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This unique festival in Kellettville on Saturday, June 22, 2019 celebrates the annual emergence of over 15 species of firefly including the highly sought-after Synchronous Firefly in the Allegheny National Forest. The celebration kicks off at 12-noon with live music, food trucks, arts/crafts vendors, nature exhibits with the "experts", bug hunting for kids, and lots of Firefly merchandise. At 9 pm, the fireflies "take the stage" and the PAFF volunteer guides and interpreters will begin to lead firefly excursions. There is a $5 parking fee at the Black Caddis Ranch. Proceeds benefit the Amvets Post #113.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for the excursions. Space is limited to minimize the impact on the habitat and ensure the optimum experience for visitors. All tickets are Will-Call, no need to print. Pick up your wristband on arrival or by 8:00 PM at the Registration Tent. Wristbands which are not picked up by 8:00 pm when registration closes will be surrendered to standby guests. Firefly guides will meet groups at the Nature Center 10-minutes before each scheduled excursion for orientation. Sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing are highly recommended for all firefly viewing activities.
The tour choices range from $5 per person for the Creek Excursions or the Synchronous Viewing in the Forest, Combo Packages for $10 and $30 per person for the VIP Synchronous Experience. ALL the proceeds from the fees benefit PAFF and are used to pay the guides, fund educational programs and the summer research interns. Absolutely NO REFUNDS or RAINCHECKS will be given. Registration is transferrable.
Option #1: The Creek Excursions are a 1.8-mile round trip walk on the snowmobile trail along Tionesta Creek from the Black Caddis Ranch to Kellettville bridge and back. You will see "Chinese Lantern" fireflies along the way and then see multiple species on Firefly Island below the bridge. This is recommended for all ages and especially for young children who need an early evening event to see many different firefly species. The six guided Creek Excursions will begin at 9:30 pm and the last trip leaves at 10:45 pm. Space is limited to protect the firefly habitat and improve the experience for the "firelyers".
Option #2: The Synchronous Viewing takes place on the Black Caddis Ranch property and is a 1/2-mile round-trip walk to bleacher seating for up to 50 people per session. This 20-25 minute show is recommended for the uninitiated, impatient, and/or urban dwellers who just want a "quick" view of Synchronous Fireflies. The PAFF guides and interpreters will be on-hand to answer questions. The first seating begins at 10:30 pm and the last seating will start at 11:30 pm.
Option #3: The COMBO PACKAGE is NEW this year, the Creek Walk AND Synchronous Viewing will be offered to those who are willing to walk the full 2.5 miles to see both habitats, and witness multiple displays of both creek fireflies and the synchronous fireflies. Pre-registration is limited to 50 people. The tour departs at 9:15 pm for the Creek Excursion and will be seated at 11:00 pm for the Synchronous Viewing. Guests should be prepared for 1.5 to 2 hours of engagement.
NOTE: If you are closed out of the Combo package, but still want to do both...No Worries!!! We suggest registering for the CREEK EXCURSION #1, #2 OR #3 AND the SYNCHRONOUS VIEWING B.
Option #4: The VIP Firefly Experience Pre-registration is limited to thirty (30) of the most serious and reverent firefly watchers. VIPs will be guided to a secluded synchronous firefly viewing area in the Allegheny National Forest, and have private firefly interpretive expert guides. This is a one-mile walk, round trip into the Forest on a snowmobile trail. Sturdy footwear is a must. You can expect to spend up to 90 minutes of uninterrupted firefly viewing. Walking sticks and camp chairs are encouraged. Dress appropriately for the weather. This is not intended for children under 12-years-old. No cell phones, flashlights, flash photography or pets will be permitted. The VIP Firefly Experience is presented in the Allegheny National Forest by a USDA Special Use Permit.
All the above options are relatively easy walks for typically able-bodied persons. If you have a mobility issue, we will do our best to accommodate your needs or make recommendations for alternatives that will allow you to see the fireflies. Contact us or let us know when you arrive at registration.
The PA Firefly Festival is a rain or shine event. Come prepared for the weather. However, fireflies are especially sensitive to nighttime temperatures, and if the temperatures fall below 50 degrees, they do not fly. In the event of heavy rain or severe thunderstorms, activities will be suspended. There are no refunds or rain checks for this event. However, your registration is transferrable, so should you be unable to attend, you may send a friend or family member in your place. Just have them check-in with your name
PAFF is a registered 501(c)3 whose all-volunteer board's mission is to educate the public and raise awareness about all the firefly species in NW Pennsylvania.
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LocationPA Firefly Festival @ Black Caddis Ranch in Kellettville (View)
13558 Route 666
TIONESTA, PA 16353
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 5 |
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: Yes! |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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