SPECIAL EVENTS MARK FOREST’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

By BRIAN FERRY bferry@timesobserver.com

In 1923, Pres. Calvin Coolidge made a proclamation that created the Allegheny National Forest. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is celebrating the ANF’s 100th anniversary.

Warren County businesses and organizations are also getting in on the action.

“Allegheny Outfitters is offering a 100-mile paddling challenge,” ANF Public Affairs Officer Christopher Leeser said. “Warren County Historical Society has a centennial themed scavenger hunt available.”

“Details are being finalized on a centennial geocache trail created by the PennSoil RC&D Council and other partners and a 100-mile Hiking Challenge in conjunction with the ANF Visitors Bureau,” Leeser said. “We have a centennial passport available and a cancellation stamp available at each official event. People can pick-up a passport at the first official event they attend.”

“We plan to have outreach booths at multiple community events,” he said.

From Sept. 22 through 24, the ANF will host Jakes Rocks Trail Fest with demonstrations, guided rides, clinics, vendors, and more.

The ANF Centennial Art Show Exhibition will be held at the Crary Art Gallery on those same days. The sponsored and juried exhibit will feature local artist’s interpretations of the forest and its local impacts.

From 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Struthers Library Theatre will present a free evening of film and discussion on hunting, fishing and conservation – A Hunter’s and Angler’s Guide to the Allegheny National Forest. There will be a Centennial Celebration from 11 a.m. to

7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24 at Twin Lakes Recreation Area, with live music, guest speakers, food trucks, activities for children, giveaways and more.

Allegheny Site Management is bringing Rich Pawling of History Alive! and his historically accurate, first-person interpretive dramas to Loleta Recreation Area from 1 to 6:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6.