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The Eaton Calendar – February 11

The Eaton Calendar – February 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 11, 2020

  1. NEW — Wellsboro Winter Celebration to Feature 5.25 Tons of Ice Carved into 13 Sculptures This Saturday, Feb. 15
  2. Taste-Off to Feature Variety of Chilis This Saturday, Feb. 15
  3. Bell Bottom Blues Tribute Concert to Rock Icon Eric Clapton is This Saturday, Feb. 15
  4. NEW — Mt. Tom Challenge is This Sunday, Feb. 16
  5. NEW — Tiadaghton Audubon Society to Present Jeffrey Larkin Speaking on Importance of Bird Conservation on Private and Public Lands on Wednesday, Feb. 19
  6. NEW — Local TU Sponsors Showing of Award-winning Documentary “Live the Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys” on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Blossburg
  7. NEW — Flies and Lies Social is Saturday, Feb. 22
  8. NEW — Canyon Sled Dog Challenge is Saturday, Feb. 22
  9. NEW — Winter Outings Continue on Saturday, Feb. 22
  10. NEW — HighTime Concert is Saturday, Feb. 22

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

WELLSBORO WINTER CELEBRATION TO FEATURE 5.25 TONS OF ICE CARVED INTO 13 SCULPTURES THIS SATURDAY, FEB. 15

The whir of chainsaws and mists of powdered ice will greet those attending the Wellsboro Winter Celebration this Saturday, Feb. 15. The three-day event begins Friday, Feb. 14 and continues through Sunday, Feb. 16 in downtown Wellsboro.

On Saturday throughout the day, 35 ice blocks weighing 5.25 tons will be carved into seven frozen sculptures on sidewalks in front of Main Street businesses and into six more during the Speed Carving Competition on The Green.

The ice events are free. People are invited to watch the carvers at work and ask them questions. The sculptures on Main Street and The Green will stay where they are carved until they melt away.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and ending around 4 p.m., four master ice carvers will use chainsaws to rough out the sculptures and smaller hand and power tools to do the detail work. The carvers are: Jeff Meyers and Shawn Eckhart, both of Cleveland, Ohio, Erik Cantine of Maryland and Paul Garule of Eastern Pennsylvania.

“It will take a little over an hour for the larger sculptures and under an hour for the smallest one”, said Aaron Costic, president of Elegant Ice Creations, Inc., Broadview Heights, Ohio. “Because ice carving can be done in a relatively short period of time, people can stick around to watch a sculpture being created from start to finish.”

The first ice on Main Street will be carved in front of the law offices of Ginn & Vickery, PC at 99 Main Street. The four men will work together to finish turning 2,100 pounds of ice into a six-foot tall ice castle throne. The seat will be four feet square in size and 27 inches from the ground. By 9 a.m. on Saturday, adults, teens and children can sit on the throne while friends and relatives take their pictures.

The carvers will work in pairs to create each of the other six sculptures, three of which will be six feet tall; two, five feet tall; and one, three feet tall. A block of ice weighs 300 pounds. Five of the sculptures will be carved from 1,200 pounds of ice and the sixth from 450 pounds of ice. Among them will be a reindeer, a snowman and a horse. The sculpting start times and locations are: 9:15 a.m. outside the Arcadia Theater at 50 Main Street; 10 a.m. at Bethany’s Jewelers at 84 Main Street; 1 p.m. at Indigo Wireless outside the Deane Center at 100 Main Street; 1:45 p.m. at Oregon Hill Winery at 87½ Main Street; 2:30 p.m. at Senior’s Creations at 75 Main Street; and 3:15 p.m. in front of the Café 1905 window at Dunham’s Department Store at 45 Main Street.

The Speed Carving Competition on The Green includes three separate 20-minute heats to determine whether Meyers, Eckhart, Cantine or Garule will earn bragging rights as the one who creates the best ice masterpieces. The heats will be at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. on The Green. The MC will pick different people from the audience to be the judges for each heat.

Two of the Elegant Ice carvers will compete in the first heat and the other two in the second heat. The winners will go head-to-head in the third heat. The four men will create six different ice masterpieces using a 300-pound ice block per sculpture.

