PEEPSFEST™ Will Again Offer Magical Memories Dec. 30-31  2012

It’s time for two sweet days of family fun featuring those delicious marshmallow PEEPS®!

That’s right, PEEPSFEST™, the family festival presented by Just Born and ArtsQuest, returns for its fourth fun-filled year Dec. 30-31 at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

PEEPSFEST™, which is free to attend, features two days of live music, children’s performers, arts & crafts and PEEPS-related entertainment culminating Dec. 31, 5:15 p.m., with the dropping of a 4.5-foot tall, 85-pound, lit PEEPS® Chick and fireworks to ring in the New Year.

The Great List of Santa Trains in Pennsylvania 2012

Kids love trains! Kids love Christmas!   Hmmm, yep, the only thing better?  Kids visiting with Santa on a TRAIN! 

There are plenty of places to visit Kris Kringle throughout the state.  Decorated Christmas Trains pull out of the station with elves leading the children in a robust round of Christmas tunes while drinking hot cocoa and visiting with Santa.    In some cases, you may even get to meet Mrs. Claus. 

The List of Holiday Lights 2012

When I was a little girl, I remember my mother talking us all into piling into a car to drive around to see the Christmas lights, at least once during the season.  Back then, this just meant driving around miscellaneous neighborhoods to see the modest colored or white lights adorning individual homeowner’s lawns. These days, like most things, holiday lights have gone extreme, and municipalities, parks, and even amusement parks have gotten into the spirit. 

'Tis the Season for A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place!

It’s A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place! Open select dates November 17th – December 31st!

Don't miss the Hawley Winterfest     Hawley, Wayne County

The 14^th Annual Hawley Winterfest event is almost a month away and the three day celebration promises festive fun for everyone.  From Friday, December 7^th through Sunday, December 9^th, residents and visitors delight in exploring the quaint town of Hawley decked out in holiday splendor reminiscent of a Victorian winter wonderland while participating in exciting events from beautiful concerts to holiday house tours.

Although many of the events are free of charge, advance purchase is recommended for certain events requiring tickets while pre-registration is suggested for others. Some of these events are the Holiday House Tours, the performance by The Virgin Consort, the Marshmallow “Snowman” Contest, Winter Wines by the Lake, the Open House Holiday Party, the Coal Town Rounders at Harmony Presents, Breakfast with Santa, and the Winterfest Brunch with Harpist Diane O’Malley.

On Friday warm up to a crackling fire for Winter Wines by the Lake from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center. Relax in candlelight and festive ambiance with sounds of the season and winter wine tasting.  You must be 21 or older for this unique event. Tickets are $20 per person. Call the Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce for tickets at (570) 226-3191.

Later that evening, the sonic beauty of The Virgin Consort takes place at the Queen of Peace Church at 8 p.m.  People enjoy an elegant blend of traditional and Victorian carols as well as Medieval and Renaissance sacred works sung by an ensemble of eight talented men and women. Advance tickets are $15 and $10 for senior citizens and are available at the Settlers Inn (570) 226-2993 and the Hawley Library (570) 226-4620.

The Holiday House Tours take place on Saturday, December 8^th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For this one day only tour, unique houses twinkle with traditional holiday splendor. The tour begins at the Hawley Municipal Building. An official house tour map will be available there with directions on how to get to each house. Houses on the tour are either right in town or immediately outside of it. Buy tickets in advance at the Potting Shed, which is behind the Settlers Inn, or at the Hawley Public Library. On the day of the tour, tickets will only be sold at the Hawley Municipal building until 2 p.m.  Tickets are $20. Please call Samantha Jeffrey at (570) 647-8034 for more information.

Also on Saturday, the Marshmallow “Snowman” Contest takes place at the Hawley Public Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event was introduced last year and was met with enthusiasm from the children who participated. It’s back again this year and children 5 to 12 years old are encouraged to create a marshmallow “snowman” that will be judged by customers in categories such as Best Constructed, Most Imaginative and Best Looking.  Registration is required and available at Wayne Bank’s Hawley Branch or the library. Call (570) 226-6565 for more information.

