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The great folks at Shawnee really know how to put on a fantastic festival! Each year Garlic Fest gets bigger and better, and this year there's no exception to the rule! The scent of garlic will mix with the sweet mountain air and tantalize your taste buds!

Garlic Fest is sure to have something for everyone, so bring the whole family and enjoy! There will be over 50 food and craft vendors that will be offering everything from garlic ice cream to garlic themed arts and crafts! As I've said before, it's never too early to do some Christmas shopping, so you just might find that perfect gift for the garlic lover on your shopping list.

There will be plenty of fun-filled activities for the kids including magic shows, juggling shows, face painting and much more! There will even be a farm animal petting zoo. Although I'm well past being a kid, I still like checking these things out and seeing the smiles on all of the little faces as they take in everything that's going on!

In between sampling a few of the many delicious garlic dishes that Garlic Fest has to offer and visiting the creative craft vendors, you may also want to check out the Educational Tent! Learn about the history of garlic and how to cook with garlic among other things. Representatives from the Pocono Wildlife Rehab Center will also be under this tent with some of their furry friends. They will be giving tips on how to safely help the wildlife in the Pocono Mountains! Being an animal lover, I'm definitely not going to miss this!

Garlic Fest would not be complete without beer and wine, and of course music! So make sure that you grab your beverage of choice along with your dancing shoes and check out the two outdoor stages as several local bands and musicians will be cranking out tunes of various genres all day long! I like almost all types of music and hope to hear all of the bands featured at Garlic Fest, but if you've read some of my other blogs you already know that I'm true Southern Rocker at heart. If you share my enthusiasm and you too are a fan of southern rock make sure to join me at the main stage and rock with the Blue Emerald Band on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00am and again at 3:00pm! This awesome band has been together for over 30 years and sound just as good as if not better than ever. In case you didn't notice they are a personal favorite of mine.

As always, I enjoy hearing from you! Let me know how you plan to spend Labor Day Weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at the Pocono Garlic Festival!!

This weekend long event will be held Friday-Sunday and be packed with a variety of activities throughout the Lake Region.

I am planning to begin the weekend around 9pm on Friday at Ehrhardt's Pub by sipping on a few summer cocktails, and listening to some Rock and Roll performed by Wally & The Paupacks!

After a good night's sleep at one of the region's fabulous lodging facilities, I plan to be at the Open Market Fair at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center. The market will feature art, music, food and design and will open at 10am and run throughout the day until 6pm.

If I'm in an adventurous mood, I may decide to learn how to Kayak! Demonstrations by Alice's Wonderland will be held on Saturday between 10am and 3pm on the shoreline in front of the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center.

If you like gazing at the water and the boats, I'm sure that you won't want to miss the boat parade (rain date Sunday). A parade of decorated boats will begin at 2pm and end in front of the Tafton Dike judge's platform. You may also want to tour the lake on Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours. Did I happen to mention, that you will receive a souvenir photo if you are on board between 11am and 3pm on Saturday!!

As you know, I love to shop! Saturday evening, after dining in one of Hawley's many great eateries, you will be able to find me strolling through the quaint streets of Hawley, wandering through one great shop after another!

Sunday also offers a day packed full of fun! I have been threatening my son with my latest idea of learning how to play golf, so I think I may spend Sunday afternoon at Costa's Family Fun Park practicing my drive at the driving range. Who knows I might even get lucky and win a prize by hitting a ball closest to Wally!

Visit http://www.facebook.com.wallylakefest/ for more information.

As always, I want to know how you are spending the final summer weekends in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at Wally Fest!

If you like the sounds of great southern rock and The Outlaws as much as I do, you won't want to miss this show. Tickets for general admission seating are $22 in advance and $27 the day of the show and are available for purchase at all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are also available at the Penn's Peak Box Office, Roadies Restaurant and the Bar Hostess stand during normal business hours.

