Columbia-Montour Quarterly Vol. 21: July - September 2026

Enjoy a quarterly snapshot of our region with the latest edition of our quarterly digital magazine!

2026

Quarterly

Volume 21 July - September

HeartofPA.com

Your Guide to Columbia & Montour Counties!

800.847.4810

KATE VILCHECK

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 2026 Covered Bridge Photo Contest 8 Prosperity, War, & Collapse: The McHenry Distillery and Fishing Creek Confederacy

12 17 20 22 26 31

Events Calendar

2026 Carnivals, Fairs & Festivals

FarmFest Returns to Bloomsburg

Tomato Diseases & Insect Pests: Master Gardeners of Columbia County

Lessons Learned in Mooresburg

Member Spotlight

41st Annual Frontier Days Celebration July 14-19, 2026

3D Barrel Racing Wednesday

Fun Horse Show Tuesday

Voted “Best in the East”

Grounds Open At 4pm

APRA & IPRA Sanctioned Championship Rodeo Thur., Fri., & Sat.

Camping Available Great Food & Vendors

Bull-A-Rama Sunday

No Pets Allowed

385 Mendenhall Lane Benton, PA 17814

Call (570) 925-6536 Please Leave Message. bentonrodeo@yahoo.com • www.bentonrodeo.com

IN DANVILLE, PA live, work, and play

2026 SUMMER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Summer Movie Series

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Danville Heritage Festival

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Fall Arts & Crafts Festival

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FOLLOW ALONG: @DANVILLEBUSINESSALLIANCE VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.VISITDANVILLEPA.ORG

2026 WINNER: JIMMY TIGHE - SAM WAGNER COVERED BRIDGE

2026 COVERED BRIDGE PHOTO CONTEST WINNER REVEALED

Jimmy Tighe ’s snapshot of the Sam Wagner Bridge was selected as this year’s overall winner. Jimmy is a native of Johnstown, PA. His love for photography began while he was attending college at U. Pitt- Johnstown and decided to take a photography class. His career started in broadcast television as a videographer, but after 15 years, Jimmy decided to make a change and focus on his passion for still

The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce this year’s Covered Bridge Photo Contest winner. The winning image will be featured as the 2026 Covered Bridge Puzzle. The puzzle will be released in the fall as the sixteenth installment in the Visitors Bureau’s limited-edition series, and will feature the Sam Wagner Covered Bridge in Montour County for the first time.

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photography. Jimmy is a member of the Lewisburg Photography Club. He most enjoys shooting landscapes, sunsets and sunrises, wildlife, and cityscapes. Jimmy currently resides in Selinsgrove, PA and has a daughter in the Harrisburg area. Several other photographers merited recognition in this year’s contest with an honorable mention designation: Brittany Kershner (photos featuring Snyder Covered Bridge & Esther Furnace Covered Bridge), Brandy Whitenight (Kramer Covered Bridge), and Mark Koskulitz (Snyder Covered Bridge). The Visitors Bureau would like to thank everyone who submitted photos to the contest.

year. Puzzles will likely be in stock at some point in October. Individuals interested in purchasing a puzzle this year should plan to visit the Welcome Center in November or December to purchase, or call the Center to arrange for shipping. To sign up for the Enthusiasts email list and be notified of the puzzles’ arrival, please click here. A donation of $2 from every puzzle sold will be made by the Bureau to the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association to go toward restoration and preservation of local covered bridge treasures. The Columbia County Covered Bridge Association restores, preserves, and advocates for the covered bridges of Columbia County for historical and recreational purposes. Their purpose is simple: they recognize the historic importance of the covered bridges as a public treasure to be available to, and be enjoyed by, the public. This non-profit association protects the area’s covered bridges today, and for future generations.

