Hello neighbors. Spring is officially here! Can I get a big "amen?" I don't know about you but I am thrilled that warmer weather is on its way - and not a moment too soon. So get ready to stretch those limbs and explore the wide variety of fun events throughout April in the Susquehanna River Valley.
Spring festivals, fairs and open houses are a-plenty. Country Cupboard hosts their Spring Open House April 2, Susquehanna University offers their annual Bluegrass Festival April 10, the Danville Elks will host their first Spring Craft Show April 16-17, Milton's American Heritage Crafters will host their Spring Celebration April 16 offering discounts, food and fun. The Lewisburg's Arts Festival will run April 30 though May 14. This two-week series is anchored by two large events, the ever-popular Market Street Festival on Saturday, April 30 and Lewisburg Live, featuring live bands in various downtown venues, Saturday, May 14.
April is National Gardening month and what better ways to celebrate our green thumbs than "how-to" classes where you can learn to make a floral globe or strawberry jar herb planter at Country Farm & Home, or enjoy workshops on composting, herbs and urban gardening at the Country Cupboard? On April 2, the Merrill W. Linn Land & Waterways Conservancy kicks off its annual Native Plant Sale with a variety of native shrubs, trees and perennials at the Union County Public Library. And you won't want to miss Lewisburg Garden Club's plant sale April 30 at the Lewisburg Arts Festival.
And we can't forget the green of our great outdoors. Discover the "Caring for Communities" series hosted by the Linn Conservancy where you can explore our local natural environment with events focused on wetland explorations, owl prowls, star gazing, plus guided 15/30 mile bicycling rides. Enjoy nature walks that include a guided bird walk hosted by the Seven Mountains Audubon Society on April 2, an Arbor Day Tree Walk in Lewisburg on April 29, and a guided walk through the Montandon Marsh April 3. If outdoor recreation gets your juices flowing, then April is a great month to push your limits in the Robbins Run 5K and 10k races April 23 and be sure to register for the River Town Race Series Marathon and half marathon May 7.
Water lovers won't want to miss the Buffalo Creek Canoe Trip April 17 or the seasonal opening of Lake Augusta Outfitters April 30. And don't forget that trout season opens April16. Be sure to visit our website or Visitor Center to get our new "Susquehanna River Valley Fishing Guide" for complete information on fishing locations, local fishing shops, licensing requirements and much more.
History lovers will enjoy Union County Historical Society's Annual Spring Dinner offering a program on baseball pitcher Christopher "Christy" Mathewson, plus Mifflinburg Buggy Museum's historical walks for adults and children alike and their exhibit on Union County Civil War Veterans. The Northumberland County Historical Society will host their Civil War Living History Day April 30 and the Slifer House Museum celebrates their traditional Maypole Dance and Family Day May 1.
During April, there is no shortage of things to do to experience your very own "spring fling." Be sure to visit the calendar of events on our website to learn more about these events plus the Andy Warhol exhibit, Packwood Museum's 33rd Annual Scholastic Arts exhibit showcasing art of high school students around the region, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Tokyo String Quartet, Tree Rappelling at St. Mary's Park in Lewisburg (ever been told to go climb a tree? - here is a chance for youngster to do just that), the Susquehanna Valley Chorale Pops Concert, Friends of Shikellamy State Parks' Purple Tie Dinner or the Beaver Run Amish School Auction (you never know what you will find to buy) just to mention a few.
Visit the calendar of events page of our website at VisitCentralPA.org, stop by our Visitor Info Center, or call us at 1-800-525-7320.
(Andrew Miller is the Executive Director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.)