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Northwest Pennsylvania's Great
Outdoors: What's New! |
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We will post updates, photos, and happenings involving the NWPAGO
office and staff. Our ever expanding
Events
pages can also be accessed. |
| May 2008 |
Free 2008 Guide to
Events in Five-County Western Pennsylvania
Region
(Brookville PA) – Over 190 special events will
take place in five-counties in Northwest and
North central Pennsylvania from now through the
end of December.
Clarion, Cook Forest, Benezette, Punxsutawney,
Brookville, St Marys, Tionesta, Ridgway and many
other communities will be hosting rodeos, the
Laurel Festival, Autumn Leaf Festival along with
recitals featuring everything from Wurlitzer
organs to Irish Tenors. This guide features
dates, times and locations of all the events in
the PA Great Outdoors region including the
Flashlight Drags, Tionesta Indian Festival,
theatre presentations, Emporium’s Canoe Race,
Elk Expo, and Chainsaw Rendezvous just to name a
few!
“Special events annually draw thousands of
visitors into the region,” said Dave Morris,
executive director of PA Great Outdoors.
“The work in organizing and carrying out special
events by our Chambers, fire departments and
other volunteer organizations pays big dividends
into our region’s travel economy.”
To order a free copy of the guide call
800-348-9393 or go to the PA Great Outdoors
website at
www.visitpago.com |
|
 Dr.
Arthur Steffee Inducted into the Keystone
Society for Tourism at Governor’s Conference
on Tourism
Brookville - Dr. Arthur Steffee, a driving
force behind the birth of Foxburg as a
tourist destination, was inducted in the
Keystone Society for Tourism during the
Governor’s Conference on Tourism held in
Gettysburg. Steffee was one of two
recipients in the PA Great Outdoors region
to be awarded. Dale (Lauricella) Fox was the
other honoree to be recognized for her work
in the Ridgway area.
Steffee, a retired doctor, restored the
former 1,200-acre Fox Estate in early 1998 -
consisting of a mansion that's more than 170
years old and hundreds of acres of
surrounding property. He then focused
attention on Foxburgs’ downtown area. A
winery, restaurant, hotel and performance
art space are now in place to attract
visitors to the area.
“It was very nice for them to recognize us
and I want to add that my wife was just as
big a part,” said Steffee. “I was pleasantly
surprised that the state recognized what we
are doing here in Foxburg and it encourages
us to continue on in our work,”
Governor Edward G. Rendell, the Pennsylvania
Tourism Office and the Office of Community
Affairs and Development convened Destination
Pennsylvania: The Governor's Conference on
Tourism. This first-of-its-kind statewide
summit focused on preserving the distinctive
character of our communities, and building
economic development, through cultural and
place-based tourism. The conference brought
together key public and private
stakeholders, industry experts and media,
representing diverse areas of the state. The
intent was that local officials left the
conference inspired to protect what is
unique about their communities and with a
greater understanding of how to stimulate
economic development through place-based
tourism.
The Governor's Conference on Tourism was
developed by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office
and the Office of Community Affairs and
Development in association with the
Governor's Tourism Partnership.
On the local level, representatives from the
five-county state-appointed PA Great
outdoors Visitors Bureau attended the
conference.
Dave Morris, director of the Great Outdoors
Visitors Bureau said, “Pennsylvania’s
leadership has made a significant statement
in recognizing the work of community leaders
in our part of Pennsylvania. The recognition
awarded to Dr. Steffee and the community of
Foxburg as well as to Dale Fox and her work
in Ridgway help identify these two
communities as important Pennsylvania
destinations.” |
|
 Dale
(Lauricella) Fox Inducted into the Keystone
Society for Tourism at Governor’s Conference on
Tourism
Brookville - Dale (Lauricella) Fox, a driving
force behind the rebirth of Ridgway as a tourist
destination, was inducted in the Keystone
Society for Tourism during the Governor’s
Conference on Tourism held in Gettysburg. Fox
was one of two recipients in the PA Great
Outdoors region to be recognized. Dr. Arthur
Steffee was the other honoree because of his
involvement in spearheading tourism-related
businesses in Foxburg, Clarion County.
“Its obviously an immense honor to be included
with a group of such an outstanding group of
people,” said Fox. “I have to give credit that I
wouldn’t have been honored with this award
without the great team behind me.”
