Annual Fall Festival 2008

The sun shone through the clouds on the Mt. Hough Ranger District for the Plumas National Forest’s 5th annual Fall Fest. ‘More Kids in the Woods’ was the continuing theme where family and friends gathered together outdoors for activities, music and food. Smokey Bear presided over the festivities by having his photo taken with children and handing out balloons. The “Tyke Hike” led by Angie Dickinson, taught children differences between good and bad behavior in the forest, while Plumas National Forest Archaeologists Christina Weinberg, Matt Padilla and Tanner Whetstone had the kids “Diggin’ up Bones” for buried treasure in the sand. Plumas National Forest OHV Specialist Jim Evans was on and with information on off-road trails and safety while Zach Cogle displayed his extensive collection of arrowheads.

Musical festivities began with members of the String Beings entertaining for all and continued with a rousing performance by Randy Prichard. Randy and his accomplice (sister Kelli) interacted with kids of all ages and had both children and adults performing on stage! Children were captivated by the wonderful activities and presentations presented by Forest Service staff as well as Community Partners such as Alternative Environments and Feather River College Biology and Geology Departments. P.G.& E.’s Phil Noia returned this year with his ever-popular tree raffle and Kristi Hoffman of Feather River Resource
Conservation District enthralled children with her hands-on activity using real live squirming water bugs! Carol Rush from NCRS Soil Conservation presented a display of successful projects implemented by local ranchers, landowners and partners using technical Assistance, (or who have developed) Conservation Plans through their programs. Gordon Burton of Caribou Mining gave folks a chance to pan for their own gold and the ever popular kayak “rides” for the youngest set was back again, provided by Feather River College Outdoor Leadership Program. The Plumas County Library in Greenville, supplied the animal tracks made of plaster of paris for children to color and take home. Indian Valley Fire and Rescue put on the best tastin’ BBQ this side of Reno and had everyone lined up for more.

Mountain Men “Kryer” and “Plenty Fingers” (Ben Merrell of Eagle Valley Muzzleloaders and Gordon Nutter of Lakes Crossing Muzzleloaders) traveled from Nevada to demonstrate how it was really done in the old days when you had to make your own bullets.

Our next Fall Fest will be on Saturday, October 3, 2009. For more information, or to participate with an activity, please call Kathy Powers, Information Assistant at the Mt. Hough R.D., Plumas National Forest at (530) 283-7618.