Berks & Beyond Blog

Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, haunted hayrides…this is what autumn in Central Pennsylvania is all about.  If you’re looking for some seasonal fun, here are a few links that offer a little something for everyone:

Easter Seals Scarecrow Competition and Halloween Hoedown

Where:  Brown’s Orchard – Emigsville 3100 North George Street, Emigsville, PA 17318, 717-767-4142

When:  Saturday, Oct 23, 2010, 11:00 am Price Info Not Available

This event is planned by Easter Seals of Central PA to benefit their organization.  The scarecrow competition is followed by a silent auction.  Pumpkin treat contest at noon.  Winner announced immediately following the judges’ decision.

Strites’ Orchard Farm Market and Bakery

Where:  1000 Strites Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, 717-564-3130

Open:  Monday through Friday 8am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm, Closed Sundays

Pumpkins, pick-your-own apples, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, fall festival, corn maze, honey from hives on the farm, cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand.

Free Halloween Party at the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center

Where:  Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, Herr St. and Susquehanna St., Harrisburg, PA 17102, 717-441-7506

When: Sunday, Oct 31, 2010

Please contact the Arts Center for more details.

Come enjoy Central Pennsylvania’s largest array of arts, activities and entertainment at the Labor Day weekend KIPONA Celebration.  This festival provides family fun for all, and is offered FREE on the banks of the beautiful Susquehanna River!

Event Dates:

Saturday, September 4th – 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 5th – 12:00 Noon to 9:00 p.m.
Monday, September 6th – 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Event Details:

• ArtFest, featuring over 150 Artist and Craftspersons
• Activities, rides and performances for children and families
• Live music and entertainment
• Food and beverage vendors
• The Dick Reese Canoe Classic Race
• Capital City Bassmasters – Bass Classic
• Giant’s Pennsylvania Chili Cook-Off
• Gala Fireworks Display

And much, much more!  For more details, including a complete schedule of events, visit the City of Harrisburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Enrichment’s website.

Wintertime is the perfect time to explore one of Harrisburg’s greatest treasures – The State Museum of Pennsylvania.  Located at 300 North Street, this interactive museum covers all aspects of Pennsylvania’s history and holds extensive collections relating to some of America’s most significant events.

From January 24 through May 2, 2010, the museum will host the traveling exhibition Tusks!  Ice Age Mammoths and Mastodons.  The exhibit tells the story of modern elephant’s extinct relatives who roamed much of North America until the end of the last Ice Age.

The exhibition opening marks the debut of The State Museum’s newly remounted Marshalls Creek Mastodon, one of the most significant fossil specimens recovered from Pennsylvania.

Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.

General admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children and senior citizens.

For more information on Tusks! as well as other programs, exhibitions, and events at The State Museum, click on www.statemuseumpa.org.