fall 2024 edition of Venture Out, the Olean Times Herald, The Bradford Era and The Salamanca Press sought photos from readers reflecting their best days hunting in the field or fishing on the water from the past year. The response to the Hunting & Fishing Photo Contest was terrific, with dozens of submissions from individuals and families throughout the Twin Tiers region covered by the newspaper group.

Editors selected what they judged to be the three best images — definitely not an easy task! — to award first-, second- and third-place prizes.

The top prize is a $250 gift card, second is a $175 gift card and third is a $100 gift card from either of the two sponsors of the contest, Elk County Ammo and Arms of St. Marys and Machias Outdoors. Bradford Publishing Co. expresses thanks to the two companies for their generous support of the contest.

The winners are featured here. Meanwhile, many other images submitted to the contest are included in these pages as well. The editors thank everyone who shared their great photos from the field and on the water.

2nd Place 3rd Place

Jan Bobseine of Cattaraugus is shown with her best buck yet in her hunting career — a beautiful 8-point taken at the age of 70 during the 2023 season using a Savage .308 youth model (perfect size for her). Jan was introduced to hunting in 1976 when she met her husband, Gary Bobseine. She loves small game hunting, open water swimming, horseback riding and her Chesapeake Bay retrievers and she has taken more than 150 deer with her bow and rifle. This photo, submitted by Jan’s daughter, Polly Bobseine of Conewango Valley, wins second place in the Hunting & Fishing Photo Contest.

In this photo submitted by Matt Silvis of Bradford, his two sons, Eddy (right), 15, and Vedder, 12, are fishing for brook trout on a small stream in the Westline area this year. Matt, who has been teaching his sons to trout fish, captioned the photo “Brotherhood — casting dreams side by side.”

This photo took third place in the photo contest.

Pumpkinville, the fall destination located on Sugartown Road in Great Valley, is open daily through Oct. 31 with several new attractions.

Pumpkinville season underway with new and longtime favorite attractions

By Deb Everts

GREAT VALLEY — With the splendor of fall comes pumpkins, and Pumpkinville has lots of them, along with amazing attractions that keep families coming back year after year.

Dan and Diane Pawlowski, along with their grown children, Lisa and Jim, invite the public to enjoy another season at Pumpkinville, open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 31 at their family farm at 4844 Sugartown Road.

Their daughter and spokesperson Lisa Pawlowski said they try to add something new every year, and the addition of the Corn Barn is their major attraction this year.

“The Corn Barn was a big building project and a really nice, new addition. It’s been in our plans for a couple of years and this is the year we did it,” she said. “We’d seen smaller ones in different places around the country. It seemed like a unique and fun thing that we wanted to add to our other attractions at Pumpkinville.”

The Corn Barn is a giant building filled with corn kernels instead of sand, Pawlowski explained. It’s a place where kids can use

their imagination as they dig, scoop and play with all kinds of toys.

“There’s a lot of corn out there. It took three semitruck loads to fill the Corn Barn,” she said. “I have a 7-year-old son and I can’t keep him out of there. He loves it, so I think it’s going to be really popular with all the kids.”

Also new, kids can play with the Interactive Crank Tractor from the early 1900s by giving the handle a crank and hearing it roar to life.

Join in on the fall fun when Pumpkinville hosts celebrated sculptor and caricature artist Eric Jones with his exclusive pumpkin carving lessons and demonstrations. The Clarksville native holds the 2023 Guinness World Record for carving the largest jack-o-lantern. He was the season three winner on The Food Network’s “Outrageous Pumpkins” and has also been featured on The Food Network’s “Halloween Wars.”

Watch the master demonstrate his amazing pumpkin carving skills at noon on two different Sundays, Sept. 29 and Oct. 20. The big pumpkin display will be left onsite at Pumpkinville — until it deteriorates, that is — so visitors will be able to have

their picture taken with it.

Guests will have the opportunity to carve along with Jones and take home their creations by signing up for classes. A Pumpkin Carving Class will be held Oct. 4. A special Sip and Carve Adult Pumpkin Carving Class will be offered Oct. 18. For details, registration and tickets, visit pumpkinville. com.

Pawlowski said this is Jones’ first year at Pumpkinville and her family is really excited to host him.

“I tell everybody he is going to teach them how to carve their own outrageous pumpkin, and take it home and impress all their neighbors,” she said. “People have to purchase tickets online. The spots are limited so he can give his students individual attention with their pumpkin carving.”

There are more than 35 attractions to keep guests entertained and coming back to the 225-acre family farm. They can take a trip on the Pumpkinville Express Train or board a wagon for a Hay Ride out through the fields.

