"Let us invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together, let us explore the stars." -- President Kennedy
Happening today: The Perseid meteor shower peaked last evening but you might be able to see a few stragglers this evening. The meteors have been streaking across the nighttime sky all weekend.
Last evening, if you were able to get to a clear location with limited reflective light, you may have been able to see up to 50 Perseid meteors per hour.
This morning, starting at 10, there's a dutch oven donuts hands-on workshop up at the Hills Creek State Park outside of Wellsboro. More importantly, this is a "belly-on" event because free donuts will be offered as long as the supplies last. You and your family can help make donuts the real old-fashioned way. The good folks over at the Buffalo Valley Sportsmen's Club outside of Mifflinburg are hosting a delicious chicken bar-be-que and an archery shoot today.
n Happening Tuesday: Ag Progress Days runs today through Thursday at the Russell Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs a few miles west of State College. This is not an outdoor show in the pure sense; however, there will be plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. For example, there are ATV safety classes, wildlife presentations on everything from birds of prey to turtles and sessions dealing with predator impacts on deer herds. If you haven't attended Ag Progress Days, this year might be a good time to head on up. And, of course, being an agricultural fair, there will be plenty of good food to eat.
n Happening Wednesday: The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is hosting a family fishing day this afternoon starting at 5:30 on the Susquehanna River Commons Fishing Pier in Wilkes-Barre. The pier is located on North River Street and I've personally seen some huge fish hauled in at this location. You do need to register for this free event by contacting Andy Fedor at anfedor@pa.gov or by telephone at 570-477-2206.
n Happening Thursday: The annual grand migration of nearly 18,000 hawks officially started last evening and runs through Dec. 15 at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary near Kempton. The autumn "hawkwatch" is one of the great spectacles of nature. These watches were started back in 1934 as a conservation and education outreach to educate people about migrating raptors. You and your family may participate in the hawkwatch by taking an easy hike from your car to overlook vistas. A set of binoculars is always helpful for this activity. Children can learn observation techniques and practice using their "quiet voices" just in time for back-to-school while they watch eagles, hawks and many other bird species soar above their heads. There is a nominal trail fee for non-members. Much more information is available at www.hawkmountain.org.
The new Sunbury Riverfront Park will be dedicated at 10 a.m. today. This dedication fits in nicely with the Sunbury River Festival (www.sunburyriverfestival.com) that runs today through Saturday. Make sure to bring the whole family to this great event that celebrates our beautiful river.
n Happening Friday: Imaginations will come alive for children between the ages of 9-12 at the Ned Smith Center's puppet-palooza camp today. Children are invited to join in the discovery the world of puppetry starting at 9 a.m. Throughout this day-long session, traditional concepts will be used in creating puppets as well as some new innovative ideas that will result in many one-of-a-kind creations. While at the camp kids and their family members can enjoy all of the other wonderful activities that are available at the center. Registration is required by visiting www.nedsmithcenter.org or calling 717-692-3699.
n Happening next weekend: On Saturday, Aug. 18, there will be a bass tournament on Elijah Run in the Allegheny National Forest. Please give Jason Porter a call at 814-502-9698 to register. Also today, children ages 8 to 14 can participate in the Tioga County Youth Field Day, which will be held the Ives Run Recreation Area at the Tioga-Hammond Lakes. At least 10 educational stations will be set up, covering topics such as orienteering, rifle, shotgun, fly and spin fishing, turkey calling and wildlife identification. The event is free and open to all kids. Parents must register children in advance by calling Dina Henninger at 570-835-0113.