For more information about Wellsboro Winter Celebration activities on Feb. 14, 15 and 16, call the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce at (570) 724-1926 or visit www.wellsoboropa.com.

WELLSBORO WINTER CELEBRATION
2020 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FOR FEBRUARY 14, 15 & 16

Friday, February 14

7pm “Out of Rushmore’s Shadow” (Tickets: $15)
Lou Del Bianco Presents The Untold Story of
Mt. Rushmore’s Chief Carver: A Tribute to
His Grandfather in Words, Photos & Video
For Adults & Students 10 and up
Deane Center Coolidge Theatre
Reservations: 570-724-6220 or www.deanecenter.com

Saturday, February 15

8am – 11am FFA Pancake Breakfast
(Adult $6; Child 6-12 yrs. $3; Under 6yrs and Farmers FREE)
Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Beverage
Wellsboro Firemen’s Annex – Takeout Available

8:30am – 4pm Ice Carving (FREE)
7 Ice Masterpieces to be Carved on Main Street
Times: 8:30am, 9:15am, 10am, 1pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm & 3:15pm

Artists & Craftsmen to Display Outdoors
10am – 3pm Locey Creek Alpacas – 61 Main Street
10am – 3pm Wood Carving by Gary Hilfiger – Deane Center Lawn

10am – 5:30pm Wine Tastings (FREE)
Oregon Hill Winery, 87½ Main Street

11am – 12:30pm – Ice Speed Carving Contest (FREE)
Heat Times: 11am, 11:30am & 12pm
On The Green

11am Deane Little Beans (FREE)
Dance, Sing & Act Their Way “Around The World” with
Storyteller, Singer & Actor Lou Del Bianco
For Ages 4 to 12
Deane Center Coolidge Theatre
Reservations 570-724-6220

11am – 2pm Chili with a Chance for Chocolate Taste-Off (Passports $5)
At participating Downtown Businesses
Get Passports at the Chamber Office, 114 Main Street Until Feb. 14, and
Feb. 15 from 11am – 2pm Outdoors at 65 Main Street (Penn Oak Realty, Inc.)
Benefits Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries

11am – 2pm Winter Brew Tasting (FREE)
Sample Winter Beers
Penn Wells Hotel Lounge, 62 Main Street

12pm – 3pm Cookie Decorating & Hot Chocolate (FREE)
For ages 1 to 12, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, Walnut Street

12pm – 3pm Winter Games & Activities for Children and Adults (FREE)
Cross-Country Ski Mini-Clinic for beginners, Snow Golf & at 2pm Tubing Contest – all equipment provided – on the Green

7:30pm Bell Bottom Blues (Tickets: $25)
Tribute Concert to Rock Icon Eric Clapton
Deane Center Coolidge Theatre – BYOB & Snacks
For tickets & to reserve table for free
570-724-6220 or www.deanecenter.com

Sunday, February 16

9am – 11am Mt. Tom Challenge (FREE)
Climb 1100 Vertical Feet to Mt. Tom’s Summit
Registration 8am – 8:45am at the Darling Run Parking Lot
For info visit MtTomChallenge.com

9am – 1pm Family Brunch ($18.95)
With Live Music by Joe Callahan
Penn Wells Hotel, 62 Main Street
For Brunch Reservations, 570-724-2111

12pm – 5:30pm Wine Tastings (FREE)
Oregon Hill Winery, 87½ Main Street

For more information, call the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce at (570) 724-1926 or visit www.wellsboropa.com.

TASTE-OFF TO FEATURE VARIETY OF CHILIS THIS SSTURDAY, FEB. 15

For the first time since the Chili With A Chance For Chocolate Taste-Off was held during the first Wellsboro Winter Celebration in 2015, there will be a chili made with Belgian chocolate.

The taste-off is this Saturday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Wellsboro. There will be 15 great chilis to taste at 15 different sites and an opportunity to win one or more of the 15 fun and unique baskets of chocolates.

The names of this year’s chilis are: Smoked Brisket Chili, Pollo Frijoles Negros Chile, One Hot Mess, Cincinnati Chili, Hawaiian 5-O Chili, Andouille Prime Rib Chili, Black and Gold Chili, Contractors Chili, Highland Chocolates Chili, Mammy’s Turkey Chili, Sweet and Smoky Pineapple Chipotle Chili, Texas Tater Chili, Miss Sassy Chili, One Bourbon, One Shot, One Beer Chili and Chupacabra Chow.

Those who want to taste the chili and select the winners can purchase a taste-off passport for $5 at the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce office at 114 Main Street anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays through this Friday, Feb. 14. Each passport includes the names and locations of businesses and a church hosting the chili taste-off entries.

Taste-off passports will also be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, the day of the event, in front of Penn Oak Realty at 65 Main Street.

Special signs will be placed outside each chili tasting site making it easy to spot the chili and basket of chocolate locations.

Passport holders can visit as many of the 15 tasting sites as they wish and show their passport number to enter the drawing for that site’s basket of all types of chocolates valued at $25.

“We limited the number of passports to 400 due to the event’s popularity to ensure that passport holders have a chance to taste all of the chilis if they want to,” said Jim Howe, organizer.

When tasters finish, they will cast votes for their three favorites by turning in their marked passports at any chili tasting site. Votes will be counted and the winners announced.

All proceeds from the taste-off will benefit rescued animals and programs offered by Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries.

For more information or to purchase a taste-off passport, contact the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce office at (570) 724-1926.

BELL BOTTOM BLUES TRIBUTE TO ROCK ICON ERIC CLAPTON IS THIS SATURDAY, FEB. 15


Photo provided
This Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m., the six-member Bell Bottom Blues band will present their high-energy “Live Eric Clapton Experience” show with both electric and acoustic sets in the Deane Center’s Coolidge at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. They will recreate Clapton’s “incredible stage presence” and “awe-inspiring performances” with bands like The Yardbirds, Cream and Blind Faith and from his solo career. Among the rock icon’s songs being performed will be “Crossroads”, “Lay Down Sally”, “Layla” and “I Shot The Sheriff”. Pictured is Charlie Stoddard on keyboards. He has been playing with this band for several years and is filling in at this concert for band regular Kendal Scott. This concert is BYOB. Audience members can bring their favorite beverages and snacks. Admission is $25 at the door. For tickets and to reserve a table free, call (570) 724-6220 or visit deanecenter.com.

MT. TOM CHALLENGE IS THIS SUNDAY, FEB. 16

Adventurous weekend warriors of any age who enjoy testing their skills are invited to participate in the Mt. Tom Challenge this Sunday, Feb. 16. It is free and open to anyone who wants to give it a try.

Sponsor is the Tyoga Running Club in conjunction with Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Bureau of Forestry.

Registration from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and the 9 a.m. start are both at the bottom of Mt. Tom. Participants run, climb or scramble up Mt. Tom’s 1,100 vertical feet of trail to its summit. After catching their breath and taking in views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and west nearly to Galeton, they continue a short distance along the ridge before descending Mt. Tom using a forest road.

The challenge is to complete one lap up and down the mountain regardless of weather conditions. “This can be considered an adventure race, a run or a climb,” said Tim Morey, one of the organizers. “It is for serious runners; not beginners. There are no prizes, no swag bag or T-shirt. This is a no frills event. It’s a great way to get out on the trails in winter.”

Many of those who complete one lap decide to do it again. “Some people may choose to do that as a personal challenge to see how many laps they can do,” Morey said. Participants can start a lap any time between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

“Last year (2019), a total of 56 runners and hikers took on the challenge,” Morey continued. “Matt Lipsey, the top rated trail runner in the country, was first overall. He completed four laps in one hour, 33 minutes, 30 seconds. The first female was Erica Anderson who finished four laps in two hours, 17 minutes, 55 seconds.”

The youngest female to participate was Kaci Kosek, 8, who did two laps in one hour, 59 minutes, 30 seconds. The youngest male was Gavin Brown, 10, who finished one lap in 52 minutes, two seconds.

“In 2019, we had 13 runners who completed four laps compared to eight runners in 2018 and 10 who did it in 2017,” said Morey. In 2018, Eric Kosek of Wellsboro took top honors and set a course record by finishing five laps in 2 hours, 23 minutes, 11 seconds. “Eric is the first and only person to complete five laps,” Morey said.

