Parker Dam to host fall festival

Parker Dam State Park will hold its 20th annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Those attending are urged to stay for the day and into the evening as lit jack-o-lanterns will be set adrift on the lake. The day will end with a campfire and stories. — Courtesy photo

By Andy Stine

astine@altoonamirror.com

The 20th annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float at Parker Dam will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 in the day use area.

There will be local arts and crafts vendors, as well as heritage and educational activities for all ages.

Kids are invited to don their Halloween costumes for a costume parade through the festival grounds at 4:30 p.m. The parade starts at Pavilion 4 and will be followed by a trunk-or-treat event.

There will also be evening activities, including a campfire and stories, on the beach beginning at 6:45 p.m. where lit jack-o-lanterns will be set afloat on Parker Lake.

Those attending are urged to bring a chair or blanket for seating.

Parker Dam is a 968-acre state park that offers a scenic lake, rustic cabins, a campground, and plenty of forest. It is part of the Moshannon State Forest.

Parker Dam State Park offers year-round environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. A small-scale, interpretive maple-sugaring operation runs throughout March. Apple-cidering is demonstrated each October.

For more information, visit Parker Dam’s 20th Annual Fall Festival event page on Facebook.