Saturday, June 10, 2023, the Greater Waynesboro PA Area Appalachian Trail Community 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 (unless severe weather impact day)
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, our title sponsor, will display models of their Jeep lineup.
Music by Mountain Air starts at 10, followed by the Trail Troubadours (Bruce Rowland and Mike Reyka) at 11:45, then the bluegrass band, Shade Tree Collective from 1-4.
Yoga in the Park with Simone of Flowering Heart Yoga – free half-hour sessions at 11:00 and 12:00 for all ages. Bring your yoga mat or rug if you have one.
Antietam Humane Society will bring adoptable pets to visit from 11-2!
Antietam Dairy ice cream and savory food by J&M BBQ and Bernard’s Jamaican Jerk Chicken will tempt your tastebuds! Dawn to Dusk Donuts join us this year!
The Native Niche returns to this year’s Festival. Part of the proceeds go directly to our 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. https://www.thenativeniche.com
The Eyler family will share “Wonders of Wildlife,” including hides/pelts as well as living creatures.
Children’s activities include crafts, and storytime (11 and 1) by Wee Scot Book Shoppe, featuring true tales of Appalachian Trail hikers. Red Run ExpressTrain rides from 10-4! Stories and games with Peace 4 Peyton Water Safety Awareness is not to be missed! (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 WoodWorks 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 be returning 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.
For more information about the event: www.waynesboroatc.org