Honorable Mention: Brandy Whitenight

The Sam Wagner Covered Bridge (also seldomly known as the Gottlieb Brown Covered Bridge) is located on Chillisquaque Creek, and connects Northumberland and Montour Counties. This bridge was built by George W. Keefer in 1881. It is believed that a different covered bridge was at this location prior to the construction of the Sam Wagner Bridge. Unlike most bridges that are shared by two counties, the county lines at this location run the length of the bridge, rather than meeting in the middle. In February 2022, the bridge was closed due to a box truck damaging the roof supports. Upon evaluation the damage it was discovered that the end members were failing. The bridge was subsequently closed for repairs and officially reopened to car traffic in April 2025. The bridge is 86 feet long and is a Burr Arch Truss. The 2026 Sam Wagner Covered Bridge puzzle will be in stock in early fall – cost will remain $18, tax included. Puzzles are 550 pieces and supplies will be limited to first-come, first-serve. No pre-order will be taken this

Honorable Mention: Brittany Kershner

Honorable Mention: Mark Koskulitz

July–September • 2026

2-1/2 miles from I-80, Exit 232 At the Intersection of Fishing Creek & the Susquehanna River

• WiFi • Drive-throughs • Camper Rentals • New Playground (2023) • Hay Wagon Rides for All

• Clean,

• Camping • Fishing • Shaded Level Sites • Water &Sewer • Electric • Laundry Facilities

Modern Bathrooms Tenting & Club Area • Camp Store • Special

Bloomsburg, PA (570) 441-8628 www.indianheadcampgroundllc.com

rs Country Grill 22 - Half_Layout 1 6/9/22 10:40 AM Page 1

DineIn • TakeOut • Catering Westovers Country Grill creates delicious, good ole’ fashion home cooking in a nostalgic country setting. From comfort food like BBQ to delicious steaks and pasta, you’ll love every bite. We even make homemade desserts! Stop by anytime, especially if you’re on your way to nearby Ricketts Glen.

Dine inside or relax outside on our all weather outdoor deck/pavilion. It’s also the perfect place to have your next party, event, or business gathering.

4438 Red Rock Rd. Benton PA 17814 570-925-0330 Open at 11am Tuesday-Sunday

B.Y.O.B. Welcome!

WEIS MARKETS GRANDSTAND SEPTEMBER 25 THRU OCTOBER 3, 2026

For More Ticket Information: 570-387-4145 and bloomsburgfair.com

PROSPERITY, WAR, AND COLLAPSE Linda Sones, The Story of the McHenry Distillery and the Fishing Creek Confederacy

Shortly after our country gained its independence, a small group of settlers moved into northern Columbia County. Daniel and Mary McHenry were a few of them, and on September 13, 1785, their son, John, was the first white child born north of Knob Mountain in the Fishing Creek Valley. John grew up a farmer and hunter and was referred to as “Hunter John”. John married Helena Cutter, and in 1812, he started the McHenry Distillery, making Rye Whiskey. John and Helena had nine children. The youngest was Rohr, born in 1829. Rohr was named after a Prussian, Frederick Rohr, who fought against Napoleon and later moved into northern Columbia County. He established the village of Rohrsburg. When John passed away in 1868, Rohr took over the distillery. The McHenry home became known as the “Still House”. As the business grew, more buildings were added to the residence, and the whiskey being made was known as “Old Rohr”. The whiskey was said to cure anything! The distillery supported local farmers as the demand for rye grew, and the farmers were happy to assist. Rohr married Caroline Geiser, and they had five children: George, Henrietta, Louisa, Charles, and John Geiser (referred to as John G.) During Rohr's reign over the distillery, they produced 100 gallons of whiskey a day.

Once John G. completed his education, he plunged into becoming a businessman, working as a farmer, banker, distiller,

and politician. And as the distillery became more productive, John G. began working for his father. John G. decided their slogan should be “Born 1812”, and it stuck. Now, before we continue with our story on the McHenry Distillery, we need to talk about the Fishing Creek Confederacy. During the Civil War, 1861-1865, the citizens fully supported the North and their mission. But as the war drug on, locals thought otherwise. Families were losing their men, and there was no one to run their farms. The Fishing Creek Confederacy was reported to be a group of draft dodgers in northern Columbia County who took to North Mountain to avoid the troops looking for them.

