TICK FEST: Flo and Lu from the McKean County Historical Society said they read our recent column on ticks with interest.

The society is “puttin’ the ick in tick” through the inaugural Kinzua Country Tick Fest, to be held from noon to 5 p.m. May 19 at Kinzua Bridge State Park.

As many readers are aware, instances of Lyme disease, which is carried by deer ticks, have skyrocketed in recent years in the area. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

According to a press release from the society, the festival is “an event combining science (“Tick Talks” ala TED talks), fun, games and music to educate and raise awareness of the history, biology and ecology of ticks in our area and the prevention and treatment of tick-borne diseases (TBDs).”

Tick Fest organizers are currently looking for event sponsors.

Anyone who wants to volunteer, make a presentation or be a sponsor can contact Flo and Lu at the society by phone at 887-5142, by email at mchsmuseum@verizon.net or by mail at 500 W. Main St., Smethport, PA 16749.

The McKean County Historical Society writes, “The old saw goes ‘laughter is the best medicine’ but ticks are no laughing matter. Rather than letting them get us down, however, we present a festival to be pro-active, to learn about, be aware of and deal with them and — to help lessen the worry — have some fun along the way.

“The event will include keynote speakers presenting the latest in tick research and medical information and an opportunity for sufferers to tell their story. There will also be fun tick-related food (“ticks-on-a-stick” and “lymeade” anyone?), games (3-legged tick race, count-the-ticks-in-the-jar) and “special” tick music.”

An instructor from the PA Lyme Resource Network will be on-hand with informational materials, too.