For the love of wood; Local festival expected to draw thousands

Posted 8/21/12

MILFORD, PA — Skilled woodcrafters will amaze you. Experts in chainsaw carving will impress you. The music of wood instruments will float through the air. Visitors to the 10th annual Festival of …

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For the love of wood; Local festival expected to draw thousands

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MILFORD, PA — Skilled woodcrafters will amaze you. Experts in chainsaw carving will impress you. The music of wood instruments will float through the air. Visitors to the 10th annual Festival of Wood, to be held this weekend at Grey Towers National Historic Site, will experience all of this and more, including the chance to see and purchase the works of 25 fine-art woodcraft vendors who create beautiful one-of-a-kind works of art and useful handmade objects from humble chunks of wood.

The free two-day event—from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 2 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 3—is a celebration of all things wood, appropriate for all ages. Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear plan to drop by and there will be games, toys and craft activities for the youngsters. Or perhaps you need a lesson in tree trimming, pruning or (believe it or not!) even tree climbing? Well, this is the place to be.

Educational exhibits, including a free woodland wildlife show each day, a hike through the nearby Milford Experimental Forest and a visit from the touring PA Woodmobile (a kind of mini-museum on wheels) are on the weekend’s agenda.

Those who are conservation-minded can learn about local and regional conservation initiatives; hear about efforts to reintroduce the American chestnut tree, which was once almost wiped out in the U.S.; and have the chance to make the connection between sustainable forest management practice and a sustainable marketplace.

A key goal of the festival is to “heighten awareness about the importance of wood in our society and how professional and scientific forestry helps meet that continued need.”

Partners in this festival include the U.S. Forest Service, the Grey Towers Heritage Association, the Pocono Arts Council and numerous other partners, participants and collaborators.

Self-guided tours of the historic Grey Towers mansion are available for a $5 fee.

Food and refreshments are available, as well as free parking with free shuttle bus service.

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