“Conditions last year (2019) were favorable for a fast course,” according to Morey. “We’ll see what 2020 brings.”

The Mt. Tom Challenge course can vary greatly based on weather and snow and ice conditions at different elevations. “Some areas hold snow longer. Ice can be the toughest. Based on trail conditions, a traction device (screw shoes, yak tracks, microspikes, crampons or snowshoes) may be necessary,” said Morey.

Runners, hikers and spectators drive to the Pine Creek Rail Trail Darling Run parking lot in Ansonia in Shippen Township. After parking, they cross Route 362 on foot and go to the registration tent located at the bottom of the trail on Mt. Tom. When registrants finish a lap, they can go to the tent for free snacks and beverages.

To get to Darling Run from Wellsboro or Galeton, take Route 6, turn onto Route 362 and drive about 1.5 miles to Darling Run.

For more information about the Mt. Tom Challenge, email the Tyoga Running Club at run4trc@gmail.com or call Morey at (570) 724-8561.

TIADAGHTON AUDUBON SOCIETY TO PRESENT JEFFREY LARKIN SPEAKING ON IMPORTANCE OF BIRD CONSERVATION ON PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LANDS ON WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19>

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, private landowners, birders and representatives of conservation organizations and state and federal agencies are invited to hear a presentation by Jeffrey Larkin on how to conserve forest-dependent songbirds and other wildlife on public and private lands. Dr. Larkin will give his presentation in Wellsboro, one day after returning from a 10-day trip to Ecuador to discuss his research.

Free and open to the public, the program will be in the Wellsboro Area High School’s Large Group Instruction Room at 225 Nichols Street in Wellsboro.

“The Tiadaghton Audubon Society is hosting Dr. Larkin because of our concern about the decline of the golden-winged warbler and other birds in this area,” said Sean Minnick, a member of the local Audubon Society based in Tioga County. Consideration is being given to listing the golden-winged warbler as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973. This vibrant songbird is one of the most critically threatened non-federally listed species in the Eastern United States.

“Dr. Larkin is involved in wildlife research and habitat restoration efforts on public and private lands in Pennsylvania,” Minnick said. “Through his research, he has found ways that organizations can create successful partnerships to implement effective conservation methods. Included are backyard birders who play a role in the health of migratory forest-dependent songbirds. At Wellsboro, Dr. Larkin will provide examples and insights into the successes of these partnerships, including the restoration of habitat for golden-winged warblers.”

In 1993, as an undergraduate student, Dr. Larkin began doing research into habitat. He received a B.A. degree in Biology from Ithaca College in New York and his M.S. in Forestry and Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Kentucky.

After earning his Ph.D. in 2005, Dr. Larkin was employed by Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he is a distinguished professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. He is also the Forest Birds Habitat advisor for the American Bird Conservancy.

His research often combines his expertise in forestry, wildlife ecology, and conservation implementation. During his time at IUP, Dr. Larkin and his students have assisted state and federal agencies and other conservation groups with understanding the ecology and associated management implications for numerous species, including black bear, elk, moose, the Allegheny woodrat, golden-winged warbler, cerulean warbler, short-headed garter snake, fisher, and American woodcock.

In addition to his research, Dr. Larkin works closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its partners to deliver conservation programs to benefit forests, forest birds, and forest owners. Since 2011, Dr. Larkin has directed a team of conservation planners and foresters who assist NRCS field offices with the delivery of private lands conservation programs that target healthy forests and forest wildlife including golden-winged warblers, American woodcock, and cerulean warblers throughout the Central Appalachians. He also serves as the science advisor for NRCS’s Working Lands for Wildlife-Golden-winged Warbler Partnership.

For more information, email the Tiadaghton Audubon Society at tasmember@yahoo.com or call Sean or Robin Minnick at (570) 948-9052.

LOCAL TU SPONSORS SHOWING OF AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY “LIVE THE STREAM: THE STORY OF JOE HUMPHREYS” ON WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19 IN BLOSSBURG

BLOSSBURG — The award-winning documentary “Live The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys,” a fly-fishing legend, will be shown this coming Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Victoria Theater at 222 Main Street, Blossburg. Sponsoring the showing is Tiadaghton Chapter #688 of Trout Unlimited based in Tioga County.

With its breathtaking cinematography and moving soundtrack, the emotional and inspiring film is about far more than fly fishing. It’s a beautiful story about life.

“‘Live The Stream’ is a fantastic movie,” said Chris Wood, National Trout Unlimited president and CEO. “Its cinematography captures the essence of this ‘quiet sport.’ But it is the subject that makes the film exceptional. It is a testimonial to the life of Pennsylvania angler, Joe Humphreys.”

Humphreys was 86 when filming of the documentary began and turned 90 on Jan. 19, 2019, the day after he attended the screening of the documentary in State College where he lives.

Penn State film-video alumnus Lucas Bell and his company Nomadic, which he co-founded with his wife, Meigan, produced the film. “People who have seen it always say, ‘Wow, this is way more than fly-fishing,’ said Bell. “It’s a great life story, it’s touching, it’s about family, friendships and nature. It’s a lot more than people expect it to be. Yes, it’s inspiring to fly-fishing enthusiasts, but it’s also relatable to everyone else,” Bell said. “Within two minutes of meeting Joe, you realize how unique, engaging and charismatic he is. When he tells a story, you don’t want him to stop.”

Humphreys is a man with a wonderful family, a wealth of friends, and a resume of remarkable talents. He’s a multi-lettered collegiate athlete who easily could have chosen another career path but, instead, decided to devote his life to fly fishing.

This iconic angler has traveled the world representing the U.S. in fly fishing competitions, has guided presidents and celebrities, held a Pennsylvania record, hosted an ESPN show, and was inducted into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. Yet his focus has always been on teaching, coaching, and passing on the joys of fly fishing to anyone who wants to learn.

“I’m a professional fly fisherman but I’m a teacher first,” says Humphreys in the documentary.

A former public school teacher and wrestling coach, Humphreys sees linkage between learning to catch fish and appreciating the environment that produced them.

The books he has authored have helped many students better their fly-fishing skills. So did his classroom work as a 19-year instructor of the renowned Penn State Angling program.

He’s an icon happily living his life in a Pennsylvania community but his impact on fly fisherman all over the world is profound.

What drives him? Why does he love fly fishing and what importance does he see in passing it on?

Admission is free. A $5 donation is requested to benefit Tiadaghton Chapter #688 Trout Unlimited conservation projects. For more information, call Jim Weaver at (570) 439-7729 or email him at jmwvr69@gmail.com.

FLIES AND LIES SOCIAL IS SATURDAY, FEB. 22

Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter #688 members are offering free fly tying lessons for children and adults during the Flies and Lies Social at the Wellsboro Community Center, 3 Queen Street in Wellsboro. This is a free event. There will be free donuts and coffee.

The Tiadaghton Chapter has equipment and materials that beginners can use. The club’s highly skilled fly tiers will demonstrate tying “dries” to “wets,” from egg patterns for “Steelies” to bass flies to terrestrials or delicate size 22 tricos. They will also teach specific techniques such as “married wings” and ” spun deer hair.” More experienced fly tiers can learn new, intricate patterns.

Those who have had little experience with fly tying to those who do are welcome to stop in to watch and participate. “Flies and Lies is open to anyone, men, women and children, fishermen and non-fishermen,” said organizer Art Antal. Youth 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

“This will be a casual, informal session. Folks can stop in and visit any time between 9 a.m. and noon,” Antal said. “Flies and Lies gives area fly tiers a chance to meet, swap ideas, materials and techniques as well as to tell a few fishing tales.”

“We are not holding a formal swap meet or table sale, but people can bring fishing items to sell or trade such as used tackle, fly tying materials or other fishing-related items,” said Antal.

Members will be on hand to answer questions about the Chapter’s conservation efforts, including Marcellus shale monitoring and other programs like Trout in the Classroom.

This is the second of three Flies and Lies socials. The last one will be on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Wellsboro Community Center at 3 Queen Street in Wellsboro.

For additional information, call Antal at (570) 439-4221 or email him at artantal@yahoo.com.

