Festival of Wood has old favorites and new additions

MILFORD — Pike’s Bob the Builder, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl are just some of the guests who will be on hand to greet youngsters at this year’s Festival of Wood at Grey Towers National Historic Site. The fourth annual festival is scheduled for Aug. 9 and 10, with a number of new programs and activities in addition to returning favorites. Most everything is free and open to the public. The Pocono Arts Council wood crafters have more than doubled since the first festival year, with a variety of unique and beautiful wood craft items for sale. The Pike County Builders Association will present a Wood a Building exhibit, where visitors can learn about the many ways we use wood in our homes and landscapes and children can build tool boxes with Pike’s Bob the Builder. Master Chainsaws of America will demonstrate chain saw carving three times a day. PA Woodmizer will demonstrate how logs become lumber. Free musical entertainment throughout the weekend has grown to include Celtic music and African drumming, in addition to sing-alongs, a recorder consort and bluegrass. Children’s activities include hands-on wood crafts and a free magic show focused on the environment. Visitors can get a close-up look at reptiles and amphibians or learn about alternative forest products, including medicinal and herbal products. Bluebird box building will be available and an educational tent offers many free handouts. Refreshments will be available. Open house of the historic Grey Towers mansion will offer a look at all three floors of the home ($4 per person). For more information, visit the web at www.fs.fed.us/gt or call 570-296-9630.