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Photo by John Eaton
Catching a fish is all part of the fun at Springfest.

Free, family-friendly outdoor fun for all ages will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Springfest this Saturday, May 21 at Hills Creek State Park at 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901, seven miles northeast of Wellsboro in Charleston Township.

The concession stand will be open during the event with snacks, lunch and beverages, according to Springfest Coordinator Bob Edkin.

Members of the Wellsboro Area Senior High School Grand Canyon FFA will teach those interested how to make compostable plant pots out of newspapers and plant seedlings in them to take home. It’s free.

Children, eight and older, along with their parents, can assemble a rubberband-powered airplane to fly and take home, while supplies last. All materials are free thanks to the Mountain Modelaires R/C Airplane Club of Wellsboro. The club, chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics, will have a display of radio controlled airplanes and helicopters.

Meet Smokey Bear who will have fire prevention information.

At the Tioga County Woodland Owners Association booth, members will talk about ways to improve backyard habitat without spending a lot of money. Willow and dogwood cuttings will be available for people to take home with a quick, in-person instructional about how to successfully plant them.

Youth can experience fishing on Hills Creek Lake with help from Jim Mucci, park naturalist. Fishing poles, bait and lures will be provided free to those who want to learn basic fishing skills. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older.

There will be different types of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards available for youngsters and adults to try out on the lake. Youngsters can paddle on their own or go with an adult. Those of all ages can find out how to improve their paddling skills. All equipment is provided free. Mike Sidell, who founded and led the Mansfield University Kayak Club for 22 years and other volunteers along with park staff will assist anyone who needs help.

Tiadaghton Audubon Society volunteers will conduct short bird walks at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Those who don’t have binoculars can borrow a pair. TAS will be handing out free information on how to create bird-friendly backyard habitat, eliminating bird strikes, Wellsboro’s designation as a Bird Town community and about the local birding group.

Those who want to see more birds and butterflies can start in their own backyards, one native plant at a time. Stop by the Native Plant display to find out about the super foods that are needed.

The Potter-Tioga Visitors Bureau will be handing out free maps, brochures and visitors guides about things to see and do in the area.

Children and adults can go on a self-led hike using park maps as a guide and bring their bikes and wear helmets (required by law) to ride at the park.

To learn more about Springfest or for directions, email hillscreeksp@pa.gov, call (570) 724-4246 or visit http://www.stepoutdoors.org.

Diane Eaton
dianetn@ptd.net
(570) 724-3800