The kids can burn some excess energy on the inflated Pumpkin’ Jumpin’ Pillow or in the Corn Maze trying to find their way out. Watching the goats at Goat Mountain

is another favorite. Kids will find gems inside bags of sand while gem mining.

The Birds and Bees attraction gives guests the chance to hold baby chicks and see bees making honey. Kids and adults will find more exciting activities in the Fun Zone including the Happy Horse Carousel, Giant Slide, the Pumpkinville Feed Mill obstacle course, paintball, Apple Blaster and Candy Cannon.

After all the activity, guests can refuel at the Pumpkinville Grill, which offers a variety of food options and is known for its donuts, cider slushies and chicken BBQ on weekends. The beer garden under the pavilion offers local craft beer from the Ellicottville Brewing Company and local wine from the Winery of Ellicottville. Admission is free to enter the front area where the market, food and retail shops are located, but a ticket is required for the attractions and rides. Eric Jones tickets are only available online. Other tickets will be available onsite, but people are encouraged to buy them online to save $2 per person.

Photo by Kellen M. Quigley

Elk rut is popular time to view herd in Elk Co.

One of the best times to view Pennsylvania’s elk herd is during the fall rut, in September and October.

It’s mating season, and bull elk are more active, walking around more, bugling, wallowing in mud and coating themselves in urine to attract the ladies, known as cows.

Winslow Hill in Benezette is perhaps the best place to visit to see the large beasts; it certainly may be the best place to learn about them. The Elk Country Visitor Center, an eco-friendly facility owned by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and operated by the non-profit organization, the Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA), is a premiere elk viewing location that features three trails, viewing blinds, a 4-D theater, interactive exhibits and an all American-made gift shop.

lands and reclaim them into prime elk habitat, which are now part of State Game Land 311.

Each viewing area offers views of meadows surrounded by hardwood forests that attract elk, deer, turkeys, raptors, songbirds – including the endangered Dickcissel – and many other animals.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has a series of tips on staying safe while viewing the elk.

Do not approach on foot or in a vehicle. Maintain a distance of 100 yards between you and the elk at all times. A mature bull elk can charge at up to 40 miles per hour — faster than Usain Bolt’s 23.35 mph.

or attract wildlife.

The KECA reminded visitors that during the rut, lots of people want to see the majestic beasts for themselves. Expect crowds of people and traffic jams, especially in the evenings. Benezette is a small, rural town. Cellular service is almost non-existent, so don’t rely on your phones. With the crowds of people comes more traffic congestion, longer lines and, at times, limited places to park, so be prepared to take more time to get from one area to another. Do not stop or park along roads or trespass on private property outside the visitor center and viewing areas.

There are three viewing areas with large parking areas: Winslow Hill Viewing Area, Woodring Farm Viewing Area and the Dents Run Viewing Area. Each of these viewings were once a part of coal-mining operations. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) partnered with the Game Commission to purchase these spoiled

The best times of day to view elk are from sunrise to about two hours after and about two hours before sunset. Elk are active at dawn and dusk and tend to rest during the daylight hours.

Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, and avoid using flash photography.

Park in pullovers and not in the road, which can create traffic jams. Turn off your car lights and engines immediately after parking.

Keep conversations quiet.

There are several other designated viewing areas outside of Winslow Hill that provide opportunities to view elk without the crowds, including Sinnemahoning State Park in Austin and Hicks Run Viewing Area and Hoover Farm Viewing Area, both in Driftwood. marcie@bradfordera.com

Remember, these are wild animals weighing 600 to 1,000 pounds, and can be aggressive and dangerous to humans. They are territorial and will defend themselves and their harems.

It is illegal to imitate the call of an elk. It is illegal to use artificial lights to view

During the early morning hours, it tends to be very foggy and can take several hours of sunlight before the fog lifts. However, mornings are often less crowded than the evenings and the fog adds to the haunting bugling sounds echoing off the hills.

Photos by Dan Jordan

The fall elk rut, during September and October, is one of the best times to view Pennsylvania’s herd.

TOP IMAGES OF 2024

Elizabeth Shields of Olean submitted this photo of 3-year-old Fenris Wickham-Green holding his first perch caught at Chautauqua Lake behind a family member’s home.

Brooklyn Hewitt of Olean is shown with a nice largemouth bass she caught from her grandfather’s pond in Olean.

Alex Spring of Allegany went on a Lake Erie charter for his 13th birthday in August with his dad, cousin and grandpa. He caught this 20-pound lake trout while the group as a whole reeled in 16 walleye, three lakers and a sheepshead.

