Good things are happening in Schuylkill County! It’s true folks. Even though it’s February and winter isn’t letting up for several more weeks, good things are happening everywhere and there’s no reason not to get out and enjoy it.
On Saturday, we crown our Queen of the Snows at the 49th annual Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival Senior Princess Coronation at Pottsville Area High School, complete with a Queen’s Ball afterward at St. Nicholas Hall in Primrose. Come out and support our community’s young women, as well as the local organizations and businesses that sponsor them, in this long-time tradition.
Some more local traditions abound in February, one of which happens to be the annual History Fair at the Fairlane Village mall on Feb. 13. It’s both fun and interesting to discover how we’ve come to be the exciting natural and historic community we are.
The history of Schuylkill County is inextricably bound to the history of the United States anthracite industry. Although the settlement of Schuylkill County occurred long before the discovery of the “black diamonds” that would fuel the nation’s industrial revolution, it is anthracite coal that forged our region into the rich diverse community it is today.
The many thousands of immigrants, their food, traditions, artwork, music and heritage continue to influence strongly today. This event offers an abundance of photographs, artifacts and collectibles detailing our county’s rich cultural heritage and is sure to have something for everyone.
While I’m waxing on our community’s history, it’s important I mention the folks who’ve worked hard to preserve our heritage.
The Schuylkill County Historical Society has been preserving our county’s history, and educating our community on the many great contributions of our ancestors since 1903. And they’re not alone in their endeavors. Pine Grove, Orwigsburg, Mahanoy City, Cressona, Ashland, Shenandoah, Minersville, Port Clinton, Frackville, Saint Clair, Tamaqua, Schuylkill Haven and Tri-Valley area all have historical societies with a dedicated faction of volunteers working toward the common goal of preserving our heritage, educating our residents and instilling pride in our community. We even have a Schuylkill Historical Fire Society!
Now, I said earlier that we’ve got several weeks of winter ahead of us. And yes, I am aware that Phil has predicted an early spring but either way, I encourage you to get outdoors and stave off that cabin fever we all know so well.
We’ve got several opportunities in our backyard including Shenandoah’s Shuffle Hike on Feb. 14 and a Cabin Fever Hike at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove, on Feb. 27. Both of these hikes are Schuylkill On the Move hikes and detailed information can be found by emailing porcupinepat@yahoo.com or calling 570-622-4124, ext. 113. Sweet Arrow Lake County Park is also home to the Tree-Mendous Winter Tree ID Trek at 2 p.m. Feb. 21 and a Fly-Tying Class at 1 p.m. Feb. 28. Both of these events are free but fly-tying registration is a must, so please call 717-979-0235 to reserve your spot!
There’s a great deal more to see and do in February but I am running out of time and space. Instead, why not go to our calendar of events at www.schuylkill.org and get all the information you need for a fantastic February there. The 2016 visitors guide is on there, along with a local shopping guide and many outdoor recreation resources as well, so no hibernating folks!
(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)