'Tis a green month we're beginnin'!
At least I'm hoping it will be by the end of it. Daylight-saving time begins on March 9 and spring arrives officially on March 20. As the days begin to grow longer and the sky brightens (hopefully), we turn our thoughts toward getting out of the house.
A great way to start is by heading down to Sweet Arrow Lake County Park from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday for a maple syrup pancake breakfast. At only $7 for adults and $3 for kids, it's a no-brainer. Breakfast includes pancakes, pure local maple syrup, local Pennsylvania Dutch-style sausage, juice, coffee, drinks and maple syrup demos.
There will be raspberry topping while supplies last and there may even be some blueberry pancakes! After breakfast consider ice fishing, ice skating, disc golf, seeing the falls or a nice winter walk. All proceeds benefit the park, our park. Like I said, it's a no-brainer.
Getting outdoors and enjoying our natural resources is truly something anyone can enjoy. And Schuylkill County has plenty of places to do it.
If you're a hiker, places like the John Bartram Trail, Swatara State Park, Conrad Weiser State Forest, Tri-Valley's Environmental Education Center, the Lehigh Valley and New England Rail Trail in South Tamaqua, the Appalachian Trail and so many more offer limitless possibilities for all ages and abilities.
Stop by the visitors bureau and pick up the Schuylkill County Outdoor Recreation map, the Appalachian Trail map, the Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area brochure and map, PA's Fishing & Boating Opportunities brochure, the PA Recreational Guide for Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Parks or the 2014 Schuylkill On the Move walk schedule.
Speaking of Schuylkill On the Move, this month's walk is the Mystical Red Hole Ramble on Sunday. The group will meet at the Schuylkill County Ag Center on Route 901 in Pottsville. There's a carpool to the site at 1 p.m. Not only will you get outside for some exercise and fresh air, but you'll also learn about this historic site from the 1750s French and Indian War that was an American Indian encampment too.
Our friends at Hawk Mountain would love to see you at their Shamrocks for Hawks children's program on March 16 and their Spring Equinox Celebration on March 22, which includes feeder interpretation, live raptor program, kids activities and a "signs of spring" walk.
Faith and begorrah, many of us are inclined to be "Wearin' O' the Green" this month! Kick off your celebrating with the Schuylkill County Historical Society's special Irish Ethnic Heritage Exhibit running through April 15. These folks are also hosting a special program Saturday at the Sovereign Majestic Theater,including Irish step dancing and a talk on the Irish famine.
Traditionally, we have two weekends in Schuylkill County for celebrating the most famous patron saint of Ireland. The Pottsville St. Patrick's Day parade is March 15 followed by a celebration at the Humane Fire Company and another one still later that evening at The Greystone. On March 22 in Girardville, the parade begins at noon. Get there early and be prepared to have a "craicing" good time.
And while I wax Irish culture, plan to enjoy An Evening of Irish Song & Dance at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center on March 7 or An Irish Blessing: Celtic music and dance at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park on March 25. Still more fabulous Celtic melodies will be heard when the Schuylkill Choral Society presents Celtic III on March 22 at United Presbyterian Church Pottsville.
Our local wineries are celebrating this "green" month, too. Take a short jaunt to Klingerstown and visit the fine folks at Benigna's Creek Winery. They've got something refreshing every weekend in March beginning with White Wine Madness on Saturday and Sunday, Entertaining with Wine on March 8-9, Medals of Honor on March 15-16, Mexican March on March 22-23 and Tea Party on March 29-30. Stone Mountain Wine Cellars' Spring Fever Weekend is March 29-30, complete with live entertainment, samples, food pairings and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Also on March 29-30 in Andreas at Galen Glen, be prepared to enjoy a complimentary pairing of Riesling bread pudding with an ice wine cream topping and their new vintage of ice wine. This long-awaited, limited-quantity liquid gold will be available for purchase for only a short time.
There's lots more going on this month: Walk In Art Center's March Madness Open House Saturday, Ramada Inn's Bridal Expo on Sunday, Casino Night at the Schuylkill Country Club on March 8, Shenandoah Area Historical Society's Chinese auction on March 16, Schuylkill Mall's Day of Wellness on March 19 and a blood drive at the Simon Kramer Cancer Institute on March 17 where you'll receive a free St. Patty's Day T-shirt and treats compliments of Sweet Barista just to name a few.
For all these and many other activities, you can check out our calendar of events at www.schuylkill.org. Stop by the visitors bureau at Union Station in Pottsville and pick up some SKOOK glassware for your St. Patrick's Day festivities or a few of the many outdoor recreational resources we offer and get ready to head outside!
(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)