The long cold winter is winding down and spring is on its way - at least that's what Punxsutawney Phil said last month.
March gets us thinking about being outdoors more often in the sun with the longer days and warming temperatures. Nature never fails to inspire us and March's activities are truly inspired!
So perhaps you're a walker or hiker? If so, join in on March 9 for the Tree Trail at Locust Lake State Park and on March 23 for the Indian Run Ramble.
For walking, hiking, biking and bird-watching, places like the John Bartram Trail, Swatara State Park, Conrad Weiser State Forest, Tri-Valley's Environmental Education Center, the Lehigh Valley and New England Rail Trail in South Tamaqua, the Appalachian Trail and so many more offer limitless possibilities for all ages and abilities.
Be sure to stop by the visitors bureau when you're looking for resources and pick up The Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area brochure and map, PA's Fishing & Boating Opportunities brochure, the PA Recreational Guide for Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks and even the Schuylkill County Airport's Bright Sky brochure featuring air tours and flight instruction.
March has a nice roster of events lined up. On Saturday, the Walk-In Art Center will host a March Madness open house. Mud & Maker's famous Wheel & Wine events are scheduled for March 8 and 29 and a Handprint Plate Extravaganza on March 9. Downtown Shenandoah Inc. will hold its monthly soup sale on March 14. The Sovereign Majestic Theater's featured M&T movie is "Roger Rabbit" on March 9 and A Tribute to Elvis show is scheduled for March 23 at the theater.
Stonehedge Gardens, South Tamaqua, does Shamanic Visions, Drumming & Meditations on March 16. Tower City will be all jazzed up for the annual Les Brown Big Band Weekend March 22-24. Lakeside Ballroom will be rockin' on March 23 with Idol King: A Tribute to John Mellencamp & Journey. Lessie's Garden & Greenhouse will host a Spring Fling on March 23, complete with a visit from the Easter Bunny, face painting, egg painting and flowers.
Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove, hosts a seed starting clinic on March 6, trout stocking on March 29, an opening day of trout breakfast on March 30 and a community sunrise Easter service on March 31.
Now, for those of us inclined to be wearin' o' the green this month, we have two weekends in Schuylkill County for celebrating. The Pottsville St. Patrick's Day parade is March 16, followed by a celebration at the Humane Fire Company and a bar crawl later that night. On March 23, the parade begins at noon in Girardville.
The Knights of Lithuania Council 144 has teamed up with our the Schuylkill County Historical Society to bring us the history, art, culture and heritage of Lithuania through a special exhibit that runs through March 31. The exhibit will cover sports, marguciai, wood carving, pottery, etched mushrooms, intricate paper cuttings, straw ornaments, weavings and a full array artistic textile works.
So as usual we run the full gamut in March. We've got art, culture, heritage, outdoor recreations, live entertainment, food, wine, holiday happenings and more right here in our own backyard.
For all these activities and many more, you can check out our great calendar of events at www.schuylkill.org or visit us on the first floor of Union Station in Pottsville to pick up resources, Skook glassware, stickers or some great coal candy for your Easter baskets. Spring into action and enjoy the variety of activities March offers in Schuylkill County and remember to shop local.
(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)
