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This unique festival in Kellettville on Saturday, June 27, 2020 celebrates the annual emergence of Pennsylvania's official state insect, the firefly (aka a lightning bug). Visitors will learn about and may observe as many as 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 (sponsored by the J. Bowman Proper Trust), food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, nature exhibits with the experts, Bug Bingo and Creek Critters for kids, and lots of Firefly merchandise. At 9 pm, Mr. Don Salvatore of Firefly Watch will take the stage for an inspiring message of conservation and the "Secret Lives of Fireflies". From 10 pm to Midnight, "Art After Dark" performances sponsored by the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts grant will take place to entertain visitors waiting for their Guided Firefly Tour.
Leashed friendly dogs are permitted on the festival grounds during the festival daytime events. Only Service Dogs will be permitted on firefly tours.
There is a $5 parking fee at the Black Caddis Ranch. Proceeds of which benefit the Amvets Post #113.
For overnight lodging and accommodations, go to VisitPaGo.com or ForestCounty.com.
FIREFLY TOUR REGISTRATION:
This year, we are offering six Guided Firefly Tour times and the VIP Synchronous Firefly Experience. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for these tours. Space is limited to minimize the impact on the habitat and ensure the optimum experience for visitors. All tickets/wristbands are Will-Call, no need to print. Pick up your wristband upon arrival at the festival or by 8:00 PM at the Registration Tent. Unclaimed wristbands will be surrendered to Standby guests when registration closes.
On-site registration for open/unsold spaces begins at 12-noon on June 27. The Standby line opens at 8:30 pm. UNREGISTERED guests may also view fireflies for FREE at the designated public viewing area.
ALL the proceeds from the registration fees benefit PAFF and are used to pay the guides, fund educational programs and summer research interns. ALL SALES are FINAL. NO REFUNDS or RAINCHECKS. However, your registration is transferrable.**
GUIDED FIREFLY TOURS:
This tour option is $10 per person (+ processing fees). This walking tour is a full 2.5-mile, 90-minute round trip,* to see both habitats of creek fireflies and the Synchronous Firefly viewing in the forest. Along the way, guides will point out multiple species, flash patterns, behaviors and firefly conservation etiquette. This is recommended for all ages (Pre-K to Gray). However, those with young children should opt for the earliest trip possible. The first of the six Guided Firefly Tours depart at 9:15 pm and the last tour leaves at 10:30 pm. Be sure to choose a single tour time that best suits you and your party's needs.
VIP SYNCHRONOUS FIREFLY EXPERIENCE:
This option is $30 per person (+ processing fees). The VIP is limited to thirty (30) of the MOST serious and reverent firefly watchers. Registered VIPs will be guided to a secluded synchronous firefly viewing area in the Allegheny National Forest, and will have a private interpretive guide. The VIP Experience includes a personal Bluetooth audio/listening system for each guest. The guide will now be able to speak directly to each VIP at a safe distance and provide the interpretive firefly information without disturbing the peace and quiet of the forest habitat. This is a one-mile walk*, round trip into the Forest on a snowmobile trail. This is not intended for children under 12-years-old. The VIP Synchronous Firefly Experience is presented in the Allegheny National Forest by a USDA Special Use Permit.
*All of the above tour options are relatively easy walks for typically able-bodied persons. If you have any mobility issues, 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. Fireflies are especially sensitive to nighttime temperatures, and if the temperatures fall below 60 degrees, they do not fly. The festival and the tours are subject to cancellation in the event of severe weather or threats to public safety.
** 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.
ALL guests should be prepared for 1.5 to 2 hours of engagement IN THE FOREST. Dress appropriately for the weather. Sturdy footwear and walking sticks are highly recommended. Flashlights are not required nor necessary, but if used, they must be covered by a dark red filter (available on-site). No cell phones, photography, smoking/vaping or pets will be permitted on any of the guided tours. Only Service Dogs are permitted on the tours.
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: 4 |
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: Yes! |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
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