Brooke Whitman, daughter of Brad and Sonya Pyle Whitman, and granddaughter of Peggy Pyle of Bradford, is shown with a trout she caught … but don’t ask her to touch it!

Craig Kinney of Roulette, with his son, Camrin, 3, is shown with dad’s archery buck last October. It was Camrin’s first time helping to recover a deer and Dad says he has has been very interested in deer and hunting ever since.

“Camrin’s always saying, ‘I have a good eye dad!’”

Bradley Mitchell of Olean is shown with a beautiful brook trout taken from Harwood Lake near Franklinville.

Salamanca, Ellicottville to celebrate the season with fall festivals

Festival-goers will flock to Ellicottville’s Fall Festival Oct. 12 and 13 to experience a lively weekend of tasty foods, fine art, arts and crafts, entertainment for kids, great music, scenic chairlift rides, mountain top cookouts and more.

By Deb Everts

As the hills take on autumn’s palette of brilliant colors, local residents and visitors begin counting the days until they can enjoy the fall festivals in Salamanca and Ellicottville.

The annual Salamanca Seneca Falling Leaves Festival will take place at Jefferson Street Park Oct. 4-6. With new attractions and new bands, this year’s event promises plenty of excitement for all ages.

The three-day event will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts, tasty food and a parade on Main Street. There will be free activities for the kids including a petting zoo, face painting and balloon animals, as well as inflatable rides. Saturday will feature a youth archery competition behind the Holy Cross Club.

New Saturday entertainment will include a student production of “Kidz Blitz” at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater at 2:30 p.m. as well as a Scarecrow Contest at 3 p.m. A Baby Contest Sunday at 11:30 a.m. is another new activity.

This year’s new musical entertainment includes the band, “XIII,” Friday at 6 p.m.;“Wasted Whiskey,” Saturday at 2:30 p.m.; and the Bon Jovi Tribute Band, Saturday at 6 p.m.

More musical entertain-

ment will take place under the big tent Sunday afternoon including DownBeat Percussion at 3 p.m., followed by the Marilla Fireman’s Marching Band.

Two Seneca Dancing groups will entertain over the weekend. Hoops of Hope will perform Saturday at 2 p.m., and Youth Dancers of the Coldspring Longhouse Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

The Grand Parade Sunday at 1 p.m. will feature units including the McKean County Roadrunners, the Gowanda Shriners, DownBeat Percussion and the Marilla Fireman’s Marching Band.

For a full schedule of activities, visit the Salamanca Seneca Falling Leaves Festival’s Facebook page or the chamber’s website at salamancachamber.org.

Ellicottville will host its annual Fall Festival Oct. 12 and 13 when festival-goers from all over the United States and Canada will flock to the village, as well as Holiday Valley and HoliMont ski resorts, for a lively weekend of family fun.

Each year since 1975, Ellicottville’s oldest and largest festival has gotten bigger and better with vendors featuring tasty foods, fine art, arts and crafts, entertainment for kids, great music, scenic chairlift

Guests visiting during Fall Festival weekend will have the opportunity to ride the Mardi Gras 6 Express at Holiday Valley. Once at the top, there will be food, drinks and music for everyone to enjoy along with some of the best views in the area.

rides and more.

New this year is Eric Jones, who will demonstrate his amazing pumpkin carving skills Sunday. He holds the 2023 Guinness World Record for carving the largest jack-olantern. He was the season 3 winner of The Food Network’s “Outrageous Pumpkins” and has also been featured on The Food Network’s “Halloween Wars.”

At Holiday Valley, guests visiting during Fall Festival weekend will have the opportunity to ride the Mardi Gras 6 Express. Once at the top, there will be food, drinks and music for everyone to enjoy along with some of the best views in the area. For a different view of the beautiful fall foliage, ride the lift to Spruce Lake. Sky High Adventure Park will

still be open that weekend, along with the mountain coaster.

A list of scheduled activities and other information will be posted online at ellicottvilleny.com

On Oct. 26, the EVL Halloween Half Marathon will kick off on Monroe Street featuring a Half Marathon and a Half Marathon Relay at 11 a.m. as well as a 5K Run at 11:15 a.m.

Holiday Valley will host its Beer & Wine Festival Nov. 8 and 9 when samples of some of the area’s best beer and wine will be offered. The ticketed event takes place from 1 to 8 p.m. in two sessions at the Main Lodge. For more details, visit holidayvalley.com.

Denton Hill State Park coming back to life

By MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER marcie@bradfordera.com

In less than a year’s time, Denton Hill State Park has gone from a vacant and crumbling ski resort of days gone by to a vibrant venue for weddings, a site for campers and an escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s Denton Hill 4 Season State Park, a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Denton Go, a group of local men determined to bring Denton back even better than it had been before.