Fox is the owner of The Towers Victorian Inn of
Ridgway and is active on the local scene in
promoting Ridgway and the region as a tourist
destination.
“It’s an award that represents all the hard work
that we have done both in Ridgway and the region
and I feel I’m accepting on the regions’
behalf,” said Fox.
Governor Edward G. Rendell, the Pennsylvania
Tourism Office and the Office of Community
Affairs and Development convened Destination
Pennsylvania: The Governor's Conference on
Tourism. This first-of-its-kind statewide summit
focused on preserving the distinctive character
of our communities, and building economic
development, through cultural and place-based
tourism. The conference brought together key
public and private stakeholders, industry
experts and media, representing diverse areas of
the state. On the local level, representatives
from the PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau
attended the conference.
Dave Morris, director of the Great Outdoors
Visitors Bureau said “Pennsylvania’s leadership
has made a significant statement in recognizing
the work of community leaders in our part of
Pennsylvania. The recognition awarded to Dale
and the Community of Ridgway as well as to Dr.
Steffee’ and his work in Foxburg help identify
these two communities as important Pennsylvania
destinations. “
The Governor's Conference on Tourism is
developed by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office and
the Office of Community Affairs and Development
in association with the Governor's Tourism
Partnership.
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 Free
Pa Great Outdoors Welcome Guide Now Available
Brookville, PA -- Right on time for summer
travel planning, PA Great Outdoors Visitors
Bureau is ready for the onset of visitors to the
five-county, Western and Eastern Pennsylvania
region with the announcement of its' annual
visitors guide. The full-sized, 80-page, Welcome
Guide is a fun read, packed with essential
contact and descriptive information on camping,
canoeing, elk watching and many other activities
that make this part of Pennsylvania so popular.
The guide is free and is an excellent travel
planner for organizing vacations, day trips or
for local residents preparing for the arrival of
summer houseguests.
“The guide features details on cabin rentals,
country inns and B&B’s,” said Dave Morris,
executive director of PA Great Outdoors Visitors
Bureau. “ Adding that, the guide connects
readers to more than 350 outdoor recreation
suppliers, lodging providers and others who
serve the traveling public and also includes
helpful information on the regions most popular
destinations including Punxsutawney, Cook Forest
and Benezette.”
Additionally, two of the regions travel
destination communities, Foxburg and Ridgway
were recently recognized by Governor Rendell as
important tourism destinations.
To receive a copy of the free guide, call
800-348-9393 or visit
www.visitpago.com to request a guide online. |
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| January 2008 |
 Winter
2007-2008 Edition of Let's GO Magazine
The
winter 2007-2008 issue of Let's GO Magazine is available for
download. The magazine features
cross country skiing, snowmobiling, Ridgway's
Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, Cabin fever, Elk
watching and of course Punxsutawney Phil!
Don't miss out, click the image to the right to
download and view your copy today! |
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| May 2007 |
 ATV
TRAILS ON ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST TO OPEN FOR
SUMMER SEASON ON FRIDAY, MAY 25
Warren, Pa. – All five of the All-Terrain
Vehicle (ATV) and Off-Highway Motorcycle (OHM)
trails on the Allegheny National Forest (NF)
will be open and fully operational Friday, May
25, for the summer recreation season.
The Timberline, Marienville, Rocky Gap and
Willow Creek ATV or Trailbike trails require a
trail permit to ride on the ATV trails. An
annual trail permit costs $35.00 per motorized
vehicle. A trail permit valid for only one day
costs $10.00 per motorized vehicle. The trail
permits are available at the Bradford and
Marienville Ranger District offices and local
vendors.
The list of local vendors for ATV trail permits
is as follows:
- Russell City Store, State Route 66 south of Kane
at Russell City, 814/968-4415
- Marienville Power Sports, State Route 66 in
Marienville, 814/927-8543
- Race Honda, State Route 770 in Bradford,
814/362-7426
- Corry Motorsports (Leisure Time Honda), U. S.
