Upcoming programs at Cook Forest State Park

•Friday-Sunday, May 27-29 - ‘Cook Forest Living History Weekend' - Please join us for a fun filled weekend of living history as we journey through various historical eras of the United States: French & Indian War, Colonial Period, Lumber Era, Civil War, and the Korean War. Join living historian and master story-teller Paul Stillman, historical interpreter Dave Clark, and singer-story teller Ray Owen, as they take us through these noteworthy periods of American history through first person character portrayals, hands-on demonstrations, and song. •Sunday, June 5 at 1 pm - ‘Children's Fishing Derby' - Children 15 years and under are permitted to fish freshly stocked Tom's Run from the Swinging Bridge to the Children's Fishing Pond. Registration and prize give-away will be held at the Children's Fishing Pond behind the Park Office. This event is sponsored by the Marienville Rod & Gun Club, PA Fish & Boat Commission, Cook Forest Vacation Bureau, and Cook Forest

State Park. All prizes donated by area merchants. (2 hrs)

•Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12 - ‘Cook Forest French & Indian War Encampment' - Cook Forest State Park will host a series of living history events depicting life during the French & Indian War. Highlights of this full two-day encampment include woodland natives, cannon and musket firing, cooking, primitive skills, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, pottery, children's games, sutler camp, renown living historians, French & Indian War Era artisans, and live tactical engagements. Every battle is different! Take a walk back in time along the Black Bear Trail by the Sawmill Center for the Arts during open camp hours to view British, Colonial, French, and Native American re-enactors as they portray lifestyles of the 18th century.

•Friday-Saturday, June 24-25 at 8 am ‘ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking Workshop' - Cook Forest State Park will be conducting an entry level American Canoe Association (ACA) kayaking course for kayak enthusiasts.

The following subjects will be covered: equipment, loading & unloading, rescues, and strokes. In order to participate, each participant must satisfy essential eligibility criteria. All participants will be required to complete a wet exit. Day 1 will consist of instruction within the river at the Park Office. On Day 2 we'll apply these skills along a stretch of the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Remember to bring your ear and nose plugs, swimsuits, sturdy river sneakers (flip-flops are NOT permitted), and change of clothes. Participants should have a drybag that is large enough to house all their necessities while on the river. Refreshments provided both days. Lunch provided the second day. Those with specific dietary requirements will have to provide their own meals. Decked kayaks, appropriate gear, snacks & water provided. Everyone will get completely wet, so please dress appropriately. Participants must pre-register by contacting Dale Luthringer, environmental education specialist, at (814)744-8475 or dluthringe@pa.gov with check received by 6/16. Cost is $75/participant payable by check or money order to the ‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania'. We're accepting only 12 participants for this course. Children 14 years and up permitted with participating adult. Those who successfully complete this course will receive an ACA Skills Course Completion Card, and 50% discount on future canoe & kayaking programs sponsored by Cook Forest State Park. (16 hrs)

•Friday, July 1 at 8:30 pm - ‘Night Hike: River Cabins & Cook Trail' - Please meet at the River Cabin Playground on River Road for an evening hike around the River Cabins and Cook Old Growth Area. We'll be looking and listening for critters of the night. This'll be a great time to see what's crawling around and in our CCC dynamite shack. Be sure to bring your UV flashlights! (2 hrs)

•Saturday, July 2 at 9 pm - ‘Clarion River History' - Please bring your chairs and blankets and meet at the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater for a slide presentation on history of the Clarion River. This program takes you from the days on the Clarion from the Indians, to its exploitation as a natural resource, and its current state of recovery. (1 hr)

•Sunday, July 3 at 1130am - ‘Fire Tower/ Seneca Point Historical Tour' - Please bring your binoculars and meet at the Fire Tower Parking Lot for an historical interpretive tour of the Fire Tower and Seneca Point. Learn about local logging history, observe Indian sign, and take a breathtaking view from the top of the Fire Tower. (3 hrs)

•Friday, July 8 at 8 am - ‘Clarion River Boating Program: Portland Mills-Arroyo' - Cook Forest State Park will be conducting a 6-mile interpretive historical paddling program from Portland Mills to Arroyo Bridge for experienced canoeists/kayakers only. This section of river is rich in local history. We will pass evidence of the old log booms & mills at Portland Mills as well as bridge remnants of the Clarion River Railway. Come see where John Cobb's mill was located before he was flooded out at Beech Bottom. Bald eagles & osprey often make an appearance in this secluded wilderness section of the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. We will meet promptly at the Park Office and car-pool to the starting point up-river. Remember to pack water, protective footwear, raingear, and change of clothes. Don't forget your fishing poles! Cost is $50/boat with check or money order made out to ‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania'. Lunch and boats provided to those who register by 7/6. Pre-registration required by contacting the Park Office at (814) 744-8407 or cookforestsp@pa.gov and limited to 10 boats. Prior Cook Forest kayak training participants receive a 50% discount. Available spots go fast, so please reserve early. See you on the river! (8 hrs)