Berks County has quite the slate of activities lined up for this weekend through the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department, from fun out on the water of Blue Marsh Lake and a look back in time at a 200-year-old homestead to the second installment of the summer concert series at Gring’s Mill!
Friday, July 8, 7:30 p.m. | Sunset Paddle
The Berks County Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Aqua Om to host two paddle board programs this summer.
In Sunset Paddle, participants will experience the sunset like never before while riding a paddle board on Blue Marsh Lake. Instruction for beginners will be provided. Those who have their own canoes, boards or kayaks are welcome to join the group at no charge and do not have to register. Appropriate for ages 10 years old and up.
Cost: $20 per person. Board, paddle, and life vest will be provided by Aqua Om Paddle for registered participants. Space is limited and registration is required for those needing a board.
Saturday, July 9, 9 a.m. – Noon | Intro to Kayaking
Beginner kayakers can hone their skills in a kayak or canoe with members of the Keystone Canoe Club of Berks County. This informative land/flat water session teaches basics of paddle strokes, getting in and out of the water safely, boat control, clothing and gear, etc. For ages 12 to adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Additional kayaks can be rented from Blue Marsh Outdoors through their website. Limited to 10 participants.
Cost: $10. Pre-registration is required. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 610-374-2944 ext 2611.
Saturday, July 9, 10 a.m. | History at the Heritage Center: Restoration of the Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead
Nic Stoltzfus, caretaker and ambassador for the Historic Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead and author of Germany Lutherans to Pennsylvania Amish: The Stoltzfus Family Story, will provide an overview of the restoration and rehabilitation of the more than 200-year-old homestead, including the 1771 house and replica bank barn by a group of Nicholas’ descendants.
This program is free and open to the public. They will be held, regardless of weather, downstairs in the barn at the Berks County Heritage Center.
July 10, 1-7 p.m. | Summer Concert Series at Gring’s Mill
Join us for the second installment of our Summer Concert series at Gring’s Mill. Each concert day includes three musical acts set against the backdrop of our beautiful parks, free parking and on-site food trucks, creating a perfect summer outing for the family. This event is free and open to the public.
Concert Lineup:
- 1:30-3pm: Miss Maggie Sings
- 3-5pm: Dave Fry
- 5-7pm: Maggie Spike
- Food Truck: Mad J’s of Blandon
To stay up-to-date with Berks Parks events, follow their Facebook page @berkscountyparks or check out the event listing at www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Parks/Pages/Programs-and-Events.aspx