Later that evening, head over to Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Banquet Center for an Open House Holiday Party. From 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., indulge in a hearty holiday combination of food, music and friendly service.  The event is $37 per person and it’s suggested to RSVP with a menu choice in advance. Call (570) 226-7355 for more information.

A new Saturday evening event is the Coal Town Rounders at Harmony Presents, which is in the historic Hawley Silk Mill building. The Coal Town Rounders will provide an entertaining evening of music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The group is influenced by old time string bands and has great energy and tight vocal harmonies. Take the chill out and enjoy unique music in an intimate, artistic setting.  Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve yours today. You can purchase tickets in advance online for $9, no later than Friday, December 7^th at midnight. Tickets are $12 at the door. Visit www.silkmillharmony.com.

Start Sunday morning off with Breakfast with Santa at the Boathouse Restaurant. Beginning at 9 a.m., this fun event features a hearty breakfast buffet, a Christmas craft and a photo with Santa. Reservations are required and tickets are $11.95 for adults and $7.95 for children 12 and under.  For more information, call (570) 226-5027.

Also on Sunday, the ever popular Winterfest Brunch with music provided by Harpist Diane O’Malley takes place at the Settlers Inn from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Delicious food and beautiful music blend together for a relaxing and cozy brunch featuring holiday favorites for the taste buds and ears. Advance registration is suggested by calling (570) 226-2993.

Be sure to call ahead or go online to reserve your spot now for these unique can’t miss events!  For more information, a complete schedule of events or continuous updates, pick up a Winterfest brochure at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center or other area businesses, visit www.HawleyWinterfest.com, or “Like” Hawley Winterfest on Facebook.

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Celebrate the Season at The Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place!

Visit Sesame Place during its month long celebration of Halloween—The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular!

On Saturday, September 29, 2012, Sesame Place will be transformed into a not-too-spooky Halloween haven featuring two themed mazes, a character hayride, three Halloween shows and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends dressed in their Halloween attire.

New in 2012 is Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Costume Party - a non-stop, fun-filled time, where everyone’s invited to dance their day away! Moving lights and fun, upbeat music will make you feel as if you’ve arrived at a Sesame-styled disco. 

Back for its 2^nd year is the Neighborhood Street Party Halloween Parade. The entire parade takes on a not-too-spooky-feel from candy corn in Cookie Monster’s cookie Jar to Bert and Ernie dressed as a rubber duckie and a pigeon for Halloween. The last parade stop features “spooktacular” music and performances by the Sesame Street characters and is not to be missed. 

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular also features three Halloween themed shows, which includes a whole new stop!

The Count's Not-Too-Spooky Howl-o-ween Radio Show features, song and dance numbers that get everyone involved comedy sketches with Elmo and Oscar, a few magical surprises from everyone's favorite fairy, Abby Cadabby and a cooking segment with Cookie Monster that goes awry.  The show ends with a special finale that is sure to be a "Thriller".

At the Elmo's World Live! Halloween Show, Elmo is thinking about Halloween! This interactive show encourages audience participation as children will pretend to be a ghost, help Mr. Noodle decide what Halloween costume to wear this year and join Elmo as he learns all about scarecrows.

Last but not least, the Countdown to Halloween Show is a live character Halloween musical show where Count von Count goes on a journey on his favorite night of the year - Halloween!

During The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, which runs from September 29th through October 28th, families are encouraged to come dressed in costume as they enjoy Sesame Place, which is decked out with Halloween decor.  Enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the park, a family –friendly hayride with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends, and 2 not-so-spooky mazes - The Count's UN-Haunted Castle Maze and Abby Cadabby's Magical Halloween Maze!  

contact: 215-752-7070

address: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road,  Langhorne, PA Bucks County

website: http://www.sesameplace.com/sesame2/Default.aspx

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ArtsQuest's Peas & Qs Series Packed with Family Fun     2012                    Bethlehem, Northampton County

If you’re looking for fun-filled, highly affordable music and art activities for the kids this fall, then ArtsQuest has the perfect option for you – the Peas & Qs family series at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.  Every Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon Peas & Qs features a dynamic children’s performer, artist or group guaranteed to entertain and amuse the little ones. From musicians and magicians, to storytellers and even hula hoop artists, children will delight in the variety of activities and performances they can experience.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania: Today’s Girl Scouts, Tomorrow’s Leaders

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) is Celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of Girl Scouting by looking towards the future with 21^st Century Scouting Opportunities for Girls!

