Bethlehem-based festival includes outdoors-focused activities and presentations by 25 different groups
BETHLEHEM, PA—The return of the high-flying Keystone DockDogs competition; a new family-friendly mud run; the “Taste of the Wild“ culinary event and numerous hands-on activities designed to immerse kids in the wonders of the great outdoors highlight the fourth Step Outdoors Lehigh Valley festival at SteelStacks June 2-3. The festival, which is free to attend, includes two days of presentations, hands-on activities and educational experiences designed to encourage children and families to get outdoors, as well as learn about the many wildlife, outdoors and conservation-focused groups working in the region.
At Step Outdoors, children enjoy presentations and activities by more than 25 local and state groups. Activities include archery, biking, gardening, art & nature activities, hiking, nature photography, bluebird box building, fishing activities and more. Throughout the weekend, organizations like Hawk Mountain and Wildlands Conservancy will also offer presentations featuring live wildlife.
The 2018 DockDogs competition, which takes place June 2, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and June 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., feature athletic canines performing high-flying feats as they leap into a 40-foot swimming pool set up on SteelStacks’ Air Products Town Square. During the competition, dogs go paw to paw as they compete in categories designed to showcase the highest leap, longest jump and quickest retrieve.
New at Step Outdoors is a nature-themed artisan show inside the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks on both days. Presented by Ah-Ha! Arts Management, the show features 20 vendors showcasing artwork and handmade jewelry. Plus, on June 3, 10 a.m., the festival is hosting ‘Your First Mud Run.’
At Your First Mud Run, participants navigate a fun and challenging two-mile course on the Levitt Pavilion Lawn and PNC Plaza that features as many as 10 obstacles including a 6-foot-high climbing wall, heavy jump ropes, mud pit, cargo net and even a secret obstacle. The run is ideal for families, with children as young as age 5 able to take part. Entry fee is $50 in advance and $60 day of the event; registrations can be done at www.yourfirstmudrun.com; both individuals and teams can enter.
On June 2, 2 p.m., the “Taste of the Wild” returns, with dynamic game and fish inspired hors d’oeuvres like Pulled Duck Tacos, Wild Boar Bacon, Alligator Fritters and Ostrich Sliders, coupled with the finely crafted spirits of the award-winning Eight Oaks Craft Distillers. Tickets for the event, which also includes the opportunity to meet the education animals and staff of the Wildlands Conservancy, are $40 and on sale now at www.steelstacks.org and 610-332-3378.
Other Step Outdoors highlights include:
– Falconers Sean and Margaret Young flying the red-tailed hawk and American kestrel during falconry demonstrations on the Levitt Pavilion lawn.
– Hikes to see the peregrine falcons that nest on-site (noon daily)
– Wildlands Conservancy and L.L. Bean offering a Camping 101 experience where attendees can learn about tent setup, campsite selection, water filtration and more.
– Appalachian Mountain Club and Hike It Baby offering urban hikes on the South Bethlehem Greenway 10 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday (AMC only on Sunday).
– Pennsylvania Game Commission presenting a display on bald eagles.
Families looking for unique experiences that tie art to the outdoors will want to check out the Banana Factory Arts Center’s station, where kids can make cookie cutter bird feeders or embark on a nature themed scavenger hunt.
Partners helping to support the Step Outdoors festival include Ah-Ha! Arts Management, Aqua-Duck, Pennsylvania Game Commission and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications. For more information on the festival, visit www.steelstacks.org/stepoutdoors.
Information provided to TVL by:
Mark Demko, ArtsQuest
http://www.artsquest.org/
