POCONO MOUNTAINS ANNOUNCES 2009 CALENDAR OF TOP EVENTS

01/07/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alicia M. Quinn
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Phone: 570.421.5791
alicia@poconos.org

POCONO MOUNTAINS ANNOUNCES 2009 CALENDAR OF TOP EVENTS
Four Seasons Of Fun In Pennsylvania's Scenic Four-County Region

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA, January 7, 2009 – The Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania has announced its 2009 calendar of events, highlighting the natural beauty of the 2,400-square-mile region. Events range from music festivals and holiday celebrations to marathons and NASCAR Races. For a full listing of activities, please visit www.800poconos.com/calendar. Highlights from the 2009 calendar include:

JANUARY

Tobyhanna Ice Harvest Excursion, January 17, 2009 – A historic steam locomotive will travel to the Tobyhanna station from the Steamtown National Historic Site. Excursionists will be transported, courtesy of the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Valley Authority, to Mill Pond #1, where historic tools and equipment will be used to gather blocks of ice from the pond. Excursion departs at 10 a.m. and returns at approximately 3 p.m. Visit www.nps.gov/stea or call 570-340-5200 for more information.

Delaware River Eagle Watch Weekend, January 18, 2009 – Join other eagle enthusiasts at The Eagle Institute for live birds of prey programs, educational exhibits, presentations, children's programs, guided excursion, eagle watching and more. For more information, call 570-685-5960 or visit www.eagleinstitute.org.

Annual Chili & Wings Cook Off, January 25, 2009 – Featuring live entertainment, great food and fun for all! Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort will be bustling with activity as participants taste and judge some of the finest chili and wings the Pocono Mountains has to offer. Tickets are $20 per person to taste and judge and are available at the door. For more information, call 570-226-3191 or visit www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com.

FEBRUARY

Crystal Cabin Fever,February 13-March 1, 2009 – A unique and interactive event for all ages! Visit a Winter Wilderness interactive theme park made from more than 30 tons of crystal clear ice at Sculpted Ice Works. Life-sized cabin made of ice, hand-carved ice sculptured, 40-foot ice slide and more. There will also be a recognized Ice Carving Competition on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. The entrance fee is $10 per adult and $6 per child. Call 570-226-6246 or visit www.crystalcabinfever.com for more information.

Winterfest of Jim Thorpe, February 14-15, 2009 – Many local shops, restaurants and attractions will be offering special deals during the weekend. Ask for a coupon flyer at the train station in downtown Jim Thorpe and at participating establishments. Ice Carving demonstrations to be held both days in Asa Packer Park and at Opera House Square. A Simon and Garfunkel Tribute will be held Saturday evening at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. For more information, visit www.jimthorpe.org or call 888- JIM THORPE.

Annual Ice-Tee Golf Tournament, February 22, 2009 – Play nine holes of golf atop frozen Lake Wallenpaupack, which includes prizes, giveaways, fun for golfers, non-golfers and spectators. Extra activities on the ice will include the popular "Closest to Wally" driving contest. Visit www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com or call 570-226-3191 for details.

MARCH

21st Annual Chili Cook-Off, March 7, 2009 – Compete in a no holds barred chili competition at Daniels Top-O-The Poconos Resort. Cash and prizes for first, second, third, Honorable Mention, Peoples Choice Award, Best Booth award, Miss Chili Pepper and Mr. Hot Sauce awards. Live country music by Dr. Moranville and the County Line Band. For more information, visit www.danielsresort.com or call 570-595-7531.

APRIL

Annual Great Brews from Around the World International Beer Festival, April 18, 2009 – Split Rock Resort and Golf Club will host some of the world's finest breweries, along with music and crafts. Food purveyors will offer international menus, and seminars related to international beer topics will be featured. Event begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Visit www.splitrockresort.com or call 800-255-7625 for details.

MAY

Annual Pocono Mountains Run for the Red Marathon, May 17, 2009 – The Pocono Mountains hosts runners for a 26.2 mile race through Monroe County. The top finishing male and female each receive a cash prize of $2,000. Race day will also include a Run for the Red - Fun Run with a 5k. Race starts at Clear Run Elementary School in Tobyhanna and finishes at the Stroudsburg High School stadium. Visit www.poconomarathon.org or call 800-468-2442 for details.

20th Annual Farm Animal Frolic, May 16-17 and 23-24, 2009 – Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm invites guests to see and touch the new baby farm animals born in the spring. Children can participate in the hay jump, play traditional games enjoyed by past generations, ride a pony or enjoy a wagon trip down an old railroad bed to a pond where ice is harvested in the winter. Visit www.quietvalley.org or call 570-992-6161 details.