• Flexibility. In today’s world, it’s hard to find a moment of down time. That’s why GSEP offers series and event opportunities where a Scout is not affiliated with a troop  but can weave the Girl Scouts into her schedule. Through events and programming, GSEP provides girls the opportunity to create their own scouting experience and build the character and skills necessary to be successful in today’s world. GSEP offers activities for just girls, and others that welcome friends and families, too!

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Sesame Place: Where Sesame Street Comes to Life!

Sesame Street comes to life at Sesame Place through whirling rides, water slides, exciting shows, and endless giggles.  Celebrate being a kid – or being a kid again!

The Sesame Place 2012 Summer Season is well under way!  Don’t forget to check out all of our exciting parades and shows, including our brand new, interactive “Let’s Play Together” show, where you can join all of your favorite characters as they play, sing and dance while learning all about the wonderful things that friends do together. 

Sesame Place’s spring events included concerts and meet and greets with Strawberry Shortcake, Sid the Science Kid, Chica, Super Why and more!  Monster Rock Theater was hopping with children laughing and singing along at these special events.

But don’t worry if you missed all that fun, we have even more coming your way!

The Imagination Movers are coming to Sesame Place!  Ranked asone of the most well-attended family concerts, the
blue-jumpsuit-clad boys are currently riding out a wave of success from their latest CD/DVD, Rock-O-Matic, containing dance-hall-ready songs like the ska-inspired “Everybody Sing” and “Dear Old Dad.” The Movers sing about messy rooms, healthy snacks, sibling rivalry and other topics that relate to being a little kid. Their musical style, however, would sound right at home on a weekly MTV countdown. Join Rich Collins, Scott Durbin, Dave Poche and Scott “Smitty” Smith July 10^th and 11^th at Sesame Place! http://bit.ly/L8kxyd

On September 8^th and 9^th, Sesame Place will be welcoming back Jack Hanna, world-renowned animal expert as he showcases some of his furry and feathered animal friends for live shows.  Get up close and learn about Jack’s unique animal guests during his interactive live animal shows!  http://bit.ly/L8kxyd

Growing up is not so tough, especially with a friend like Caillou! The irresistible 4 year old is always up for an adventure and has the most a unique way of looking at the world. Join Caillou, his little sister Rosie, and their loveable cat Gilbert in Caillou’s Musical Playdate on September 15^th and 16^th!  http://bit.ly/JqJTzw

Did you miss Strawberry Shortcake the first time she came to Sesame Place?  Well no need to worry, Strawberry Shortcake and friends will be back on September 22^nd and 23^rd in Strawberry Shortcake’s Musical Playdate. Enjoy songs from a variety of genres as the characters teach wholesome values and prove that all little girls can do berry big things!   http://bit.ly/LJxHSh

Don’t miss all the fun, come Celebrate with Us!

For more information about Sesame Place:

Contact:  1-866-GO-4-ELMO

Address:  Sesame Place 100 Sesame Road · Langhorne, PA 19047

Website: www.sesameplace.com

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm amazing fun for all ages.

With over 50 Farm Fun activities, games and rides spread over 15 acres, it’s easy to spend the day at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Plus there’s the 17^th Annual Amazing Maize Maze, billed as the world’s largest interactive game.

