HAWLEY, PA — The D&H Canal was a transformative part of the economy in northeastern PA. The canal meant jobs for families, letting them run canal boats up and down the waterway. It moved goods and materials. It gave people another reason to live and work here.

Learn more about this key aspect of local history at the Wayne County Historical Society’s ninth annual Canal Festival. The event will be held Saturday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Delaware and Hudson Canal Park at Lock 31 on Route 6.

It will take place rain or shine, and will feature live traditional music by the Poison Love acoustic band from 10 am to 1 p.m., the Ann Loeb/Mike Baglione acoustic band from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., a blacksmithing demonstration by Gravity Forge, wood carving by the Cherry Ridge Wood Carvers and Tom Hollister, an early trapping and outdoor-skills demonstration by Ed Burgholzer, guided history and nature walks by Sally Talaga and John Harvey and a display of fiber arts and demonstrations. The Stourbridge Lion “Cub” will once again make an appearance.

Site-related local nonprofits and government informational booths include Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Lackawaxen River Conservancy, the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, the Audubon Society of NEPA, the Pike County Historical Society, Pike-Wayne Trout Unlimited, the Society of PA Archeology, the Wayne County Conservation District, Wayne County Master Gardeners, and Civil War reenactors from the 143rd NY Volunteer Infantry.

The Living History Stage will again host the popular folk musician Dave Matsinko, plus Frank Littlebear and the Red Vision Native American dance team.

Food, including grilled meats, sides and home-baked goods, will be available for purchase.

Seven local authors will sign and sell their books. Items relating to local history, such as books and the three-part D&H Canal Company documentary can be viewed and purchased inside the store.

All are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair, and spend the day—or part of it—enjoying the 17-acre park and historic site along the beautiful Lackawaxen River.

The festival’s schedule of events, complete list of participants and park map can be found at www.WayneHistoryPA.com. The website also lists the many sponsors who made this event possible.

This event is also made possible by a grant from Wayne County Commissioners/Wayne County room tax; by in-kind donations from Hunt Signs, Spencer Printing and Alan Kehoe; equipment loans from the National Park Service and help from the park’s many volunteers.

More information about the Wayne County Historical Society and its D&H Canal Park at Lock 31 can be found at www.WayneHistory.com, by calling 570/253-3240, or by visiting the main museum at 810 Main St. in Honesdale. The historical society is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 p.m.