The Ninth Mason-Dixon Appalachian Trail Outdoor Festival is set for Saturday, June 14.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Red Run Park, 12143 Buchanan Trail East, Rouzerville, Pennsylvania, according to an announcement. This festival invites hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore the Appalachian Trail and participate in various activities. Admission is free, and the event will proceed rain or shine, unless severe weather occurs.
Red Run Park, just west of where the Appalachian Trail crosses PA Rt. 16, is a popular community space featuring a newly updated playground. The festival aims to promote outdoor activities and educate attendees about the Appalachian Trail in the Mason-Dixon area.
This year’s sponsors include Red Run Grill, Megan’s Custom Framing, the Native Niche, Summit Signs, Navitor and Buchanan Auto Stores, which will showcase models of their Jeep lineup. The festival will feature live music starting at 10 a.m. with performances by the Trail Troubadours, followed by the bluegrass band Shade Tree Collective from 1 to 4 p.m.
A new addition to the festival is A.T. Tales on stage, where various speakers will share stories about the trail, including hiker experiences and Leave No Trace principles. Attendees will have the opportunity to leave their own memories of the trail on a designated banner.
Yoga in the Park will offer free half-hour sessions at 11 a.m. and noon led by Simone from Flowering Heart Yoga. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats or rugs. Additionally, the Antietam Humane Society will bring adoptable pets for visitors to meet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Food options will include savory dishes from J&M BBQ and Bernard’s Jamaican Jerk Chicken, along with Cajun delights from Cracken’ Catering. The Native Niche will return this year, with part of the proceeds supporting the Appalachian Trail Community. Rebecca Shubert will showcase native plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to enhance their gardens.
Children will have access to various activities, including crafts, seed planting, and train rides. The Red Run Express Train will operate from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue’s Fire Safety Train will also be available. Peace 4 Peyton Water Safety Awareness will offer stories and games, with a special appearance by Josh the Otter.
The festival will feature displays from local organizations, including the Franklin County Rock and Mineral Club, which will provide geology education and samples for attendees to take home. Isaac Littrell will showcase his Rockhound’s Retreat offerings.
Returning vendors include James Shoes, which will offer trail shoes and insoles, along with information from Waynesboro Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. Artisans will present a variety of handmade items, including rock jewelry from Tina’s Tumbled Treasures and unique Appalachian Trail jewelry by Julie Paris.
Other activities will include sunspot viewing with Tri-State Astronomers, birdwatching with Conococheague Audubon, and water quality sampling with the Institute of Buttonwood Nature Center. The Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue Company will display a fire truck and ambulance, offering blood pressure screenings and first aid.
Educational displays will be provided by Penn State/Mont Alto, along with various local organizations, including Friends of Mont Alto State Park and the Appalachian Trail Museum. Attendees will have opportunities to meet hikers and learn about their experiences on the trail.
The festival is part of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s community outreach program. The Greater Waynesboro PA Area was designated as an official ATC Community in April 2014. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains the Appalachian Trail from Shenandoah National Park to Pine Grove Furnace.
For more information about the festival, go to www.waynesboroatc.org or email atfestival17268@gmail.com. Additional details can be found on the Greater Waynesboro PA Appalachian Trail Community Facebook page and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website at https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/communities/greater-waynesboro-area-pa/.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct or share your thoughts at http://bit.ly/3RapUkA with our News Automation and AI team.
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This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: Outdoor fun for all ages at Appalachian Trail festival in Rouzerville