Experience the magic of winter at the Cook Forest Ice Skating Pond along the Clarion River on River Road. Our Annual Winter Celebration is the perfect family event, offering a variety of exciting winter activities. From ice skating and sledding to carriage rides and hiking, there’s something for everyone. Plus, enjoy special appearances by Smokey the Bear, a chili cook-off, and a happy dog contest!

Snowman in the Forest Contest:

• Build a snowman in any sponsor’s location from the first snowfall of the season to the last snowfall in February.
• Have the sponsor take a picture of you and your snowman.
• Your snowman will be entered into the contest and displayed on the Cook Forest Vacation Bureau’s website and Facebook page.

Event Schedule:

• 11:30 AM – Lunch provided, featuring a Chili Cook-Off (hot & mild divisions).
• 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM – Snowshoe interpretive hike within the old-growth forest along Cook Trail. Meet at the fire pit by the ice skating pond.
• 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM – Enjoy carriage rides, sledding, snowman building, and ice skating (ice skates available).
• 1:00 PM – Happy Dog Contest.
• 2:00 PM – Door prize awards.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic winter celebration in Cook Forest State Park! Join us for a day filled with fun, family-friendly activities, and memorable moments.

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Current Efforts and Treatments in Cook Forest

In Cook Forest, HWA-eating beetles (Laricobius) have been released as a potential long-term solution. However, the immediate and most effective treatment remains the use of imidacloprid. This year, the park will treat one of the largest numbers of trees since the outbreak began, totaling over 140,000 diameter inches. These treatments will focus on the highest-value stands, meaning some areas, such as the trees along the Clarion River, might not be included. Given that hemlocks are a keystone species, providing essential shade and cooling to small streams, their loss could significantly impact the ecosystem.

Support from the Friends of Cook Forest

The Friends of Cook Forest are actively raising funds to combat HWA and support other park projects, including the replacement of the Ridge Camp Playground. We have several fundraisers planned for later this year, including a comedy show and a bluegrass concert at the Sawmill Theater in August. In September, we will collaborate with the Clarion Conservation District and Pale Whale Canoe Livery for a river clean-up float and host a Qi Gong introductory event.

How You Can Help

We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the park, and support our efforts to preserve this natural treasure. If you are a current member of the Friends of Cook Forest, please consider renewing your membership. New members can join through our website at friendsofcookforest.org, pick up a flyer at the park office, or attend one of our events. We also need volunteer help on June 1st and 2nd at the Herb & Fiber Festival. If you’re interested in volunteering, please email us at friendsofcookforest@gmail.com.

By incorporating these efforts, we aim to protect the beauty and ecological health of Cook Forest for future generations. Your support and involvement are crucial in making a difference.

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Why Attend the Bigfoot Festival?

Connect with Nature

Marienville is not only famous for its Bigfoot sightings but also for its breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s forest region, this area offers lush landscapes that are perfect for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting. Just a stone’s throw away, the majestic Cook Forest State Park extends an invitation to explore its ancient groves and scenic vistas.

Exciting Activities for All Ages

The festival is packed with activities that cater to all interests and ages. From storytellers recounting tales of Bigfoot encounters to guided nature walks that let you explore the habitat of the legendary creature, there’s something for everyone. Kids will love the face painting, games, and a chance to meet a friendly, larger-than-life Bigfoot mascot!

Local Crafts and Delicacies

Explore an array of vendor booths featuring Bigfoot-themed merchandise, local crafts, and sumptuous local foods. It’s a great opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts, while also enjoying tasty treats that are as local as it gets.

A Community Vibe

One of the best parts of the Bigfoot Festival is the sense of community it fosters. Join locals and visitors alike in celebration, share stories, and enjoy the camaraderie that only a shared interest in the mysterious and whimsical can bring.

Explore Marienville and Cook Forest State Park

While in town for the festival, take the opportunity to explore the nearby Cook Forest State Park, renowned for its “Forest Cathedral” of towering old-growth trees. Marienville is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like biking, fishing, or enjoying a scenic picnic. Whether it’s within the park’s expansive grounds or in the local forests, there’s plenty to do outside the festival times.

Make It a Weekend to Remember

With so much to see and do, the Marienville Bigfoot Festival is more than just an event—it’s a gateway to creating lasting memories in the heart of Pennsylvania’s wilderness. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, you’ll find plenty of fun and mystery waiting for you in Marienville. Come for the festival, stay for the adventure!

Don’t miss out on this unique blend of nature, community, and folklore. Plan your visit to the Marienville Bigfoot Festival this June and experience the magic for yourself!

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Set against the backdrop of Cook Forest State Park’s ancient hemlock and pine trees, the Easter Sunrise Service offers a spiritual experience unlike any other. As the sun rises over the picturesque landscape, participants gather in reverence, reflecting on the promise of renewal and hope that Easter represents.

Over the years, the Easter Sunrise Service has evolved into a beloved tradition, attracting attendees from near and far. It serves as a testament to the enduring faith of the community and the enduring power of Easter to unite people of all backgrounds in celebration and worship.  Music and positive energy radiate throughout the brisk morning air, creating a memorable experience!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

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Bigfoot Event!

Just when you thought you’d experienced all the unique events Pennsylvania has to offer, you stumble upon the Bigfoot Festival in Marienville, PA. This annual celebration of the elusive and enigmatic creature known as Bigfoot draws visitors from near and far. It’s not only for the Bigfoot believers but also for those who simply love unique festivals and the great outdoors.

Marienville, affectionately referred to as the “Gateway to the Allegheny National Forest”, is known for its picturesque landscapes and welcoming residents. Once a year, this serene town transforms into a haven for Bigfoot enthusiasts, full of educational lectures, fun games, Bigfoot-themed merchandise, and, of course, the much-anticipated “Bigfoot Hunt.”

Cabin Rentals / Lodging:

Now, if you’re planning a trip to the festival, it’s crucial to choose the right place to stay. Nestled amidst the wilderness, you’ll find Evergreen Cabins located in Cook Forest, just a scenic drive away from Marienville. These cabins offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, providing a tranquil place to unwind after a day of Bigfoot-related excitement. Each cabin is thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Area Recreation:

Cook Forest State Park offers several outdoor adventures such as:  hiking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife spotting that will complement your Bigfoot Festival experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature.

Nature:

Escape from the city to Evergreen Cabins in Cook Forest. Surrounded by towering evergreen trees, you will feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Staying at Evergreen Cabins not only offers you a serene retreat, but it also situates you at the heart of the forest, where, who knows, you might just spot a Bigfoot yourself.

Summary:

Whether you’re a Bigfoot enthusiast, a lover of unique festivals, or someone who enjoys the calm and serenity of nature, the Bigfoot Festival in Marienville, PA is an event you should add to your itinerary. And remember, there’s no better place to recoup after a day of Sasquatch-seeking than the cozy Evergreen Cabins.

Here’s to hoping your stay is filled with enchantment, adventure, and perhaps even a Bigfoot sighting!

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