JUNE

Pocono 500 Sprint Cup Race Weekend, June 5-7, 2009 – Pocono Raceway will host the Pocono 500 Sprint Cup Race on Sunday, June 7, with events leadings up to the race all weekend. Long recognized as one of NASCAR's most competitive raceways, Pocono's unique 2.5 mile track features three turns, each with its own degree of banking. Visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 800-RACEWAY for details.

19th Annual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival, June 13-14, 2009 – The two-day festival held on the grounds of Split Rock Resort and Golf Club will feature continuous musical entertainment on three separate stages, up to 30 of Pennsylvania's finest wineries and a wide selection of food vendors to tempt the taste buds. Educational wine seminars will be held 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Weekend packages available for overnight guests. Visit www.splitrockresort.com or call 800-255-7625 for details.

Lehigh River Sojourn, June 19-24, 2009 – From the fast moving water of the Lehigh Gorge to the meandering river in the metro-wilderness of the Lehigh Valley, this five-day journey bring Sojourners close to nature through whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking. For more information, call 610-965-4397 or visit http://wildlandspa.org/education/lehigh_river_sojourn.html.

Delaware River Sojourn, June 21-28, 2009 – The sojourn is full of fun and adventure and a great time for all! The purpose of the Sojourn is to heighten awareness of, and appreciation for, the ecological, historical, recreational and economic significance of the Delaware River. The Sojourn is for those who love paddling or are curious about the outdoors. Travelers can sign up for the entire trip or for the section or day(s) of their choice. Visit www.delawareriversojourn.org/ or call 609-883-9500 for details.

JULY

Milford Music Festival, July 11-12, 2009 – Free open air music festival with a main stage in Milford's Ann Street Park, side stage venues and performances located throughout town. It's a family-friendly festival featuring several genres of music including Blues, Folk, Classical, World, Jazz and Rock. For more information, visit www.milfordmusic.org.

Street Festival and & Sidewalk Sales, July 23-25, 2009 – Honesdale's historic Main Street will be alive with the sound of live music, crafts, vendors, children's activities and culinary delights. Visitors can also enjoy the Wayne County Farmers' Market on Saturday. The Street Festival and Sidewalk Sales will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit www.visithonesdalepa.com or call 570-253-5492 for details.

Annual Pocono Blues Festival, July 24-26, 2009 – The festival at Big Boulder Ski Area will showcase twenty of the finest blues artists in the world and is a must-see summer music festival for any blues fan. Visit www.jfbb.com or call 570-443-8425 for details.

AUGUST

Pennsylvania 500 Sprint Cup Race Weekend, July 31-August 2, 2009 – The Pennsylvania 500 Sprint Cup Race will take place on Sunday, August 2 at Pocono Raceway, with activities leading up to the event all weekend. Visit www.poconoraceway.com or call 800-RACEWAY for details.

The Pocono State Crafts Festival, August 22-23, 2009 – Now in its 23rd year, fine jewelry, woodworking, clothing, metal work, stained glass, furniture, leather, basketry and pottery are but some of the crafts to be on display at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. Watch the craft demonstrations, enjoy festival foods and listen to the best in Bluegrass. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10a.m.-5p.m. Sunday. For more information, see www.poconocrafts.com.

SEPTEMBER

Stroudfest, September 5, 2009 – Sample the food, fun and festivities in beautiful downtown Stroudsburg. Enjoy entertainment throughout the day, along with our local artisans and crafters displaying their talent. Admission is free. Visit www.stroudfest.com or call 570-420-2808 for more information.

Annual Pocono Garlic Festival, September 5-6, 2009 – Indulge all your garlic fantasies at this legendary Pocono Mountain food, music and craft festival at Shawnee Mountain. The festival includes 50 aromatic food merchants, 20 juried crafters and artisans and 15 musical and novelty entertainers. The festival will be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Tour rates are $8 per person. Visit www.shawneemt.com or call 570-421-7231 for details.

32^nd Annual Celebration of the Arts Festival,September 11-13, 2009 –This year's festival kicks off in the Delaware Water Gap with an opening reception and an exhibition of artwork. The event continues with performances in classical music, dance, theater, Bebop, Swing and more. Visit www.cotajazz.org or call 570-424-2210 for details.