“We’ve had a great summer,” said Denton Go’s Todd Brown, one of three partners who have entered into the 35-year contract with the state to operate the park. “We’ve been working with the (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) parks and forestry.”

There are so many ideas, and so much enthusiasm with the partners and with the state.

Brown said Denton Go is new, and is experiencing all the park has to offer for the first time, while the DCNR is rediscovering assets that maybe weren’t on anyone’s radar for quite some time.

“DCNR highly encouraged us to have things open and ready to go for this summer,” he said, “even though we were still going through contracts and agreements in

May and June.”

The lodge is open, RV camping is open with electricity now available, and Denton Go even has Polaris UTV rentals. “On Labor Day weekend, we had 500 visitors on ATVs and sideby-sides.”

The visitors brought in picnic baskets, used the restrooms, walked around to see the improvements and encouraged the staff that they are going in the right direction.

“I anticipate getting the cabins up will spur another round of excitement,” Brown said. Five cabins are being updated and upgraded, and should be available this fall to rent.

“At the same time, we continue to reclaim some of the hiking trails that have been there,” he continued.

“We’re working with various biking groups, biking clubs. I never realized how big biking was until I started talking to these clubs. I don’t know that we’ll have that up and running this year.”

The staff with DCNR and the state’s Department of General Services have been wonderful to work with, Brown said. As work progresses, they continue to meet with the state and make sure they are sticking to the master plan for the state park.

“We’ve been working with the state on the

lift,” he said. “At one time, we were looking at ‘Can the lift be saved?’ Since then, we’ve crunched the numbers and realized it would not be money well spent to rebuild that rather than replace it.”

It’s a big project, changing what was an abandoned ski facility into a four-season park.

“With that comes multiple projects from multiple phases that lead to multiple millions in expenditures that’s going to take multiple years,” Brown said.

Skiing will not be reopened this year, but maybe in the 2025-26 season. The park will be open, and activities will come as Denton Go gets things operational.

“Obviously the cabins are going to be open year round,” he said. “The RV sites will close after hunting season. The lodge, we’re already getting reservations for post-holiday parties. Like most of north central Pennsylvania, there’s excitement up through Jan. 3, then

everyone kind of shelters in place for the winter.”

Brown added, “I’m sure we’ll be busy getting things going for next year.”

In 2025, with a whole year to work on the park, he anticipates making a lot of progress, but it’s not the type of work where a strict timeline can be in place.

“We’ll have more guests that will require more” amenities and things to do. Denton Go is already learning there’s a lot of traffic in the area, with visitors to the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum across U.S. Route 6, the Potter County Family Campground and the state’s Northcentral Regional ATV Trail.

“We attract a lot of New Yorkers who vacation in Potter County for the ability to ride their ATVs,” Brown said. Folks buy the DCNR’s trail connector permit and have access to more than 600 miles of trails, and can use Denton Hill as a base camp.

The restaurant at the lodge isn’t open, but the staff is eager to share names of and directions to local fare.

“We’re working with the PA Wilds program,” Brown said. “We look to further strengthen and make that a relationship, allow that to grow. We’re excited. Perhaps we’re going to be the northern gateway to the PA Wilds.”

TOP IMAGES OF 2024

Dillon Walter, 10, of Bradford, with a nice largemouth bass caught in Gilbert Reservoir earlier in September.

After a successful morning turning hunting are (from left) Will Thompson and his dad, Scott, and Jack Whitman and his dad, Brad.

Gerald A. Johnson of Olean is shown with a trout he caught. At 85, Gerald says he still enjoys getting out on the water.

Oliver Parish (left), 11, of Port Allegany, took his first bear on a beautiful October morning during the 2023 youth season and is shown here with his grandfather, Wayne Parish. Oliver used a .243 Winchester Model 70 handed down from his greatgrandfather. His father, Eric, says Oliver’s favorite part of the experience was making bear sausage to enjoy all winter long!

Logan Green of Bradford is shown on his first trip to Pointe au Baril, Ontario, Canada. His first cast off the dock he caught a 4.5-pound smallmouth bass — the start of a great vacation full of bass and northern pike.

Veno,

Tevin

13, with his youth season eight-point buck taken in Cattaraugus County last fall.

Adam C. Raber

10775 Pigeon Valley Road

Randolph, New York 14772 Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 2:00 pm • No

Ben A. & Anna H. Raber 4982 Route 241

Conewango Valley, NY 14726

Custom Bedroom Sets

Custom Dining Room Sets

TOP IMAGES OF 2024

Timothy Veno of Olean with the bass he caught at Chautauqua Lake behind a family member’s home.

Shari Carney of Little Valley says she was “lured to fintastic Barcelona Harbor on Lake Erie, and there is nothing fishy about the size of the walleye I reeled in!”

Kevin Hanley of Cuba took this free-range bison from the management herd on the Crow reservation in Montana. Kevin notes that a limited number of non-tribal permits are made available by the Crow Nation.

Colt and Hunter Hill of Salamanca both caught nice fish this past summer. Colt got his northern pike in Ellicottville, while Hunter hooked his largemouth in Red House Lake.

while

took this

Kord Kinney

photo

pheasant hunting with his Brittany spaniel on State Game Lands 61 near Port Allegany in McKean County.

TOP IMAGES OF 2024

Colton Sulewski, 7, of Olean, (in left photo) caught this trout using a waxworm on Five Mile Creek in Allegany. Shaun Sulewski caught a 28 1/2-inch walleye that weighed 12.5 pounds out of the Allegheny River on a nightcrawler.

Polly Bobseine of Conewango Valley is shown after a goose hunt with her sons Ruger and Griffin. Nothing like cornstubble to bring the geese in.

Skywalk will remain open for leaf peeping

By SARA FURLONG s.furlong@bradfordera.com

MOUNT JEWETT — The Kinzua Bridge State Park Skywalk offers unbeatable views of the Northeastern United States’ world-renowned fall foliage.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced earlier this year the popular attraction, and the Kinzua Creek Trail, would close for maintenance.

But, folks who’ve had their hearts set on catching a glimpse of the picturesque Kinzua Valley under the spell of autumn should not despair.

Recognizing the widespread desire to take in the Skywalk’s spectacular vistas and understanding the bridge’s impact on the area’s economy, officials have planned the required work around the fall foliage season.

The Skywalk and Kinzua

Creek Trail will be fully open to the public on weekends and holidays. According to information released earlier this year, the park will close to commence the multiyear construction project in mid- to late November. The work is due to last through the fall of 2027.

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said, “DCNR understands the Skywalk experience is most spectacular during fall foliage season and visitors support local economies, so the project will not begin until after the season ends this year and will be reopened for two months (each) fall during construction.”

Skywalk is safe for visitors; the maintenance and improvements are meant to ensure it can be enjoyed well into the future. “During a structural safety inspection it was determined that the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk remains safe but needs some maintenance to ensure its longevity.”

Every year more than 250,000 people visit KBSP, largely to experience the Skywalk. The attraction opened in 2011 out of the reimagined ruins left by a tornado that ripped through the Kinzua Gorge in 2003, toppling 11 of the Kinzua Viaduct’s 20 towers.

The Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center, featuring its own great views, self-guided exhibits, and information about the surrounding environment, will remain open along with the park’s picnic tables, pavilion, playground and observation deck.

The project will include removal of the decking and railroad ties to access the towers. Steel will be added and replaced in sections where thinning has occurred from exposure to the elements, then the railroad ties and decking reinstalled. New Plexiglas will be installed for the viewing area and the handrails replaced. After blast cleaning, all steel portions of the Skywalk will be painted. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead at (814) 778-5467 or visit the Kinzua Bridge State Park website and review the advisory section for the most current information regarding these closures.

Stay and play at Pine Acres

By SARA FURLONG s.furlong@bradfordera.com

Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort is a public 18-hole golf course nestled against the backdrop of the Allegheny National Forest offering not just a golfing experience, but a connection with nature.

That’s according to the buzzing locale’s website after Bradford residents Eric Haynoski, Shawn Mosier, Steve Peterson and Brian Steen assumed ownership last year. They are well underway with their vision to revamp, improve and add to the 232-acre property, which also includes a restaurant and bar, pro shop, driving range and flexible outdoor space for camping, mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Along with the staple golf course, which is open to the public, the group aims to venture beyond just golf, creating a hub for the community that offers an array of family-friendly activities.

Currently, Pine Acres

has 23 campsites that come equipped with stainless steel fire rings, picnic tables, access to electricity and water as well as access to walking trails that lead to the Allegheny National Forest. There are also plans to install cabins as well as more basic sites on the property in the near future.

This fall, Pine Acres is

offering a special Stay and Play package for $100, which includes two 18-hole rounds of golf with a cart and a onenight stay at the campsites. For those just interested in camping, sites are $30 per night. Additionally, campers who book two nights will receive a third night free this fall. Reservations can be made at campspot.com or

through their website, pineacresgolfandrvresort.com.

