WAYNESBORO- The Mason-Dixon Appalachian Trail Outdoor Festival held Saturday, June 10, returns. Providing opportunities for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds to learn more about the Trail in the Mason-Dixon area, and a variety of activities to enjoy, the public is welcome 10 – 4, at Red Run Park in Rouzerville, just west of where the Appalachian Trail crosses PA Rt. 16. (12143 Buchanan Trail East) Free! Rain or shine.
Red Run Park is a lovely, family-friendly, well-used community oasis, and future plans
include additions to the playgrounds. We will be accepting donations for that goal to
help Washington Township improve the equipment.
Buchanan Auto Stores will display models of their Jeep lineup.
Music by Mountain Air starts at 10 a.m., followed by the Trail Troubadours (Bruce
Rowland and Mike Reyka) at 11:45 a.m., then the bluegrass band, Shade Tree Collective
from 1-4 p.m.
Yoga in the Park with Simone of Flowering Heart Yoga – free half-hour sessions at
11:00 a.m. and Noon for all ages. Bring your yoga mat or rug if you have one.
Antietam Humane Society will bring adoptable pets to visit from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. !
Antietam Dairy ice cream and Dawn to Dusk Donuts will be on site with savory food by J&M BBQ and Bernard’s Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
The Native Niche returns to this year’s Festival. Part of the proceeds go directly to
the Appalachian Trail Community donations. Rebecca Shubert’s focus on native
plants makes this a unique opportunity to add butterfly and hummingbird-friendly
species to your garden.
The Eyler family will share “Wonders of Wildlife,” including hides/pelts as well
as living creatures.
Children’s activities include crafts, and storytime at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. by Wee Scot Book
Shoppe, featuring true tales of Appalachian Trail hikers.
Red Run Express Train rides from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stories and games with Peace 4 Peyton Water Safety Awareness (Josh the Otter may make a visit!) Make bracelets with Sydney or plant some seeds to take home.
Make sand art with Specialty Granules, and learn more geology from Franklin County
Rock and Mineral Club with Mike Mowen, and take a free sample home.
Rock jewelry from Tina’s Tumbled Treasures, Mountain Wood Works by Daryl -artful boxes, Shepherd’s Haven’s aromatics, Country Kennels (décor) and the United Methodist Men’s handmade wooden toys and games, (with demonstrations), all will return to the Festival.
New artisans and vendors this year include: Reneé’s Originals (wind chimes and metal
art), Jen’s Gems (snap jewelry), Spindle and Thyme (home décor), The Cosmic
Rhythm (nature jewelry & décor), Wildflower Whispers Studio (photo cards and art),
Oh Sow Sweet Sallie (fabric designs), and Handpainted Gifts by Janet Young (nature
scenes on slate). Also, Seth Holmes Watercolors will join us and provide demonstrations.
Sunspot viewing with Tri-State Astronomers (weather permitting); learning about
binoculars and birds with Conococheague Audubon; and Girl Scouts in the Heart of
PA all offer opportunities for fun in the outdoors! The Institute will be on hand with
water quality information, including sampling for stream macroinvertebrates with its
youth Water Striders group.
Learn about outdoor summer safety and physical activity ideas from Wellspan Health
and take advantage of free blood pressure screenings by American Safety CPR and
First Aid.
Returning this year are James Shoes, with their trail shoes (and socks!) offerings, and
Waynesboro Physical Therapy and Sports Fitness, to help you keep in optimal
conditioning.
Penn State/Mont Alto will have information on their Forestry and Agriculture programs,
and new Health careers. Enjoy the displays from Friends of Mont Alto State Park,
Friends of the Battle of Monterey Pass, Friends of Michaux State Forest,
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, the Appalachian Trail Museum, Pennsylvania
Master Naturalists, Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, Antietam Watershed
Association, and Franklin County Visitors Bureau.
There will be opportunities for the general public to “Meet the Hikers” and learn of their
trail experiences and hiking recommendations. Sheetz and Red Run Grill will supply
our visiting hikers with donations of food and drink.
Trail group displays include: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Appalachian Trail
Conservancy, Appalachian Long-Distance Hikers Association, and Keystone Trails
Association.
This Festival is an outgrowth of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s community
outreach program. The Greater Waynesboro PA Area was designated an official ATC
Community in April 2014. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and its North Chapter
are the maintaining clubs for the A.T. from Shenandoah N.P. to Pine Grove Furnace.
