Shake Off the Winter Blues in Schuylkill County
Getting out and about in winter is good for us. Sure, it takes extra effort in these long cold months but the rewards are extra too. By making a conscious effort to spend time outdoors in nature, we can combat the winter blues and enhance our overall well-being. Fresh air is good for our immune systems. Natural light staves off seasonal affective disorder. The sight of our beautiful Penn’s woods softly blanketed in snow soothe stress, and enhances our mental well-being.
Getting out and about also provides the opportunity to connect socially, buoying our mood and providing camaraderie during these long winter months. In Schuylkill County, we have an array of events coming up that will get you out of the house and keep those winter blues at bay.
Thursday, February 19 | Barnesville, PA
Our partners at the Schuylkill Conservation District have some winter hikes planned to help us stave off that dreaded malady, cabin fever. The Locust Lake Loop Hike is Thursday, February 19th at 1 p.m. at Locust Lake State Park. Set in the picturesque state park, this mindful nature hike features easy terrain, is led by local naturalist Hemlock Hannah, and is perfect for adults, children, and dogs.
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Sunday, Febuary 22 | Auburn, PA
The Landingville Marsh Meander is another trek scheduled for February 22nd. This hike is on the John Bartram trail section of the Schuylkill River Trail and features some history as well. You will have the opportunity to view the base of the oldest transportation tunnel in America (built in 1827) and note the remnants of the canal.
This hike is 2 miles of easy terrain, is led by Schuylkill County’s own Porcupine Pat, and is for adults and children alike. No dogs please. The Landingville Marsh Meander is one of a series of county hikes planned to commemorate the semiquincentennial of our country this year. This series of hikes will incorporate history and nature, illuminating our landscape and role in American history. The full schedule is available at schuylkillcd.com.
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Saturday, February 28 | Deer Lake, PA
Did you know that Muhammad Ali appreciated the beautiful outdoors of Schuylkill County? In fact, he liked it here so much that he bought land and built himself a training camp in Deer Lake named Fighter’s Heaven in 1972. Ali would train for many of the epic battles in his career at Fighter’s Heaven. The camp is open daily Monday through Friday year-round, by appointment.
However, you won’t need an appointment on February 28th for their Fighter’s Heaven Black History Month Celebration and Special Event. The host for this event is Aaron Snowell, Hall of Fame Trainer of Champions, World Boxing Council Ambassador, and Award-Winning Boxing Historian.
This event is free and open to the public and features an array of boxing history speakers, a Jack Johnson Exhibit, appearances by boxing champions, and delicious soul food to round out this one-of-a-kind experience.
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Saturday, March 14 | Pottsville, PA
Moving into March we find spring on the horizon with still more activity around our community. In fact, we’ve got some lovely music planned for spring. As is traditional in Schuylkill County, Pottsville’s Leo F. Haley 50th St. Patrick’s Day Parade is March 14th. The day is packed with over 50 performance groups, bands, entertainers, floats, food trucks, and organizations celebrating the ‘Wearin’ o’ the Green’. Downtown businesses will be celebrating with many grand Irish parties and there’ll be no shortage of ‘craic’.
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Sunday, March 22 | Pottsville, PA
The Schuylkill Chorale Society and the Anthracite Philharmonic have teamed up to bring us A German Requiem Op.45, (Johannes Brahms) on March 22nd at St. Patrick’s Church in Pottsville. The Schuylkill Chorale Society is a non-profit, volunteer community organization dedicated to learn, rehearse, promote, and perform choral music, while providing affordable and accessible entertainment to our community thereby enhancing cultural life and creating deeper appreciation of vocal and instrumental music. They are supported by Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, Berks Arts, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Information and tickets can be found at schchoral.org.
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April 9-11| Pine Grove, PA
The music doesn’t stop in April as the western tier of Schuylkill County hosts the Les Brown Big Band Weekend April 9th though 11th. This weekend is comprised of a Les Brown Film Fest on the 9th at Pine Grove Historic Theatre, a Les Brown Dance featuring The Unforgettable Big Band at the Wiconisco Fire Hall on the 10th, and The Les Brown Big Band Festival featuring the music of The Moonlighters at Williams Valley High School on the 11th.
Saturday, April 18 | Pottsville, PA
I can’t forget one of my favorite April events, Yuengling’s Light Lager Jogger on the 18th. This race begins and ends at America’s Oldest Brewery and is full of challenging hills, tons of swag, and the best after-party with live music, delicious food, local vendors, and the best beer. Join the race at lagerjogger.com.
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