Some other additions the group hopes to bring to the club and community is a disc golf course, pickleball courts, more kid-friendly spaces such as jungle-gyms and the possibility of having events such as live music or movie screenings. This spring, the club welcomed the community for an eclipse viewing party.

The property borders the Allegheny National Forest — hunters, hikers and leaf peepers are welcome. When the leaves and the temperatures drop, cross-country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers can avail themselves of the property and enjoy the winter months.

Currently the course is open seven days a week, and will move to a Thursday to Sunday schedule — with a limited restaurant menu — sometime in October.

Check Pine Acres’ website or Facebook page for the latest information, or call the course at (814) 362-2005 or text only at (814) 989-0592.

Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort Photo provided Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort currently offers 23 campsites equipped with stainless steel fire rings, picnic tables and access to electricity and water on flat, easily accessed terrain adjacent to its 18-hole public golf course.

Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort Photo provided

A sunset fairway view at Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort off Route 770 in Bradford.

Autumn events slated across the region

By MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER

A variety of events are planned throughout the region for the end of summer and beginning of fall.

In the Bradford area:

Sept. 28, 14th Annual Pumpkinfest and Pitt Kids Zone, noon to 5 p.m., downtown Bradford, many pumpkin-themed events, vendors, live music, hayrides

Sept. 28, Marilla Trail Race, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. West Washington Street at Marilla Reservoir

Oct. 3, Girls Night Out Fall Fashion Show, 6 p.m., The Bradford Club, from partners Small Town Girl Boutique and Bradford Area Public Library, tickets $30

Oct. 5, Zippo/Case Harvest Fest, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Zippo/Case Museum, Bradford

Oct. 5, Third Annual Fall for Your Library Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bradford Area Public Library

Oct. 5, Lighter Palooza 4.5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 625 South Ave., Bradford

Oct. 5-6, Rock City Park’s Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5 admission, vendors include rock and gem, jewelry and food

Oct. 12, Marilyn Horne 90th Birthday Tribute, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Marilyn Horne Museum & Exhibit Center

Oct. 19, Harvest Apple Festival, 11 a.m., Crook Farm

Oct. 25, Third Annual Boo Bash, 6 to 8 p.m., Foster

Brook Creamery

Smethport

Sept. 28, Sixth Annual Art on the Island, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hamlin Lake, Smethport, artisans, crafters, car show, food trucks

Oct. 31, Trick or Treat, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Smethport Borough.

Kane

Sept. 28, America250 Liberty Tree planting, 10 to 11 a.m., gather at TAMED Trailhead in Kane

Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. & Oct. 12 at 9 p.m., Annual Pumpkin Walk by the Kane Garden Club, Evergreen Park, Kane

Oct. 12, Fourth Annual Flickerwood Jeep & Fun Run, registration begins 10 a.m., event is 10:30 to 5 p.m.

Oct. 12, Biketoberfest, Kane Family Drive In, noon to 11 p.m., motorcycle ride including over the Kinzua Dam, live music, food, games, tattoo artists. Fundraiser for Kane Area Community Center, L.E.E.K. Mountain Preserve and local food pantries.

Oct. 29, UPMC Kane Annual Report and public meeting, 6 p.m., Six and Kane

Oct. 31, Trick or Treat, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

mount jewett

Oct. 19, 5th Annual MJ Borough Wide Fall Haul Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. borough-wide yard sale

Oct. 26, Mount Jewett 3rd Annual Pumpkin Walk

and Scarecrow Contest, 5 p.m.

Port allegany

Oct. 5, First Allegany Mountain Fall Car and Truck Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4786 Route 155, Port Allegany, prizes will be awarded. Music, games, vendors and food will be available.

Oct. 26, Trunk or Treat ‘24, 1 p.m., Turtlepoint Evangelical

ELK COUNTY

Sept. 27, 6 to 9 p.m., Oktoberfest Beer Dinner, Straub Brewery Visitor Center & Tap Room, St. Marys

Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Flavors of Fall festival, Ridgway

Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bicentennial Historic Tour, Ridgway

Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fall Festival at the library, Ridgway

Oct. 1, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Ridgway Farmers Market, Ridgway Mills Campground

Oct. 3, 5 to 9 p.m., Straub Cruise In, Straub Brewery Visitor Center & Tap Room, St. Marys

Oct. 6, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Little Chapel in the Woods Service, Benezette

Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elktoberfest, Benezette School House, Benezette

