Looking for something family-friendly, fun and educational to do this weekend? The 30th Annual Union Canal Days event takes place Saturday and Sunday, offering attractions for all ages and tastes.
Saturday, it runs from 10am to 6pm, while Sunday’s festivities run from 11am to 5pm.
Parking is available at the intersection of N. 25th St. and Union Canal Dr. for $4 per vehicle.
From there, visitors can pick up food or other products at one of the vendors. German Roasted Nuts, Alison’s Maple Products, Castle Creek Farm and more are set up to sell their wares.
In that area, you can also pick up a raffle ticket. Tickets are $1 for 1, $5 for 6 and $10 for 15. Possible prizes range from hair products to candy.
If you’re a history buff, check out the 93rd PA Volunteer Infantry’s campsite to learn more about the Civil War reenactment taking place August 23, 24 and 25.
For a look even further in the past, visitors can try out medieval weapons and armor and participate in sword fights.
There are also plenty of options for kids to spend the time, including a bounce house!
Also, several carnival games are set up for kids to test their skills and win prizes.
If you have children with a love for animals, check out the Piggy Villa, set up right next to the other children’s activities.
While checking out the offerings of this area, you may have musical accompaniment – Saturday, middle school bands from Cedar Crest and Lebanon High are performing. Sunday, folk music group The Haylifters and singer-storyteller Matt Dodd will perform.
Once you’ve enjoyed some land-based activities, consider taking a narrated boat tour on the recently-repaired Lois H. Meily. The price is $9 for adults, $5 for kids 6 through 17 and free for kids under 6.
The tour goes through the oldest transportation tunnel in the US. The tour-guide explains the history of the canal from William Penn’s idea in 1690 to the site’s designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
Visitors looking for a more active way to explore the canal can participate in 30-minute guided tours led by Cocoa Kayak.
Participants can rent kayaks for $15 for a single kayak and $30 for a tandem. You can also bring your own kayak for $10. Contact Cocoa Kayaks (717-756-7566) to secure a reservation, as seats are limited.
If you have extra time, there is plenty left in the Union Canal Park to explore.
Across the canal from the parking lot, a small, quiet path provides an overlook of the canal as well as an abundance of nature.
Other paths are accessible from this one for visitors interested in a short hike.
Whatever you choose to do at Union Canal Days, enjoy!
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