Giggleberry Fair in Peddler's Village                                  Lahaska, Bucks County

This place is absolute fun, and I am not just saying that. We went to Giggleberry Fair in Peddler's Village last week with family and it was a blast. A Carousel, video games, skeeball (love it) and the amazing . .Giggleberry Mountain. Ok, so what is Giggleberry Mountain?  It is  three stories of fun for kiddos and adults willing to squeeze their way through the narrow

Levitt Pavilion Steel Stacks Family Concerts         2012                           Bethlehem, Lehigh County

Kids of all ages are invited to dance the morning away as they enjoy Grammy Award winning artists, talented children’s performers and music from around the globe during the Levitt Pavilion free Summer Family Concert Series at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Concerts, which are presented by Good Shepherd Pediatrics, will take place Saturdays, June 2-July 28, 11 a.m., with two extra shows set for Wednesdays, July 11 and 18 at 11 a.m.

Kitchen Kettle Village is a Fun Stop for Families in Lancaster County

This quaint Lancaster County village began as a jelly business many years ago, and has expanded to include 42 specialty shops and restaurants, an inn, and a barnyard petting zoo! Kitchen Kettle Village hosts festivals and events all year long, and kids of all ages will love it.

Kitchen Kettle Village kid-friendly activities include the following opportunities:

Sesame Place Opens April 28th

Sesame Place opens April 28^th for the 2012 season!  Sesame Street comes to life at Sesame Place through whirling rides, water slides and exciting shows.  Dance and sing-a-long with everyone’s favorite furry friends in the amazing Neighborhood Street Party parade with day and night performances.  Join the fun and celebrate being a kid – or being a kid again!

Sesame Place, the nation’s only theme park based entirely on the award-winning show Sesame Street, opens on Saturday, April 28th with “Let’s Play Together!” Sesame Place’s brand new show in Abby’s Paradise Theater.

Sesame Place will also feature a new menu that includes  healthy options. That’s not all!  The park will also be releasing its new iPhone app to help visitors navigate the park this season.

Sesame Place invites guests to come and have a play date with their Sesame Street friends by checking out “Let’s Play Together”, the brand new show all about friendship. 

The show will be full of fun times, and will bring back fun memories, especially when the audience gets into the action. Park guests will join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Rosita, Bert, Ernie, and of course Abby Cadabby, as they play, sing and dance while learning all about the wonderful things that friends do together.

Sesame Place has updated a number of menus in 2012 to reflect guests’ dietary and allergen needs. The up-close character dining menu in Dine With Me! features  smoked pork loin, salmon with pineapple salsa, chicken stir-fry with jasmine rice, and shrimp and pancetta pasta. Sesame Place’s Captain Ernie’s Bistro and Cookie’s Café, will feature new, healthy options that include humus, salads, panini, flatbreads, and vegetable wraps. Sesame Place has also heightened its allergen-awareness which makes it easier for parents to accommodate their family’s needs.

One of the newest advancements for the park is the introduction of the Sesame Place App. Now, guests can easily find the attractions they are looking for, check out meal options at the different restaurants, save dates for upcoming events and see show times all in the palm of their hands. In addition, the  “Take Me There” feature will  lead visitors to their destination via Big Bird-style foot print path.

There is no better way to spend the entire summer at Sesame Place than with a 2012 Season Pass. A Sesame Place Season Pass pays for itself in less than two visits!  Plus, Season Pass Members save 30% on food and merchandise throughout the park. To purchase your 2012 Season Pass Click Here.

TM/©2012 Sesame Workshop 

For more information about Sesame Place:

Contact:  1-866-GO-4-ELMO

Address:  Sesame Place 100 Sesame Road · Langhorne, PA 19047

Website: www.sesameplace.com

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Discovery Space Children's Science Museum Brings Science of FUN to State College, PA

Discovery Space Children’s Science Museum on Foster Avenue in State College just opened in 2011 and is succeeding in fulfilling its mission—“To provide engaging science experiences which spark creativity, curiosity and imagination”--through fun interactive exhibits and a variety of programs. 

Once you begin to explore the exhibits it is easy to see how a family could spend a couple of hours in the museum and not run out of things to do. In fact, parents will probably have just as much fun as the kids! The exhibits are set up to encourage interaction between parents & children, and volunteers are on hand to enhance your experiences.

A few of the experiences you will have: