Spring has sprung and good things are happening!
Today marks the beginning of Celebrate Schuylkill Spring Thaw Arts Tour. The tour encompasses Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven, Mud & Maker in Pottsville, Tamaqua Community Arts Center, The Arts Barn in Orwigsburg, Our Town Hamburg’s Art & Craft Gallery, Gabriel Youth Orchestra’s Spring Concert at the D.H.H. Lengel Middle School in Pottsville and much more! It’s three days with more than 250 artists and vendors at 10 venues.
Go to www.celebrateschuylkill.com for complete information and support these fine organizations that bring so much color and vitality to our little corner of Pennsylvania.
I always say that April is art and nature month in Schuylkill County, and I say that because it’s true. Each year it seems to be our overriding theme.
Some of the arts you can revel in this month are: Schuylkill County’s High School Gallery Show at Schuylkill County Council for the Arts on April 10 and the Blue Note Cafe at the Schuylkill Country Club on April 15; The Majestic Theatre’s “Arsenic and Old Lace” today and Saturday and Schuylkill Ballet Theatre’s performance of “Cinderella” on April 16 and 17 at Schuylkill Haven Area High School auditorium. Tamaqua Community Arts Center hosts Lester Hirsch in Concert on April 16 and a Big Benefit Concert on April 22. The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble will be performing at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, on April 24.
The art scene continues to flourish with Block of Art from April 22 through 24 and as usual, it’s brimming!
This year, Block of Art is celebrating Pottsville in years past and is featuring the downtown Pottsville of the ’20s, ’40s and ’60s. Plan to stop by to see historic photos of businesses throughout the community. Listen to music from these eras at the opening reception at the Ramada on April 22, complete with swing dancers!
The weekend includes an architectural tour and a John O’Hara tour on Saturday. Our own Schuylkill County Historical Society is home to an excellent ethnic folk art exhibit. As always, there will be plenty of music, poetry and art of all types throughout the weekend. You can find out more details at www.block-of-art.org.
More than a few artists have told me that their art is often inspired by nature and it’s easy to see why. Mother Nature has the best elements of structure, shape, color palette, movement, grace and light. Nobody does it better than her!
April offers many opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. Our friends at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove, have several happenings in store for you beginning with an Opening Day of Trout Breakfast Saturday, a Disk Golf Tournament on April 16, ZooAmerica on April 19, Family Fun Fishing Event on April 24 and a Rain Barrel Make-n-Take on April 26.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Drehersville, is a-flutter in activity with a Wee Ones Walk on Wednesday, Owl Prowl on April 8, Teen Trail Day on April 16, Night Walk to South Lookout on April 21 and the Wonder of Wildflowers on April 30.
Schuylkill On the Move’s got your yen for guided hiking covered with the West Mahanoy Township Nature Trail on April 10, the ever-popular Roaring Creek Tract Hike on April 16 and a Spring Wildflower Walk on April 30. Details for these and all other Schuylkill On the Move hikes can be procured by emailing porcupinepat@yahoo.com or calling 570.622.4124 x113.
The Yuengling Light Lager Jogger on April 9 is another chance to get outdoors and enjoy spring in our community while supporting local organizations.
Thirty-five hundred runners from 33 states take to our historic streets for the only 5K that starts and finishes at America’s Oldest Brewery. The post-race block party features local organizations including It’s Just Barbecue, Care Net, Avenues and Roma Pizzeria just to name a few. And did you know that $2 from every registration goes directly to Operation Gratitude to help fund the creation and shipping of care packages for our service men and women oversees? Well, now you do!
In fact, I believe the good folks organizing the event are still in need of some volunteers. If you’re thinking about helping out, go to www.lagerjogger.com and click on the volunteer button. Everything you need to know about the event and volunteering is right at your fingertips.
Speaking of volunteering, the 2016 SKIP/PENNDOT/Great PA Spring Cleanup is April 21 through 24 and they need help. This is an excellent program that promotes good stewardship of our natural resources and anyone can join in. Information and registration forms are online at www.skiplitter.org or you can email ddolzani0531@gmail.com.
I’ve really only scratched the surface of all that’s going on throughout our beautiful county in April. As always, for a more complete listing of events, as well as the Outdoor Recreation Map, Trails Directory and other resources, go to www.schuylkill.org and remember to get out and enjoy the brighter and warmer days of spring!
(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)