Penn's Peak is absolutely one of the best places to catch a show! If you've been there before I'm sure that you will agree that the sound is incredible and the view of the stage is phenomenal from every seat. The doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 8pm with Nightwind, although I have never heard this band I understand that they too are fabulous!

I'm already psyched and can't wait to rock out with The Outlaws. I have been listening to their music since 8-Track tapes were all the rage; in fact I played them so much that I wore out more than a few of them. I can already hear them in my mind as they perform Hurry Sundown, There goes another Love Song and my all time favorite as only they can perform it Green Grass and High Tides!

You may want to arrive early and grab a bite to eat and partake of a few cocktails at Roadies Restaurant, located inside Penn's Peak. They have an appetizing menu with everything from wings and burgers to seafood and steaks! I am planning to begin my evening with an order of buffalo wings, and of course my favorite beverage.

I also plan to visit the gift shop in order to pick up a few items and gift cards to use as stocking stuffers, as it's never too early to do a little Christmas shopping!

As always, I want to know where you plan to rock this weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at Penn's Peak!

The fair begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday, August 15. Hours are 3pm and 11pm, rain or shine.

If you'd like to catch the opening day ceremony it will be held at 5pm on Wednesday on the main stage with the crowning of the fair queen. Opening day of the fair offers a variety of entertainment including a professional wrestling event in the arena at 7pm with a low admission fee of $5.00. Children under six will be gain entry to this event at no cost! I'm looking forward to the spectacular fireworks display being launched at 10:15pm!

Thursday, August 12^th is Children's Day at the fair! There will be a bicycle giveaway at 8pm and special prizes will be given to the first 50 children in attendance who are 10 years of age or younger. I'm sure if you have kids you won't want to miss this part of the fair. Thursday also features the Demolition Derby at 7pm in the arena.

Friday, August 14 beginning at 5pm, Penn's Peak Radio & TV DJ "The Doctor" will be on the main stage. I'm looking forward to Ryan Pelton's performance on the main stage at 7pm. If you're an Elvis fan, I'm sure you'll be there too!

Saturday, August 14 offers up a little bit of country at the fair. The Cramer Brothers will be on the main stage at 4pm and again at 7pm. If you have never heard the Cramer Brothers and you like country music, you'll definitely want to catch one of their shows! Wilson Fairchild, country recording stars will be performing on the main stage at 8:30pm.

The events go on and on... plenty to see and do for the whole family!

In-between all of the shows and special entertainment you will be able to find me playing the games, riding the rides, wandering through the exhibit halls and of course sampling some of the fantastic food that the fair has to offer!

As always, I want to know all about your weekends in the Pocono Mountains and would welcome your suggestions for things to do and places to see for upcoming weekends! I hope to see you at the Carbon County Fair!

If you like county fairs you won't want to miss the 148^th Wayne County Fair in Honesdale! The fair begins on Friday and runs through Saturday, August 14.

I am planning to spend my weekend wandering around the fair enjoying all of the awesome exhibits, thrilling rides, sensational shows and of course some of the fantastic fair foods! I also plan to try my luck playing traditional fair games as well as a game or two of Bingo!

The entire week of the fair will be packed with fun for everyone! Have you ever seen a "Kids Pedal Pull"? If not you may want to check it out on Sunday, August 8 at noon on the track in front of the grandstand! I always get a kick out of watching the kids as they pedal enthusiastically towards victory!

Rosaire's Royal Racing Pigs will be performing a few times daily at the southwest corner of the fair grounds. If you want to catch one of their races you will need to listen for the times to be announced over the loud speaker as show times will vary.

You may also want to catch Jesse & James and Mutts Gone Nuts! I have never seen one of their shows, but I've heard that their performances are hilarious and will entertain and amuse the entire family! They will be on stage daily.

A day at the fair wouldn't be complete without a stroll through the many exhibits. I always enjoy seeing the farm animals and fussing over the baby cows and lambs.