Route 6 east of Corry, 814/664-4606
- Clarion Cycle, Shippenville exit of Interstate
80, 814/226-7433
- Motorsport Specialties, 2009 Pennsylvania
Avenue, Warren, 814/723-5777
- Forest Lodge and Campground at Duhring on State
Route 66 north of Marienville, 814/927-8790
ATV riders are reminded that NO NIGHT RIDING
will be allowed on the section of the Timberline
ATV Trail from Buhler Corner Trailhead (the
southern most access point) to the intersection
with the D Loop. Riders must be off this section
of trail no later than 7:00 p.m. and cannot be
on this section of trail any earlier in the day
than 6:00 a.m. The restriction on night riding
has been considered necessary to protect
resources and people. Signs will be posted such
that ATV riders can easily see that this section
of trail is closed to night riding. Night riding
is still permitted on the remaining sections of
the Timberline ATV Trail. The Forest Service
appreciates your cooperation and attention to
this restriction.
Summer hours beginning Friday, May 25, with the
exception of federal holidays, for purchase of
ATV permits: Bradford Ranger District is open
seven days a week 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and
Marienville Ranger District is open seven days a
week 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Both Ranger District
Offices will be closed on May 28, July 4, and
September 3.
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| October 2006 |
Visitors Bureau Gathering Information on 2007 Events
The PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau, serving Cameron, Clarion, Elk, Forest and Jefferson counties, is gathering information on special events which will be taking place in 2007.
Event information will be featured in the bureau's 2007 special event guide, on the bureau's web site at www.visitpago.com/events and in various other bureau publications and in certain cooperative programs with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office.
<Click for more> |
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| May 2006 |
Order a guide to
events, fairs and festivals for 2006
Join Brookville in their annual Laurel Festival
this June and tour the Laurel fields just south
of Cook Forest, or sign up with the Pennsylvania
Conservancy on a sojourn down the class 1, Wild
and Scenic Clarion River. These one of kind
events are unique to this part of the
Pennsylvania WILDS Region and offer event goers
and outdoor enthusiast a chance to experience
and participate in authentic Pennsylvania
culture and history. |
|
 ATV’ers!
Ready………Set………Go!
2006 Marienville Tour De Forest set for May
20-21
Once again the town of Marienville will welcome
ATV enthusiasts from all over the United States
to the 2006 Spring Tour De Forest being held May
20-21.
This ride is a great event for ATV riders and
their families who prefer a less difficult
environment. The 50-mile system is mostly
one-way travel, consisting of dirt roads and ATV
trials throughout the Allegheny National Forest.
The beautiful scenery of the Allegheny National
Forest surrounds you as you make your way
through the trail system. Participants can
register for a one or two-day ride and lunch is
available along the trail both days.
Pre-registration is also available online at
www.marienville-fire.com/tourdeforest. |
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| February 2006 |
 PA
Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Announces release
of New Brochure
The Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau announces
the release of a new golf guide for a
five-county region in Western and Central
Pennsylvania.
14 different golf courses in Cameron, Clarion,
Elk, Forest and Jefferson Counties are featured
along with course descriptions, ratings and
other details. Contact information for some 95
hotels, motels, cabins, B&B’s and other lodging
is also conveniently listed in the guide with a
toll-free number for visitor information.
According to Dave Morris, Bureau Director the
guide is designed to helps golfers plan an
itinerary to some of the most scenic and
affordable golfing in the state.
Copies of the brochure can be ordered by
contacting the Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau at
800-348-9393 or by sending an e-mail to
info@visitpago.com For information on
special events, packages and other travel
information for the region visit
www.visitpago.com |
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| January 2006 |
What New for February 2006:
Pennsylvania Wilds piece now available
The new 24 page, full color Pennsylvania Wilds Adventure Guide is now available and being distributed at all Consumer Shows and to inquiries to VisitPa and PAwilds.com. The piece features information on Outdoor Recreation in the Wilds, including Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Wildlife Watching, Overlooks/Scenic Drives, Winter Sports, ATVing, Outdoor Guides and the regions Visitors Bureaus. Please let us know if you would like a supply.
Weather Wizard to be unveiled
The newest Phantastic Phil will be unveiled in Punxsutawney on February 1, 2006. The Weather Wizard will make its appearance at the Weather Discovery Center in time for the Groundhog Day celebrations. This exciting new fiberglass Phil is sponsored by the Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau.
Golf Northwest piece available
Golfing in the Great Outdoors region of Pennsylvania just got a lot easier. The new 2006 Golf Tour Map/Guide will be available in early February. The full color piece features 14 Golf Courses and local lodging facilities. It will be distributed at Golf Shows, in our distribution system and to inquiries from our 800 number and website.