Canyon Sled Dog Challenge is Saturday, Feb. 22

The Canyon Sled Dog Challenge for skijorers and sled dog teams will be on Saturday, Feb. 22, if conditions allow. The challenge is an out-and-back 18-mile mid-distance run on the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Wellsboro.

In skijoring, a competitor on cross-country skis wears a skijoring harness attached by a 12-foot towline to a sledding harness worn by one or two dogs. The human doesn’t have to be an expert skier and the dogs can include healthy mutts or purebreds of any type that love to run and tow.

The six- or eight-sled dogs on a pro team are Alaskan huskies and on a registered breed team are purebreds like the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Samoyed and Chinook.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the skijorers and their dogs followed by the mushers and their sled dog teams will leave in two-minute intervals from the Marsh Creek Access in Ansonia. They will run nine miles on the Pine Creek Rail Trail to Tiadaghton, turn around at a small teardrop loop, and run nine miles back to Ansonia.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail’s Darling Run Access parking lot is the only spectator area for this event. Spectators who park there will get great views of the fast-paced down and back action. “At the start in Ansonia, there will only be room for skijorers, the mushers and their dogs, not spectators,” said Mary Beth Logue, challenge organizer. Spectators are asked to stay off the trail until the challenge ends and leave their own dogs at home.

“Skijorers and sled dog teams are pretty quiet,” said Logue. “Spectators might hear the mushers and skijorers giving some commands but rarely do you hear the dogs bark. They are happy and smiling when they are pulling a skier or a sled,” Logue said. “All of these dogs are born to run.”

To get to the Darling Run Access, take Route 6 to Shippen Township, turn onto Route 362, drive about 1.5 miles, turn right, enter the access area slowly and park.

“Most sled dog and skijoring teams wait until the last minute to register to make sure an event like this is going to be held,” Logue noted. “That is dependent on how much snow or ice there is on the Pine Creek Rail Trail.” She has talked to competitors from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, New Hampshire and New Jersey who are planning to come. “We will let them know Wednesday, Feb. 19 if the challenge is on,” she said.

“If we can’t do the challenge, then I will have my dogs and equipment at the Darling Run Access at 9 a.m. on Feb. 22,” said Logue. “Spectators will be able to meet my dogs and talk with me about this sport. There may be other activities as well.”

If the challenge is a go, the public is invited to meet the competitors and their dogs from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday night, Feb. 21, at the Burnin’ Barrel on Route 6 in Ansonia (GPS address: 5440 U.S. Route 6, Wellsboro, PA 16901) At the 7:30 p.m. mushers meeting, the starting order for the skijorers and teams will be announced and competitor questions answered.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, the Burnin’ Barrel will open at 11 a.m. for lunch. There will be three varieties of Straub beer on tap. A representative from challenge sponsor Straub Brewery of St. Marys, Pa. will be on hand with a limited supply of T-shirts and pint glasses.

No matter whether the challenge or different activities will be at the Darling Run Access on Feb. 22, Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries will be there with hot chocolate, coffee and snacks available for purchase with all proceeds to benefit the animals in their care.

Challenge organizers are the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry and the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call the Chamber at (570) 724-1926, email info@wellsboropa.com or stop in at 114 Main Street in Wellsboro.

WINTER OUTINGS CONTINUE ON SATURDAY, FEB. 22

Winter Outings continue on Saturday, Feb. 22 in Tioga and Potter counties with programs at Sinnemahoning and Lyman Run State Parks and the Canyon Sled Dog Challenge on the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Wellsboro.

Canyon Sled Dog Challenge is Saturday, Feb. 22

The Canyon Sled Dog Challenge is part of the Winter Outing series but a full press release about the challenge has been sent to you in a separate email describing what happens when and where if conditions allow the challenge to be held and what happens when and where if the challenge cannot be held.

Free Lyman Run Winter Adventure Hike or Snowshoe Hike is Saturday, Feb. 22

At 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 leave from the pavilion at Lyman Run State Park (GPS address: 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, PA 16922) to go on an easy, 1.8-mile out-and-back hike with outdoorsmen Chip Harrison and John Halter. It’s free. With enough snow, it will be a snowshoe hike. Those who own snowshoes should bring them; a limited number will be provided free. Hikers or snowshoers will travel on a level, old grade road to a birch still and to a flagstone quarry. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring snacks and water. Park in the pavilion parking lot. This hike may be cancelled due to trail conditions. FMI: (570) 439-1826, (814) 435-5010 or visit https://www.stepoutdoors.org.

