Despite the torrential rain, we persevered with the festival events and firefly watching. Three-hundred-fifteen,
315 intrepid firefly watchers, enthusiasts, musicians, artists and volunteers braved the weather and were rewarded. The "Nature Center" was constantly full of people engaged with the rangers, naturalists and entomologists. The Food Trucks delivered scrumptious freshly prepared meals and snacks. No one went hungry. The kids flocked around Adele as she led them out into the fields to catch "bugs" and identify lots of other critters. The bands sheltered on the stage, and entertained us all afternoon into nightfall. The merchandise table was busy all day selling t-shirts, glowsticks, flashlights, and the must-have PAFF blue rain ponchos. Finally, when the time came for firefly watching, the rain stopped, temperatures held and we saw the
Summer's Dazzling Gift of fireflies. The "Chinese Lanterns",
Photuris versicolor, along the Tionesta creek created a fairy land walkway and the "Synchronous",
Photinus carolinus, provided the dazzling show in the Lil' Minister creek hollow.
We want to thank all the
PAFF board members and volunteers whose planning and work made this all possible: Ken & Peggy Butler, Christine Hendryx, Bruce Parkhurst, Bill & Mary Belitskus, John Stoneman, Joe & Sam Butler, Tara Nadeau, Kayla Davis, Rob Santangelo, Guy & Jane Ball, Gail & Marshall Ariza, Mike Toole, Paula Hanahan, teens from the Taylor Diversion Program plus numerous friends and family who jumped in and gave a hand where ever they saw a need.
Next, we want to thank all the
participants and exhibitors who provided all the information about our great natural resources: Adele Wellman, Allegany State Park, NY; Mark Szajkowski, USDA Forest Service; Ceclie Stelter, DCNR- Bureau of Forestry; Rodney Daum, Rick McKee USACE Tionesta Lake; Chris Mosebach, Oil Creek State Park; Jennifer Moore, Chapman Dam State Park and Dr. Denise Piechnick, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. The exhibits in the "Nature Center" were the highlight of the day not just because it was the driest place, but because everyone was so welcoming.
We also want to recognize all the
ARTISTS (food, music and crafters): Farah & Rick of Jammin' Gyros; Mary & Wilson Taylor of Annabelle's; Casey & Cariese Henning of Mobile Fresca; Stoney & Co; Jane and Mandi of Detention; Rob & Gene with Joyful Noise; Gustav Redick and The Uriah Effect; Matt Miskie; and Dominick DeCecco; Megan Merz/Hootbark; Dolores Joshua/Mayburg Mercantile; Nora Davidson/Kneat and Paul Lukas/Bug Boxes. We had some who had to pass on the day, but still contributed items for the door prize give away, so we thank Jane Timothy/Cottage on Vine; Chris Coleman/Chris Crafts; John Seifert/J&M Emporium; Lew Cooke/Allegheny Walking Sticks, Rachel Bryson/Phat Sacs.
Last, but not least, we thank all the
sponsors and friends who faithfully and generously donated funds and/or contributed in-kind to the
PAFF and Educational Outreach: Christine & Eric, Jan Hendryx, Tionesta Lions Club, Jack & Grace Sherman, The Flying W Ranch, Jeff Blum Contracting, Heffern's Septic Service, Advanced Sanitation Services, Justin Jones Photography, Blue Gill Graphics, Paula Hanahan Designs, Allegheny Defense Project, Heartwood, John Stoneman, Razoo.com Foundation donors, Black Caddis Ranch B&B and friends Beverly Rowan, Rodney Daum, Stephen & Marion Sherwood, Jim & Pat Mays, Barbara C Litten, Brian Sherman.