Weekend in the Wilds kicks off Friday July 3 with the self-proclaimed loudest fireworks in the PA Wilds.  The reason is the location for the blasting zone.  The fireworks fill the sky nestled against the mountains at the Cameron County High School football stadium.

Due to Pennsylvania Department of Health restrictions there will be no concession stand.  Parking at the school is encouraged and businesses in the county have been asked to offer unique food options that can be preordered and picked up by those heading to their favorite spot to watch the display. Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Solak says if the state increases the number of people who may gather at an event by July 3, the bleachers will be open.  “With the 250 gathering limit, the committee felt it would be difficult to open the bleachers,” Solak says.   The fireworks will blast off at dusk.

The chamber of commerce continues to accept vendors for the event Saturday July 4.  Vendors will be spread over a 3-block area to comply with social distancing requirements.  “By placing vendors further apart, crowded sidewalks will be kept to a minimum,” predicts Solak.   Most of the restaurants in downtown Emporium will offer food to go in addition to inside dining

Mountaineer Search & Rescue will kick the morning off with the 10th annual Big Foot Hunt.  A $5.00 license is required to participate in the iconic hunt.  Licenses are on sale at Sinnemahoning Tavern, Driftwood Saloon, Lakeview Store and Cameron County Chamber of Commerce office.  Licenses can also be purchased by phoning the chamber office.

Keystone Elk Country Alliance, Storm Football, Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities, will join artists, crafters, and others located on the Fourth Street sidewalk between Maple and Walnut Streets.  In the large vacant lot ADAS Prevention Services will have a unique spin on croquet for adults and children.  Music will also be provided from the stage area. 

Unfortunately, one of the premier events will not take place.  The Firequacker 2020 Duck Derby has been canceled by the committee.  Organizers say the event will return in 2021 and include an adult soap box derby.

Anyone seeking more information should contact the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce at 814-486-4314.

Join the Elk County Council on the Arts for a sidewalk chalk decorating event on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

Artists of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to celebrate summer by decorating the sidewalks on Main Street in Ridgway. The chalk event is not a contest this year but instead a fun way to bring some color and art to Main Street during the Community Wide Yard Sale event hosted by the Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce.

Sidewalks in front of participating businesses will be chalked with designs celebrating summer during the weekend of the Summer Solstice. Anyone wishing to add their art to the sidewalk is encouraged to register in advance at ECCOTA.com. Chalk will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring other materials that adhere to the rules found on ECCOTA’s website.

This is the third year that ECCOTA has offered a sidewalk chalk event. It has typically corresponded with the Ridgway Firemen’s carnival and parade, which has unfortunately been canceled this year.

“This event has been so much fun each summer. We are excited to hold it during the yard sale weekend so visitors can browse the sidewalk chalk art while shopping sidewalk sales and local businesses,” ECCOTA director Sara Frank said about the event. “Sidewalk chalk is a medium that everyone can enjoy creating with.”

With the help of the Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce, Ridgway AID, and sponsorship from the Ridgway Industrial Development Corp.

This event is free and open to everyone. To register, call ECCOTA at 814-772-7051, email eccota.interns@eccota.com, or visit ECCOTA.com.

Beginning July 1, schools in yellow and green counties may reopen for in-person teaching for the 2020-21 school year.

Schools will be required to develop safety plans tailored to each school's particular conditions. Local health agencies must be consulted, and the plan must be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Here is a link to the details...

https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Education-Details.aspx?newsid=870

The Johnsonburg Community Trust is hosting our first annual Paper City BBQ Blowout Competition, open to the public from 11am-6pm, on Sunday, July 26th, 2020 (as long as PA remains in green pandemic status).

This event will be held in front of the Johnsonburg Community Center at 600 Market Street, Johnsonburg, PA 15845. Entertainment includes a DJ and live musical performers from 11am-6pm on Sunday. (The Trust will charge a $10 admission fee and will be selling beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and additional side dishes during the event.)

Please bring your lawn chair and come spend an afternoon of BBQ and entertainment!

If you wish to compete, an application can be found at the Johnsonburg Press or from Cindy Chiesa 814-965-5052

Invest in the community of Johnsonburg!