Admission to the fair is only $8.00. This fee includes parking, small stage shows and most grandstand shows. Oh, I almost forgot, this pay one price admission also includes the amusement rides! For those of you who happen to be 62 or older, senior citizen's days will be on Friday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 11. Admission will be $3.00 between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm.

There will be so many fun things to do at the fair! Please visit http://www.waynecountyfair.com/ to see the full schedule of events. You may want to spend a few days! Visit http://www.800poconos.com/ for near by lodging!

As always, I look forward to hearing all about your adventures in the Pocono Mountains and seeing some of your photos as well! I hope to see you in Honesdale at the Wayne County Fair!

If you enjoy listening to live music, you don't want to miss the Milford Music Fest! Music of all genres will be drifting through the summer air in the historic town of Milford from Friday, July 30 through Sunday, August 1.

I am having a difficult time trying to figure out a plan... in order to be able to take in as much of this fantastic festival as possible, without having to clone myself. I think that I may start the weekend off by having dinner at one of the many fine dining establishments that the town of Milford has to offer (any guesses?), and then head to the Black Walnut Inn to check out the sounds of 84 West Classic Rock.

On Saturday, I'm considering an early lunch at Dawney's Soup Creations (311 W Harford Street) while listening to some tunes performed by In Spite of Ourselves from 11am to 1pm.

Just following, you will probably be able to find me at the Harrington House as White Light will be front and center. If you like classic hard rock, you'll definitely want to check out this band!

I'll probably wrap up the weekend on Sunday with music in the park between 2pm and 4pm and enjoy a little of the blues with Lee Delray.

This is not my only itinerary for Milford Music Fest as there will be so many great bands to hear, and so many things to do. Let me know if you see a band that I should catch.

You may also want to plan on doing a little shopping! In addition to all of the great musical entertainment, the Milford shopkeepers will be holding their annual Sidewalk Shopping Festival along Harford and Broad Streets, the Historic Upper Mill and Old Lumberyard Shops.

Plan to spend the entire weekend wandering around the beautiful music filled streets of Milford. Visit http://www.800poconos.com/ for near by lodging and dining facilities.

As always, I would enjoy hearing all about your weekend plans and adventures in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at the Milford Music Festival!

Another weekend, and of course there's another great festival in the Pocono Mountains! If you love the blues as much as I do, I'm sure that you won't want to miss the 19^th Annual Pocono Blues Festival at Big Boulder this weekend!

If you're a true "Blues" fan, you will think that you're in heaven as this unbelievable, three day, outdoor festival unfolds in front of you featuring 20 national acts on three different stages! I'm hoping to attend the entire three day event, as Big Boulder is the perfect place to get lost in the "Blues" with surroundings that create the perfect amphitheater!                                                          

There will be plenty of free parking, and the gates will open approximately one hour before Jimmy "Duck" Holmes gets the weekend started at 7:30pm on Friday from the tent stage. You may want to bring a comfy chair or blanket to sit on while you enjoy the great lineup of music that the weekend has in store!  I'm especially looking forward to The Fabulous Thunderbirds' performance on Sunday at 3:00pm on the main stage! Visit http://www.poconoblues.com/  to check out the entire venue and to purchase tickets.

Along with all of the class act Blues artists, you might enjoy a scenic chairlift ride or just wandering around the grounds as there will be over 70 vendors offering a wide array of awesome foods among other great items. There will also be cold beer available for purchase, so make sure to bring your ID.  

Don't forget to stop in at Festival Headquarters to purchase a festival t-shirt; and above all remember to fill out your registration coupon as you may be lucky enough to win backstage passes! If I'm not one of the lucky winners, I hope you are!!

Plan to spend the entire weekend! Visit 800poconos.com for a list of near by accommodations.

As always, I want to hear from you and know where you're feeling the "Blues" this weekend in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you having a great time at Big Boulder and the Pocono Blues Fest!

