Upcoming Events in Cook Forest
Friday-Sunday, May 27-29 - ‘Cook Forest Living History Weekend’: Please join us for a fun filled weekend of living history as we journey through various historical eras of the United States: French & Indian War, Colonial Period, Lumber Era, Civil War, and the Korean War. Join living historian and master story-teller Paul Stillman, historical interpreter Dave Clark, and singer-story teller Ray Owen, as they take us through these noteworthy periods of American history through first person character portrayals, hands-on demonstrations, and song.
Sunday, June 5 at 100pm - ‘Children’s Fishing Derby’: Children 15 years and under are permitted to fish freshly stocked Tom’s Run from the Swinging Bridge to the Children’s Fishing Pond. Registration and prize give-away will be held at the Children’s Fishing Pond behind the Park Office. This event is sponsored by the Marienville Rod & Gun Club, PA Fish & Boat Commission, Cook Forest Vacation Bureau, and Cook Forest State Park. All prizes donated by area merchants. (2 hrs)
Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12 - ‘Cook Forest French & Indian War Encampment’ Cook Forest State Park will host a series of living history events depicting life during the French & Indian War. Highlights of this full two-day encampment include woodland natives, cannon and musket firing, cooking, primitive skills, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, pottery, children’s games, sutler camp, renown living historians, French & Indian War Era artisans, and live tactical engagements. Every battle is different! Take a walk back in time along the Black Bear Trail by the Sawmill Center for the Arts during open camp hours to view British, Colonial, French, and Native American re-enactors as they portray lifestyles of the 18th century.
Friday-Saturday, June 24-25 at 800am - ‘ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking Workshop’: Cook Forest State Park will be conducting an entry level American Canoe Association (ACA) kayaking course for kayak enthusiasts. The following subjects will be covered: equipment, loading & unloading, rescues, and strokes. Inorder to participate, each participant must satisfy essential eligibility criteria. All participants will be required to complete a wet exit. Day 1 will consist of instruction within the river at the Park Office. On Day 2 we’ll apply these skills along a stretch of the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Remember to bring your ear and nose plugs, swimsuits, sturdy river sneakers (flip-flops are NOT permitted), and change of clothes. Participants should have a drybag that is large enough to house all their necessities while on the river. Refreshments provided both days. Lunch provided the second day. Those with specific dietary requirements will have to provide their own meals. Decked kayaks, appropriate gear, snacks & water provided. Everyone WILL GET COMPLETELY WET, so please dress appropriately. Participants must pre-register by contacting Dale Luthringer, environmental education specialist, at: (814)744-8475 or dluthringe@pa.gov with check received by 6/16. Cost is $75/participant payable by check or money order to the ‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’. We’re accepting only 12 participants for this course.