Oct. 20, noon to 4 p.m., Outdoor Bash, Elk County High School, St. Marys

Oct. 20, 1 to 6 p.m., Trick or Trail 12K and 6K 2 Mile Spooky Walk, Laurel Mill

Ski Trail, Allegheny National Forest, Ridgway

Oct. 26, Trunk or Treat at Winery at Wilcox, 2 to 5 p.m., Wilcox

Oct. 31, 3 to 5 p.m., Ridgway Business Trick or Treat

CAMERON COUNTY

Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to noon, Cameron County Farmers Market, Emporium

Sept. 28, noon to 5 p.m., All Fired Up Kickin’ Ash BBQ, Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center, Emporium

Sept. 28, noon to 9 p.m., Fall Fest 24, Sinnemahoning Sportsman Club, Sinnemahoning

Oct. 5, noon to 4 p.m., Mushroom Fest, Driftwood Saloon & Grill, Driftwood

Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., First Fork Festival, Sinnemahoning State Park, Austin

Oct. 19, 2 to 6 p.m., 2nd Annual Willows Halloween Costume Jeep Cruise In at The Willows Bar and Restaurant, PA-120, Sinnemahoning

POTTER COUNTY

Oct. 5, Fall Fest at the Fairgrounds, Millport

Oct. 12 & 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fall Antique Show & Sawmill Run, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Ulysses

Oct. 26, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Spooky Lantern Tours, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Ulysses

*Not a Comprehensive List

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Broad Street Plaza 677 Broad St Salamanca, NY | 716-945-4016

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Marilla Trail Race back for 11th year

By SARA FURLONG s.furlong@bradfordera.com

The Marilla Trail Race will return for its 11th year later this month, setting off toward the next $50,000 contributed to the Tuna Val ley Trail Association (TVTA).

The race marked 10 years in 2023 and surpassed $50,000 raised since its inaugural event.

The event will have a head start on the fall foliage scene, set for Sept. 28 this year instead of its traditional Columbus Day weekend schedule.

Race director Josh Preston said, “We wanted to be able to take more advantage of the leaves changing and a little bit warmer weather.”

The long Columbus Day weekend, organizers reasoned, made it easier for out-of-towners to travel in for the event, which draws runners from all over the Twin Tiers, Jamestown, N.Y., Buffalo, N.Y., Erie, Pittsburgh, New England and even the West Coast. “It’s pretty crazy,” Preston said, “How big of a draw it is.”

Last year the race registered its first international participant, a runner from Australia who was in town to visit a Pitt-Bradford student.

But several times, over the years, it has snowed at the race and Preston admitted that’s “not for everybody. We thought a little warmer weather might appeal to more people.”

In addition to the 7- and 14-mile trail races, the event offers a nearly 4-mile hike on the Cornelius Connection

“with some cool views of the hills and leaves,” Preston said. “It has a fair bit of elevation, but it’s not anything you have to have a whole lot of training to do.”

Race day packet pickup and day-of registration begins at 8 a.m. at Marilla Landing. The 14-mile race goes off at 9:30 and the 7-miler at 10 o’clock. Hikers get underway at 10:10. Lunch will be available — provided this year by The Grocery Stretcher — beginning at 11 a.m. Overall and age group awards will be announced around noon. Zippo, Case, Just Riding Along Bike Shop and Four Mile Brewing assist with awards, prizes and giveaways. Visit marillatrailrace. com for online registration through Sept. 27, course information and printable maps, photos and videos from previous years, and driving directions.

Participants and spectators will see that some of the TVTA’s goals are coming to fruition this year, thanks in part to funds generated by the Marilla Trail Race.

Construction of the pavilion, overlook area and

parking lot was well underway at Marilla Landing — a longtime objective for the all-volunteer group. A new, single vault restroom was installed last year and TVTA representatives said they’re hopeful the Landing project will be completed by October.

At an estimated cost of $500,000 the association is leaning on a number of funding sources, according to TVTA Treasurer Sara Andrews. In addition to association funds, the group has secured grants including a Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant, McKean County Act 13 and American Rescue Plan Act grants, two North Central Greenways Program minigrants, a grant from the McKean County Community

Foundation and private donations.

The new trailhead facility will serve more than 23 miles of trails in the Marilla Reservoir area, and provides an outdoor facility for trail and other community events.

Preston said the race “is just one of the many events that are out there every year for TVTA, and (Marilla Landing) opens up the opportunity for the community now to use it even more. You could have a wedding out there, it’s so picturesque. This really increases the potential for what you could do, what kind of events could be hosted there.”

Preston said, “There’s been so much work behind the scenes on that project, it’s so exciting to see it come to life. We’ve been talking about it, planning for years — pursuing grants and donations and there’s been so much generous support from sponsors for the race, but also sponsors and donors to TVTA directly, who made that happen.

“It’s something the

Photo by Sara Furlong

A new, single vault restroom was installed in 2023 at Marilla Landing.

Photo by Sara Furlong

Construction of the pavilion, overlook area and parking lot was well underway at Marilla Landing.

Leaf peepers prepare, fall foliage is sure to dazzle

By SAVANNAH BARR s.barr@bradfordera.com

Mother nature is gearing up to put on one of her most vibrant shows all year — the changing of the autumn leaves. Leaf peepers will want to get their cameras ready because this year’s display should be a beautiful one, experts say.

“Pennsylvania has over 130 species of native trees, so it is guaranteed that some of those species will have an outstanding year while others may be a bit more muted,” said Cecile Stelter, forest district manager for the Cornplanter Forest District with the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry.

According to DCNR’s fall foliage report, Eastern North America is one of only three regions in the world that host a deciduous forest able to display a full array of autumn colors. (The other two are in Northeastern China and northern Japan and the British Isles and parts of northwestern Europe.)

Pennsylvania, however, is an even more distinct area. The state’s northern latitude and varied topography mean that it can play host to northern trees that only grow in mountainous regions farther south, and southern species at the northernmost limits of their range. More than 130 species of trees live in the state.

Northern trees include birches, mountain maples, quaking aspen and American mountain ash trees. Southern trees include black walnut, black gun, pignut hickory, flowering dogwood and pawpaws. Ohio buckeye, bur oak and shingle oak, which are common to the Mississip-

pi Valley, can also be found at their easternmost point here in Pennsylvania, according to the DCNR report.

“I think that is what makes Pennsylvania’s fall foliage so beautiful – every year promises to be different and unique, based on what species or mix of species may stand out for that particular year,” Stelter said.

This penultimate step in the life cycle of the leaves may be the most vibrant, but for the leaf, hardly the most important. As you may recall from elementary science class, a leaf’s main job is to photosynthesize — or turn the sun’s rays into the nutrients the host tree needs to survive. Later, those same fallen leaves will provide a home for many creatures that dwell on the forest floor.

“Starting in the spring and continuing throughout the growing season, most trees produce the chlorophyll pigment which makes the leaves appear green throughout that time,” said Stelter.

“As fall approaches, the days begin to get shorter and the temperatures begin to cool, trees respond by producing less chlorophyll which allows other pigments to become more visible.”

The chemicals that produce the bright fall colors are always present within the leaves. It is overpowered the rest of the year by the green chlorophyll. Because each species of trees’ leaves have their own chemical makeup, certain colors are associated with certain trees, Stelter said.

Oaks often show a more reddish brown and russet color while hickories are a darker golden yellow. The aspens light up the woods with an almost neon sunshine

File Photo

The Department of Conservation of Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry anticipates this year’s fall foliage season to be a good one.

hue while the black gum and maple trees show a bright crimson.

“The McKean County and Bradford area will probably peak towards the end of the first week or beginning of the second week in October,” Stelter said.

More western areas such as Warren County are expected to peak about a week to a week and a half later, said Stelter. If you miss the peak in one area, try traveling south about an hour and catching it there.

“Sometimes people can find a beautiful example of nature’s palette just over the next ridge,” said Stelter.

While there are many scenic overlooks along main arteries like Route 6 and Route 59, Stelter recommends getting off the beaten path.

“I would encourage people to consider taking a drive through a state forest or park,” she said.

Those planning on

catching the leaves will also want to tune into their local meteorologists because the weather can affect the vibrancy and duration of the autumn leaves as well.

“The conditions that make up the best fall foliage displays include warm, sunny days and cooler but not freezing nights,” said Stelter.

Early snowfalls and hard frosts can cause the color changes to occur more quickly, shortening the season. Heavy rain events with high winds can cause the leaves to fall from the trees all at once.

“Dramatic, sudden weather events tend to shorten the season and reduce the vibrancy of the colors,” Stelter said.

Extreme weather events elsewhere, such as remnants of a hurricane, can also blow the leaves out of trees prematurely. Droughts can be particularly damaging.

“Drought conditions can even cause premature leaf fall, in which the leaves may fall without even changing color,” said Stelter.

“Additionally, as the climate in the area changes that can impact the native species or create a situation that makes conditions more receptive for other species to migrate to that area.”

The forest is a complicated living ecosystem and, like all living beings, it needs to be properly maintained for full health. The Bureau of Forestry strives to enact proper forest management practices throughout its land.

“But more than 70 percent of Pennsylvania forests are privately owned,” said Stelter. “So it really is all our responsibility to ensure that our forests remain healthy so we can enjoy fall foliage seasons for decades to come.”