This outstanding two-day Oktoberfest in July offers a fun-filled day for the whole family! If you like beers and brats, you're in for a real treat, as German and Polish foods and beverages will be available in abundance. I can already smell the aroma of pierogies and kielbasa floating through the air.

Several polka and German Oom Pa Pa bands will be featured for your listening and dancing pleasure. I never quite got the hang of polka dancing, but I'll enjoy watching the professionals and everyone else who brings their dancing shoes.

In addition to the great food, cold brews and festive music, there will be many other activities taking place including face painting, Bavarian juggling shows, hot dog races and much more! Did you notice the photo? It was taken during the hot dog race at last year's Wurst Fest.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that there will be several craft vendors on hand for those of us who can't resist unique and artistic items. I may even do a little early Christmas shopping, as I'm sure that I'll find something that reminds me of someone on my list.

As always, I want to know where you are spending your weekends in the Pocono Mountains! I hope to see you at the Poconos' Wurst Festival!

A summer evening stroll through a beautiful, picturesque town that just happens to have a festival taking place is a perfect way to unwind from a busy, active summer day! If you like classic, antique and out of the ordinary cars, then you won't want to miss Crystal Street Cruise Night! The Monroe County Cruisers Club along with the Delaware Water Gap Classic Cars Club will be sporting their automobiles for all to see. I love to see a parade of cars from days gone by. Whenever I happen to see an antique car, I stop and wonder what life may have been like in the Pocono Mountains during the period of time when it was brand new.

Along with some really cool old cars, Crystal Street will be alive with exhibits, sidewalk sales, live music and much more! As I've mentioned in some of my other blogs, I love sidewalk sales! So, you will most likely find me looking for some fantastic summer bargains.

I'm sure you'll want to stop in one of the town's many great eateries and grab a bite to eat. I'm going to have a hard time deciding between a slice of Tony's famous pizza or a burger from Jay-Birdz BBQ. Perhaps you would also enjoy a beer or two from one of the local pubs.

Since there are so many places to stop for some good food, cold drinks and pleasant company, I have yet to decide where my feet will lead me. Please feel free to let me know where your favorite places are along Crystal Street, as I'm open for suggestions! I hope to see you having a great time at Crystal Street Cruise Night!

If you enjoy gazing at fantastic fireworks displays as much as I do, you're in for a real treat! It doesn't matter where you are in the Pocono Mountains, because there is sure to be a dazzling display near by.

Here are a few ideas of places to go to see some of the area's brilliant, beautiful fireworks.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area will be hosting their annual display on Saturday, 7- 10pm with a rain date of Sunday. Admission to attend is $10.00 per car load. There will also be lots of other fun things taking place, including a magic show. The fireworks begin to boom at dusk.

The town of Honesdale will begin their celebration at 5:30pm on Saturday, in Central Park with music, games and food. The fireworks are set to sizzle at dusk. A rain date has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 6.

Memorial Park in Jim Thorpe will be holding their holiday celebration on Saturday, with a rain date on Sunday. The festivities will begin at 10am and will include a variety of food vendors, music, games and much more! The phenomenal fireworks display begins at 10pm.

Mount Airy Casino Resort is inviting everyone to attend their colorful display on Sunday, at 9:30pm. It may be a good idea to arrive early and secure your spot. You may also want to bring a blanket or lawn chair for your comfort. There is absolutely no admission fee!

Lake Wallenpaupack will be alive with a vibrant spectacular display on Sunday, beginning at 9:15pm. The display will be fired near the Wallenpaupack High School. Parking will be available in the High School's parking lots. You will be able to have a great view from a variety of places including the school's bleachers, or perhaps you may want to take your boat out on the lake and watch from the water. A rain date has been set for Monday, July 5.

I am hoping to catch as many celebrations and fireworks displays as possible! For more information on sensational summer activities and seasonal celebrations check out our calendar of events!

As always, I love hearing from you, so fill me in on your plans for a fabulous 4^th of July in the Pocono Mountains. I hope to see you at the fireworks!