Annual PRCA Rodeo and Chili Cook-Off, September 26-27, 2009 – Come and experience the thrill of the Pro Cowboys competing in five different events at Shawnee Mountain. The event features Pros from the First Frontier Circuit competing for thousands of dollars in prize money. Sanctioned by the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, women competitors will show their skills in the WPRA Barrel Race. Come early and sample a variety of chili's from mild to hot to white chili! Visit www.shawneemt.com or call 570-421-7231 for details.

OCTOBER

(CANCELLED) Foodie Fare Along the Delaware,October 4, 2009 – On the grounds of Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, visitors will enjoy a wide-ranging 35-course tasting menu accompanied by suggested wine and micro brew pairings. Created by the area's best restaurants, caterers and specialty food shops, the featured dishes will showcase the region's finest local ingredients and culinary offerings. Guests may learn how to prepare a favorite morsel at one of the many cooking demonstrations, celebrate the majestic grape with a renowned vintner and discuss a variety of foodie-related topics at seminars scheduled throughout the day. Tastings are limitless and are included with entrance. Visit www.delawareriverfoodandwine.com for details.

Autumn Festival, October 10-11, 2009 – The Burgs' come alive with scarecrows, fall foliage and classic cars. Join the fun in East Stroudsburg for the annual Scarecrow Festival, where you can create a one-of–a-kind scarecrow. Once you finish with your scarecrow, motor over to Stroudsburg for the Autos in Autumn car show featuring antique and classic cars from numerous car clubs. As you stroll through the cars on display, enjoy music broadcasting throughout town. For more information, visit www.stroudsburg.net or call 570-420-2808.

Harvest & Heritage Days, October 10-11, 2009 – Historic Honesdale rolls out pumpkins, hay bales and fall colors for its annual Harvest & Heritage Fest. Honesdale's historic Main Street will be alive with the sound of street music, craft vendors, old-fashioned horse-drawn hayrides and the smell of good food. Visit www.visithonesdalepa.com or call 570-253-5492 for details.

Annual Black Bear Film Festival, October 16-18, 2009 – The Milford Theater presents the annual Black Bear Film Festival, renowned for extraordinary selections of full-length independent films, short films and lectures. The famous life-sized painted bear sculptures are again gracing the scene. Visit www.blackbearfilm.com or call 570-409-0909 for more information.

Timber and Balloon Festival, October 17-18, 2009 – Spectacular hot air balloons soar high above Shawnee Mountain into the beautiful fall sky. Enjoy scenic chairlift rides, pig races, chainsaw sculptures and more. Check out the Ironjack "Timber Team" shows featuring log rolling, pole climbing, ax and chainsaw competitions, buck sawing and more. The festival will begin at 7 a.m. daily. Tickets are $10. Visit www.shawnemt.com or call 570-421-7231 for details.

NOVEMBER

Great Brews of America Beerfest, November 21-22, 2009 – The two-day indoor festival at Split Rock Resort and Golf Club will feature close to 30 of America's finest classic and micro-breweries offering tastes of their latest brews. Musical entertainment will be performed on two different stages, while crafts and artwork will be on exhibition and for sale. Each attendee will receive a commemorative beer tasting glass to take home and be at least 21 years of age to enter. Seminars on various beer related topics will be featured throughout the festival. For more information, call 800-255-7625 or visit www.splitrockresort.com.

Honesdale for the Holidays, November 27-28, 2009 – Historic Honesdale offers up its famous holiday hospitality beginning with the annual Santa Parade Friday night followed immediately by the tree lighting ceremony in Central Park. Stores host "Open Houses" with seasonal hospitality for their shoppers and visitors into December and there are other exciting family events to look forward to as well. Visit www.visithonesdalepa.com or call 570-253-5492 for details.

DECEMBER

Annual Old Time Christmas, December 5-6 and 12-13, 2009 – Visitors will enjoy a winter evening on the farm at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, a salute to the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers. Guides dressed in period clothing will lead guests by lantern light through various buildings and displays. There will be refreshments and a gift shop filled with handcrafted items. Group tours by reservation only, and public tours will be offered. Visit www.quietvalley.org or call 570-992-6161 for more information.

Hawley Winterfest Celebration, December 11-13, 2009– The town of Hawley celebrates the season throughout the weekend with costumed readings, luncheons, holiday shows including Saturday and Sunday performances at the Ritz Theatre, Stourbridge Line Rail Excursion (Saturday), photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, caroling and more. Visit www.hawleywinterfest.com or call 570-226-3191 for details.

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). The Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.

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