From Bluegrass Concerts and Biathlons to Star Parties, Festivals and even a Pioneer Frolic, the volunteer groups with PA Parks and Forest Foundation are hosting on a wide variety of free events at Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests this summer.

These FREE events are designed to engage audiences of all ages, bringing the public out to the parks to celebrate the treasure of Pennsylvania’s 120 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land.

“We applaud the work of our Friends groups to connect people to the outdoors through a wide variety of events. With so many options, there is no excuse to stay home,” said PPFF President Marci Mowery.

Best of all, Mowery says, these events are open to the public free of charge – a great resource for families with limited incomes to enjoy the outdoors together.

There are 36 active volunteer “Friends” groups working under PPFF’s umbrella in state parks and forests across the state, doing everything from trail maintenance and educational programming to fundraising for playgrounds and park benches.

PPFF Friends Groups Events for Summer 2014

-- June 26-29:  Star Party, Cherry Springs Dark Sky Association

-- June 28-29:  Pioneer Frolic, Friends of Goddard State Park

-- July 4-6:  Birthday Party Weekend, Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park

-- July 6:  Music on the Mountain (Erica Lyn Everest & Second Time Thru), Friends of Kings Gap EEC

-- July 12: Music in the Gap at Cowans Gap State Park (The Positronic Cats), sponsored by PPFF

-- July 19-20:  29th Summer Festival, Friends of Black Moshannon State Park

-- August 2-3: Old Home Days with the Friends of Greenwood Furnace Park

-- August 3:  Laurel Hill Adventure Race, Friends of Laurel Hill State Park

-- August 3:  Music on the Mountain with Walt Crider & the Old Time Way and Baileys Crossing, Friends of Kings Gap Environmental Education Center

-- August 8-10:  Christmas in Summer at the Campground, Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park

-- August 9:  Biathlon, Friends of Oil Creek State Park

-- August 9:  Music in the Gap with Misty Mountain at Cowans Gap State Park, sponsored by PPFF

-- August 16-17:  Music at the Marina, Friends of Goddard State Park

-- August 16-17:  Bluegrass Festival, Friends of Laurel Hill State Park

-- August 16-17:  CCC Reunion and Festival, Promised Land State Park

-- August 17:  Disc Golf Tournament, Friends of Canoe Creek State Park

-- August 22-24:  Black Forest Star Party, Cherry Springs Dark Sky Association

-- August 24:  Youth Field Day, Friends of Mt. Pisgah State Park

-- August 30-September 1:  Camper Appreciation Weekend, Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park

-- September 6: Military & Families Appreciation Day, Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation

-- September 6-7:  Music in the Mountains, Friends of Ohiopyle State Park

For a complete list of concerts, festivals and other Friends Group events at Pennsylvania state parks and forests this summer, visit the PPFF Events Calendar webpage.

6/30/2014