Around the Lake

by Madison Smith

The months of August and September bring us many more events to attend, places to explore, and new experiences to enjoy in the Lake Wallenpaupack area.

This is the best time of the year to take in the local farm markets. There is a weekly one in Hawley at Bingham Park on Friday afternoons from 2 pm to 5 pm featuring locally grown fresh produce, plants, eggs, baked goods, crafts, honey & maple syrups, flowers, cheese and much more! If you like mushrooms and are interested in learning about the different varieties and cooking tips, this is the market for you.

Enjoy the eclectic shops of Main Street in Hawley for Last Saturday. Every month on the last Saturday there is an event held supporting our local artists, crafters, and shopkeepers with unique entertainment thrown in. Last Saturday Hawley offers a means to support artists, crafters, and small businesses, fostering growth and highlighting venues with a wide variety of cultural events – featuring some of the town’s best eateries as well as specialty shops, galleries, and boutiques plus entertainment in a festive street-fair atmosphere. Don’t miss the annual Wally Lake Fest scheduled for August 26, 27, and 28. Activities are scheduled all weekend with special menus and outdoor music at area restaurants. During the day there is an Open Market Artisan Fair from 10 am to 4 pm at the Visitors Center on Route 6, a Boat Show and Outdoor Expo at the Wallenpaupack Area High School including a Vendor Market. Find out more on Facebook or on www.poconomountains.com.

If you haven’t had a chance to take the Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour this season, this might be the perfect opportunity. The tours depart on the hour from 11 am to 5 pm. Enjoy a breath-taking 50-minute cruise on beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack as your tour guide describes the area and the history behind the charming lake region. The number to call is 570 226 3293.

On Saturday, August 27, there is an Open Car Cruise from 4 pm to 8pm along Church Street in Hawley. All makes and models are welcome with dash plaques, giveaways, music and more on the agenda.

Come and listen to the area’s most talented youth musicians on Sundays with a live music performance at Gresham’s Landing from 2 pm to 5 pm in the courtyard of the Ice Cream Shoppe. Call 570 226 1500 for more info.

Local breweries featuring craft beers and wineries seem to be sprouting up all over. A favorite in this area is Three Hammers Winery located on Route 590 just outside of Hawley. The winery is situated on a large tract of land at one of the oldest farmhouses in the area which serves as an ideal backdrop for their outdoor pairing events. The farmhouse was owned by the Hammer family and named for the three brothers who lived and farmed this spot. Three Hammers Winery produces top quality wines using grapes from Washington, California, Pennsylvania, and New York. Sounds like a great summer afternoon ride. Call 570 949 4688, visit them on Facebook or by going to threehammerswinery.com.

One of the more popular events to take in during the summer months is the Wildflowers Music Festival located in White Mills at the Dorflinger- Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary. For more than 40 years, the Wildflower Music Festival has presented quality music in a natural amphitheater, surrounded by majestic pines and sweet breezes. The August 6 performance is a tribute to John Denver, Back Home Again, with Tom Becker of the New Christy Minstrels. The following week on August 13 features The Rat Pack, Together Again – Sinatra, Martin, and Davis Tribute from Vegas. Tony Sands has recreated the look and feel of the iconic trio of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. Find out more at dorflinger.org, Facebook or by calling 570 253 5500.

From the end of August into Labor Day weekend you will want to take in the GDS Fair – the fair starts on August 26 and closes on September 4. This community fair started in 1917 and gets bigger and better every year. The fairgrounds are located behind the Newfoundland Elementary School and the events include exhibits, cowboys, magicians, demolition derby, Clydesdale demonstration, rides, a goat show, crowning of the Fair Royalty, music, and of course fair food. Visit their website to find out more --- www.gdsfair.org Enjoy your summer!!