It is almost time to celebrate a much-loved part of our community. Discover Presque Isle starts Monday.

“We have such a wonderful resource in our backyard, and this event is all about celebrating just all of the unique facets of Presque Isle State Park,” said Jon DeMarco, executive director of the Presque Isle Partnership, the nonprofit that runs the event.

There is a lot to do. They’ll have educational events throughout the week, like archery, birding, and learning about Presque Isle’s history. 

A giant bonfire, a pancake breakfast, and a sand sculpting competition, among other things, will happen over the weekend. 

A professional sand sculptor will be there, too.

“It will be cool to come out on Friday, start seeing them put things together, and then by the end of the day Saturday, we should have a big, beautiful sand castle,” DeMarco said.

The week-long celebration will raise money for the park. It’ll help fund upgrades and keep programs free.

“A lot of good that DCNR desires, but might not have the funds in their annual budget to go ahead and make some of these purchases,” he said. 

They’re looking to raise between $40 and $50 thousand. 

“At the end of the day, really our goal is to put on a great event, a safe event, if we make a little bit of money, that’s great,” DeMarco said.  

There is some road construction in the area, but DeMarco said, overall, it shouldn’t be too hard to get around.

“Come prepared, plan to spend the day here, and make the most of it.”

More information and a schedule of events are available here.