August is under way and so far the summer's been hot and dry. I don't expect any big changes for August so let's keep enjoying summer!
I don't know about other communities, but Schuylkill County is BUSY in August and folks visiting us on their vacations find no shortages of things to do, so it's my humble opinion that you shouldn't either. If you're having trouble filling your calendar go to www.schuylkill.org and check out the calendar of events.
The fourth annual SPCA Poker Run, Party for Paws & Firefest is on Saturday at the North End Fire Company in Pine Grove. Sponsored by The Coal Region Brotherhood Riding Club, this poker run is approximately 100 miles with scheduled stops along the way. You can register from 8 to 11 a.m., $20 per rider, $10 per passenger, including your meal. There will be four live bands, food and beverages, cash prizes, door prizes, 50/50 drawings and the guys from the hit TV show "Rescue Ink" will be on hand. You don't have to ride or own a bike to get out and join the party and support a great organization while you do so.
If you didn't get to the fair yet, no worries, you've still got time. Tonight is Country Night and Saturday is Homecoming Day. There will be an antique tractor pull Saturday morning, kid's hay bale toss, butter making contest, great live entertainment in the evening and plenty to eat, so be sure not to miss it!
The 19th annual Great Pottsville Cruise is on Aug. 11, complete with two bands, plenty of cool cars and a brand new Raffle Run through our beautiful county and the city of Pottsville. The 98th annual Lithuanian Days celebrations is at the Schuylkill Mall on Aug. 11 and 12. You can also swing out to Klingerstown for Benigna's Creek Winery's Summerfest on Aug. 11. Schuylkill Haven's Island Park Day is Aug. 25.
The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce continues to offer their free Summer Concert Series on Aug. 16 and 30 and again on Sept. 13. If you haven't been one of these concerts yet, I highly recommend that you make time to do so. The picturesque 1874 train station makes for a fabulous setting. Add in some refreshments and you've got a summer night to remember.
The pace continues in the northern tier of the county with the 20th annual Pioneer Day at Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train on Aug. 18 and Shenandoah Heritage Day on Aug. 25.
Both events offer fun for all ages, a complete array of delicious ethnic foods and popular picnic fare, games, children's activities, crafts and music. Pioneer Day also features tunnel and museum tours and steam train rides while Shenandoah Heritage Day will feature the Parade of Nations.
Still not enough for you? That's OK, we've got this! The fourth annual STS Scavenger Hunt is on Thursday; The Republican-Herald's annual book sale at the Schuylkill Mall on Aug. 16-19, basic kayaking courses at Tuscarora State Park on Aug. 11, 17, 24 and 25; Swatara State Park Trek is on Aug. 18; Native American Stories & Dances for Children and a Summer Adventure Wee Ones Walk are both at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park on Aug. 18 and 22, respectively; Schuylkill County Senior Championship on Aug. 25 and a Jack and Jill Tournament on Aug. 26, both at Mountain Valley Golf Course and finally, America's Funniest Mom, Rubi Wahhab Nicholas, will be at the Sovereign Majestic Theater on Aug. 31.
I don't know how you can ask for more activities and more variety in one month than this folks, I just don't.
At the visitors bureau, we're making good use of August's long days visiting our members, connecting with tourists and working to put together our 2013 Visitors Guide in the design you know and love, including the pull-out map. Our guide is a tremendous value designed to bring your organization or business customers and promote the community. We see to it personally!
All summer I've been talking about the endless ways we celebrate the great traditions of Schuylkill County but, truth be told, we celebrate Schuylkill County life and its traditions all year long.
If your organization celebrates Schuylkill County life, consider joining the visitors bureau and being a part of our 2013 Visitors Guide.
To find out more about the guide, the benefits of membership or August events, give us a call at 570-622-7700 or go to www.schuylkill.org. We look forward to seeing you enjoying everything Schuylkill County has to offer this August!
(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)