Explore PA returning
The television show Explore PA will be returning to the Great Outdoors region January 28 thru February 2. They will be filming throughout the Punxsutawney area, while enjoying the Groundhog Day festivities. Elyse Roberts will be handling this project.
Spring Go Magazine
The spring issue of the GO Magazine will be available for distribution beginning in February. The magazine will be taken to the Consumer Shows to increase interest for Spring Visitors. Included in the magazine will be features on Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Birding and other outdoor recreation activities.
Punxsutawney featured in Buffalo News
Travel writer Maria Ceraulo of the Buffalo News recently visited the area; her story was featured January 22 in the Buffalo News which has a circulation in excess of 201,000 daily. The article highlighted the area and Groundhog Day. The Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau was listed in the article for visitors to find more information on the area. Accommodations for Maria were provided by Jane Cunningham at the Pantall. Click for complete article
Visitors Guide takes flight
The Great Outdoors Visitors Guide takes to the skies. The Welcome Guide will be placed in the seat back pockets on US Air commuter flights departing the DuBois/Jefferson County Airport and in Pittsburgh for flights flying into the D/J Airport.
Outdoor Show schedule underway
The Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau will take part in 8 shows with the PA Tourism Office. Our Visitors Guide will be distributed at all shows. The bureau will also have a booth at the Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Cleveland Shows to interact with attendees and distribute literature.
Outdoor Photography Retreat
A winter outdoor digital photography retreat will take place in Cook Forest February 17 – 19th. Mr. Hal Korber will teach various techniques to photographers in this hands on session. Register on-line in the Great Outdoors Packages Section. |
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| 22 Jan 2006 Join Punxsutawney Phil for Groundhog's Day an article by Maria Ceraulo for the Buffalo News PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. - Join in the fun as America's favorite weatherman, Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, makes his annual prediction at the 120th annual Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, Pa., just 170 miles south of Buffalo. Click for complete article |
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| October 2005 |
 05
October 2005 Third edition of Let’s Go! Hits
area racks
The third edition of the Northwest Pennsylvania
Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau quarterly
magazine titled, “Let’s Go!” an area magazine of
people, places and events recently hit the
racks.
Click here to download a copy |
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| September 2005 |
13 September 2005
Elk Expo to take
place Sept. 23 and 24, 2005
Attention Sportsmen: Dust off your old trophy
whitetail racks and bring them along to the Elk
Expo on September 23 and 24th, 2005. This year a
new event will take place during the Expo
weekend. |
02 September 2005
PA Great Outdoors
Announces Free Gas Card for Fall 2005
Brookville, PA – The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors
Visitors Bureau announced a new strategy for
reducing the stress of fall leaf-peepers
concerned about rising prices at the pumps. |
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| August 2005 |
31 August 2005 Second edition of Let’s
Go! Hits area racks
The second edition of the Northwest Pennsylvania
Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau quarterly
magazine titled, “Let’s Go!” an area magazine of
people, places and events recently hit the
racks.
Click here to download a copy |
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| July 2005 |
 06
July 2005 First
edition of Let’s Go! Hits area racks
The first edition of the Northwest Pennsylvania
Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau new quarterly
magazine titled, “Let’s Go!” an area magazine of
people, places and events recently hit the racks
for the July 4th weekend. The new
color magazine replaced the Great Outdoors
Newspaper which was previously published.
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04 July 2005
Improvements made to Tionesta Recreation Area
The nearly $2 million worth of improvements
started in 2002 at the Tionesta Recreation Area
Campground and have impacted all of the park’s
125 campsites. Improvements included paving
work, upgrades to restroom and bathing
facilities, and installation of water, sewer and
electric service. Cable television service will
also be installed at each site.
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04 July 2005
Regional communities and points of interests
featured in national publication
Brookville - Brookville’s Historic District and
it’s Victorian Main Street as well as
Benezette’s Elk platform have been chosen to be
part of an elite group of sites and events. In
addition, Gobbler’s Knob and the Cook Forest
Sawmill Center for the Arts will also be
featured as distinctive points of interest in a
National Geographic publication.
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04 July 2005
Meet Me At The Fair
a quick look at the many county fairs and
festivals happening this summer |
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updated
20 Nov 2008 |
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