HAWLEY, PA — The sixth annual Canal Festival, to be held on Saturday, August 18 at the Delaware & Hudson Canal Park at Lock 31, will once again bring history to life for attendees. On the Living History Stage, Frank Little Bear will give you an authentic look into Native American heritage through dance and music from the tribes of the Five Nations. There will be two one-hour shows, one beginning at 11:30 a.m. and another at 2 p.m. Dave Matskino returns with traditional folk songs from the hills of Pennsylvania while playing the guitar, old time banjo, mandolin and dulcimer at 10 to 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.

New to the stage this year is D & H Canal Boat Captain B. Reynolds, whose “personal” stories of life on the canal will take you back to when this site saw boats “lock through” just feet from his performances (10:45 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 to 2 p.m.).

The 143rd New York Volunteers from the Civil War will be encamped all day in the canal bed and at 3 p.m. will demonstrate their rifles. Costumed Dianne Romano will demonstrate Irish instruments and talk about Wayne County’s Irish immigration history from her position on the towpath.

Food, including grilled meats, sides, home-baked goods and local maple syrup will be available for purchase. Local history-related items including books can be purchased inside the Canal Store. Six local authors will also be signing and selling their books related to our area’s history.

A detailed list of activities and map can be seen in the event brochure, which can be found at www.WayneHistoryPA.org.

More information about the Wayne County Historical Society and its Canal Park can be found at the above website, by calling 570/253-3240, and by visiting its main museum at 810 Main Street, Honesdale, Wednesday though Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. See also Ann O’Hara’s column “Looking Back” 

WHERE: Delaware & Hudson Canal Park at Lock 31, Route 6, one mile west of The Settlers’ Inn
WHEN: Saturday, August 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
COST: Free
CONTACT: www.waynehistorypa.org