Preregister by Feb. 20 for Free Snowshoeing Basics on Saturday, Feb. 22

Preregister by Thursday, Feb. 20 for Snowshoeing Basics. It’ s free. Provided for youth and adults will be snowshoes and trekking poles, or registrants can bring their own. Join experienced snowshoer Kimberly Lott on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sinnemahoning State Park Office & Wildlife Center at 4843 Park Drive, Austin in Potter County. The program will begin indoors in the Wildlife Center classroom with an introduction to snowshoeing equipment and styles, followed by a guided practice instruction on level ground and then a short excursion on the trail. After the program, participants will be encouraged to explore the park on their own. If snow depth is insufficient for snowshoeing, the indoor program and overview of snowshoe equipment and techniques will be held indoors from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a two- to three-mile nature hike from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register online through the DCNR Calendar of Events. FMI: Call the park office at (814) 647-8401 and dial 0 for the front desk or email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov.

FMI:

To learn more about all Winter Outings events, most of which are free, or for updates on trail conditions, directions and more, visit https://www.stepoutdoors.org or call (570) 724-0300 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Snow and ice updates are also posted on Facebook at Step Outdoors Tioga County PA.

HIGHTIME CONCERT IS SATURDAY, FEB. 22

HighTime, a trio from the heart of Connemara, Ireland, will soon be on tour in the United States. Their first concert will be in Wisconsin this Friday, Feb. 14, one day after their arrival stateside. The following week, they will be on stage in Wellsboro.

At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, Ciarán Bolger, Séamus Ó Flatharta and Michael Coult will play and sing traditional Irish music with an intriguing blend of modern folk influences and bold new arrangements for a tasty platter of story, song and dance. Their energy-fueled performance will be sure to get hands clapping and toes tapping.

The audience will be delighted by their rich, unique sound; intricate three-part vocal harmonies; the melding of their instruments – flute, Celtic harp, guitar, whistles and bódhran drum; and displays of rhythmic Irish step dancing. This trio performs with “a breathtaking energy and a passion that is effortless, drivingly soulful and fun”.

The group will sing a range of songs from the Irish tradition in Irish and English. Some of the songs are well known, made famous by the Dubliners, an Irish folk band that performed for 50 years, from 1962 until 2012. Other songs will be new to the audience.

Séamus and Ciarán grew up in the Village of Ardmore on Ireland’s rugged west coast. Their homes were about one-tenth of a mile apart. Throughout their lives, these two men have been immersed in the region’s rich and diverse Irish musical heritage giving them a unique musical connection.

As a youngster, Ciarán learned to play the whistle and traditional Irish sean-nós (“old-style”) singing. In his teens, he focused on guitar and explored a mixture of traditional and contemporary music. A natural entertainer and storyteller, Ciarán tells about some of the songs the trio performs.

When he was four, Séamus learned to play the tin whistle and was on his way to becoming an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer and Irish dancer by 16. He has earned 23 All Ireland titles.

Michael grew up near Manchester, England surrounded by traditional Irish musicians. He started playing the tin whistle when he was seven, the Irish flute when he was 12 and in his teens, the bódhran drum and guitar. When he was 18, he moved to Ireland to pursue a degree in Traditional Irish Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. For the last 10 years, Michael has been on the road touring with various productions and bands.

Ciarán and Michael became friends while touring with Celtic Legends, an acclaimed Irish music and dance show. In 2019, Michael began working with HighTime on a temporary basis and then became a permanent member.

The three members of HighTime performed individually and together with other bands and musical groups while entertaining audiences worldwide with music, song and dance steeped in Irish tradition. In 2017, HighTime was formed after it was decided it was high time for the group to establish their own band and record their own music. They released their debut album “Sunda” on March 10, 2018 and began touring in support of it.

This concert is BYOB with audience members encouraged to bring their favorite beverages and snacks. Admission is $20. For tickets and to reserve a table for free, call (570) 724-6220 or visit deanecenter.com.

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