The Downtown Hawley Partnership in cooperation with PPL Wallenpaupack Learning Center, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, AMSkier, Pike County Conservation District, PMVB Visitor Center, NEWE, Harmony Presents and Woodloch are pleased to announce the first annual Hawley Earthfest. The event will take place the weekend of April 25-27, 2014.
The PPL Wallenpaupack Learning Center has been providing conservation awareness, education and family fun since 1998. Their annual Pike-Wayne Earth Day Festival is held the weekend following Earth Day so as not to compete with the exciting offerings at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) located in Bushkill. In an effort to better coordinate their community programs, AMSkier offered its assistance to expand this local event. Joining with the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and the Pike County Conservation District, the committee grew quickly gathering support from local businesses, organizations and caring neighbors.
“We are thrilled to see Hawley elevate its awareness and stewardship of our environment. We have long wanted to include a Species Parade but needed the additional manpower to dedicate the time to organize such a large event. If you’ve never seen one, be prepared to laugh and learn, “says Jenna Wayne, Education and Public Outreach Coordinator for PPL Wallenpaupack Learning Center.
Hawley Mayor Kevin Hawk added, “Working with these outstanding groups and individuals has created a very special event for everyone in Hawley, the surrounding areas and visitors. It’s a true reflection of the wonderful spirit of community and appreciation of nature.”
The event kicks off Friday at 2pm with the return of the Hawley Farmer’s Market in Bingham Park. Children’s activities are scheduled in the Gazebo. A photo exhibit, “Not All Who Wander Are Lost,” opens at Roots Yoga on Main Street. A variety of comedy and music events will be presented at several locations.
Saturday is a big day for Earthfest, beginning with the Species Parade! Gather your friends and come dressed as your favorite “species.” Groups and organizations are encouraged to participate. To pre-register for the parade, go to: www.hawleyspeciesparade.eventbrite.com. Pre-parade events and activities begin at 9am at the Hawley Senior Center. Meet at Bingham Park to begin the parade at 10am. Check out the HawleyEarthfest.com website for costume suggestions.
The PPL Wallenpaupack Learning Center opens its doors at 10am through 3pm. Experts in gardening, composting, stewardship, eagles and so much more are on hand with information and demonstrations. Parade costume awards will be presented at 12pm. The LMIT Paupack Waves will receive a proclamation and plaque for their invention of an electric generator powered by waves at 12:30pm. The Every Drop Counts! Rain Barrel Silent Auction will be on display from 10-1:45. Winners will be announced at 2pm – you must be present to win. Also happening is the Delaware Highlands Conservancy Silent Auction featuring local businesses and products – winners will be notified. The Hawley Library will be presenting a variety of activities throughout the day. Join the merriment at the Hotel Belvedere Block Party from 2-6. The fun continues into great evening entertainment and dining throughout Hawley including Harmony Presents, The Boathouse Restaurant, Ehrhardt’s, Woodloch and more.
Sunday hosts the springtime Tour d’Towpath bike ride. Registration begins at 9am at NEWE on Rt 6 next to Wayne Bank. Enjoy a yoga warm-up with Roots Yoga. Once the bike-ride starts (if you are not bike riding) head on over to Roots Yoga on Main Street for a full complimentary yoga class. Visit the Delaware Highlands Conservancy Field Office in Lackawaxen for eagle exhibits and a short video. The Lake Wallenpaupack Visitor Center is open, scopes are available for wildlife viewing, and you are invited to enjoy the beautiful nature trails along the lake.
“Partnering has allowed this event to grow in a truly organic way. It’s a fine complement to our Winterfest and end of summer Lakefest. This is a great way to celebrate the charm and natural beauty of Hawley,” says Simon Knox on behalf of the Downtown Hawley Partnership.
We will continue to add activities, events, happenings and special offers between now and April 25th. Be sure to visit www.HawleyEarthfest.com for the latest information. Or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HawleyEarthfest. To stay current on all local happenings, be sure to sign up for the VisitHawleyPA.com emails.