With many traditional events cancelled for this year, many families have been struggling to find activities to keep themselves busy this December.
The following is a list of activities, many COVID-19 friendly, to partake in during this holiday season:
-Backwards Christmas Parade: The “parade” will start at 5:30 p.m. today in Bradford. The parade line-up will park on the side of Chestnut Street Extension and the attendees will drive-thru to view the parade, coming to an end at the Zippo/Case Museum and Flagship Store with a wave from Santa.
-Christmas in the Wilds: Sponsored by the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center this event will kick off with a parade today at 6 p.m. in Emporium, with floats leaving the former Fourth Street School, then progressing on Route 120 to Woodland Avenue. Viewers are then invited to follow Santa back to the center of the business district for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Also, today and Saturday, the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department will be used for a basket raffle. On Saturday, vendors will line the Emporium business district.
-McKean County Fairgrounds Drive-Thru Festival of Lights, 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 23; on Saturdays through Dec. 19, the hours are 5-9 p.m.; on Sundays through Dec. 20, the hours are 5-8 p.m. The hours will be 5-8 p.m. on the following bonus days: Dec. 17 and Dec. 21-23. The cost is $10 per car and $25 per bus.
-Morning Bird Walks: These walks take place every Saturday from 7:15 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. at Kinzua Bridge State Park. Attendees meet at the Visitor Center. Bring your own binoculars to look for birds and plan on hiking around the park and out onto Kinzua Bridge. For more information, call 814-778-5467.
-Private tours of Olmsted Manor: Take a tour of the historic Olmsted Manor at 17 E. Main St. in Ludlow throughout the month of December. Appointments can be scheduled online at https://www.olmstedmanor.org/christmas-open-house.html or by calling 814-945-6512.
-Star gazing: Head out to Cherry Springs State Park and create your own stargazing tour, using https://cherryspringsstatepark.com/stargazing/ as your guide. If you’re more interested in a private tour with Cherry Spring’s former Astronomer, Greg Snowman, call 814-558-8539 or email gregasnowman@yahoo.com for booking.
-Holiday lights at Elk County Fairgrounds: For a $10 donation, drive through an array of Christmas displays and lights at the Elk County Fairgrounds, 316 Dietz Rd. in Kersey. Proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army and the Elk County Fair.
