Ah, May. You know what I think about in May? Kielbasi!
That's right, kielbasi. And why shouldn't I? The fifth annual Kielbasi Festival, an event designed to celebrate our region's most popular eastern European dish, is coming up on May 19 in Shenandoah!
The Kielbasi Festival will not only feature plenty of our most beloved sausage, but also haluski, halupki, babka, bleenies and other eastern European delicacies. Ethnic music and crafts, including Polish pottery, Matrushka and Pysanky will abound. The town that serves as the kielbasi capital of our region pays homage to our eastern European culture and heritage each year during this fabulous festival. The folks at Downtown Shenandoah Inc. and their volunteers put a great amount of time and energy into the celebration, even including a nonprofessional contest with both smoked and fresh categories. The winner takes home the much coveted pig trophy. What a way to kick off the summer! STO LAT!
This summer, we expect hundreds of thousands of visitors in our state parks, our campgrounds, at unique cultural heritage attractions. While you may doubt it, all you have to do is visit Locust Lake State Park, Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train, Yuengling Brewery, Schuylkill County Wine Festival, The Great Pottsville Cruise, Jerry's Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum and Hawk Mountain and see for yourself. Schuylkill County is a natural cultural heritage destination like no other and travelers know it.
May is so fresh, so invigorating with summer on the horizon. Blue skies and bright sunshine energize the spirit and our thoughts turn toward pleasure. And there's lots out there for us in May.
Check out our calendar of events, loaded with Kentucky Derby specials that make the "run for the roses" more fun and Mother's Day specials at great restaurants all over the county that are sure to please. Stop by our welcome center for some great historical and regional books, some coal candy or ask us where to shop for great gift ideas for mom.
And shopping locally is more than just convenient. When you shop at locally owned businesses in your town you put revenue back into your community. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a chain store, a mere $13 circulates back into the community. Conversely, the same $100 spent at a hometown business circulates $45 back into the community.
Unique high quality gifts that benefit our communities and way of life; what better way to truly give! Maybe mom would like art lessons at Walk-In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven or a membership to the Historical Society of Schuylkill County or Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Perhaps she'd enjoy a beautiful work of art from Mud & Maker or better yet, lessons!
There are all sorts of gifts on hand in Schuylkill County. You could grab mom a superior quality car sound system or remote starter from 12-Volt Dave's, a one-of-a-kind gift from Black Diamond Antiques or Hidden Treasures, a special photo memory captured by Chandon Photography or tickets to the next Gabriel Chamber Ensemble concert.
I'm betting any mom would love a gift certificate from Pristine Cleaning or The Bee Hive Salon & Spa. (I know I would love both!) Golf lessons or certificates from Mountain Valley, Hidden Valley and White Birch golf courses make great gifts, great memories and great experiences. There's no limit to the selection of exceptional gift choices that will make mom happy and keep you shopping locally. And when you're shopping locally, you're investing locally.
Don't forget to take mom to dinner, too. There's nothing I like better than a lovely meal I didn't cook. Oak Hill Inn, Madeline's, The Restaurant at the Station, The Greystone, Roma Pizzeria & Restaurant, The Brickhouse Grill, Vito's Coal Fired Pizza, The Mineshaft Cafe, Port Clinton Hotel and so many others will have wonderful specials.
May brings us other diversions as well. Our own Hawk Mountain is hosting Evenings on the River on May 20, June 16, 17 and 30 (Drehersville to Port Clinton). Join a veteran Hawk Mountain paddler and naturalist for a laid-back paddle down the Little Schuylkill by canoe on a Saturday or Sunday. Trips generally cover 5 to 8 miles and take 2 to 3 hours. Canoes, life jackets, paddles and all basic instruction provided. Each trip includes a strong educational focus on the cultural and natural history of the area. Advance registration required so call 610-756-6961 soon.
Block parties, church picnics and festivals of all kinds provide entertainment and fun every weekend. Fortunately for me, each and every month provides us with so many events across our county, that I can sing the praises of what our many communities have to offer quite easily. Some special May events include: Hometown craft show on Sunday, Leesport spring craft show and Stonehedge Garden Mother Earth Festival on May 12, "There's a Monster in My Closet" play at the Sovereign Majestic Theater on May 19, 20, Bear Creek Festival on May 20, Ashland's Art Walk on May 26 and No. 9 Mine & Museum Memorial Day picnic on May 27.
For a complete schedule of events, guided walks and hikes as well as the online Schuylkill Trail Directory, visit our website and calendar of events at www.schuylkill.org. Don't forget to stop in the visitors center for the Schuylkill County Outdoor Recreation map, Schuylkill County Farm Market map, Appalachian Trail map, Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area map, Schuylkill River Trail map and State Parks brochure and remember to enjoy the month of May!
(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)