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In July 1864, five Army veterans and two civilians from Luzerne County moved in, looking for men who failed to report for duty. During the night, they ran into three of the Confederacy members: two Smith brothers and a friend. A shot rang out, followed by a volley. One of the Army Lieutenants was hit and killed. The posse eventually would return to Luzerne County, arresting no one. By August 13th, after hearing of the Lieutenant’s death, the Army sent in the cavalry with two cannons to set up camp at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. They were led by Captain Lambert with orders from General Couch to enforce the law and gather the draft dodgers.

Couch wrote a letter for the outlaws stating they would be given amnesty if they reported for duty. *Colonel John Freeze, delivered the letter to men in the northern townships. Over 100 men were eventually captured in Columbia and Luzerne Counties and taken to a church in Benton,

July–September • 2026

where they were interrogated. Most were released, but 45 were arrested, taken to the fairgrounds, then sent to Harrisburg and ultimately Philadelphia. They were held at Fort Mifflin in horrifying conditions. The reason we brought the Fishing Creek Confederacy into this story is that Rohr McHenry and his oldest brother, Samuel, were some of the men arrested. Rohr spent two months in jail before he was released. Samuel was imprisoned four months and seventeen days, before he was released. Fourteen men were tried between October and January. Eight were found guilty and spent two years of hard labor. Six others were released. Now back to McHenry Whiskey. As noted, business was booming for the distillery. They built the “Bond House,” which was a ten-story brick building that could hold 17,000 barrels of aging whiskey. As the whiskey completed the aging process, they were removed, and new barrels were brought in. John G. was bringing in more sales than they could handle. Rohr passed away in 1912, and John G. took over the booming business. This proved taxing for him, as just before his father's passing, the Bond House burned to the ground. Of the 17,000 barrels of aging whiskey, only one was saved. Most of the buildings were saved in that fire, but it takes time to make good aged whiskey. Even though production continued, sixteen months later, talk of bankruptcy trickled into the McHenry empire. After John G. returned from a Democratic Convention, he was said to be ill and looking poorly. John was placed in a sanitarium in New York for treatment, but returned later to go to Atlantic City, then Mercy Hospital in Philadelphia. The Bank he founded had to appoint a receiver for the distillery. A peach farm he had created with the intent to use the fruit in his distillery was foreclosed. On that night, John G. passed away at 46. The distillery was closed after John’s passing in 1913.

The remaining property was run as a museum for many years after John’s passing. John Paden was the caretaker and operator of the museum and lived on the property. In 1962, he almost lost his life when the boiler house caught fire and reduced it all to rubble. John and Helena are buried in Stillwater. Rohr and Caroline are buried in the Benton Cemetery, as is John G. and his wife, Mary Wolfe.

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Now, the McHenry Distillery is nothing but a wonderful memory of a raw country being tamed by men and women looking for their own piece of American history. The photos shown in this article were taken at the McHenry display at the Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society in Bloomsburg. The items belong to Vinniedee McHenry- Hippensteel (descendant) and Jim Fox. The display will remain up for viewing through the end of this year.

References: * A History of Columbia County,

Pennsylvania, 1883, Colonel John Freeze * The Fishing Creek Confederacy, by W. M. Bailie, Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society.

Farms-Spring26-HalfPg._Layout 1 3/18/26 11:03 AM Page 1

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Wednesday: 7:30am-2pm • Thursday: 7:30am-5pm Friday: 7:30am-7:30pm • Saturday: 7:30am-5pm Sunday: 7:30am-4pm Serving Breakfast 7:30-11am Restaurant & Farm Market Banquet Hall with available Catering Christmas Tree Farm Check Website for Special Events!

Located 1 Mile Off Rt. 42 In Numidia 270 White Church Rd, Elysburg, PA

www.ponducefarms.com

@NAME BRITTANY KERSHNER

EVENTS CALENDAR

$2 TUESDAYS AT THE BLOOMSBURG CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Every third Tuesday Bloomsburg Children's Museum 570-389-9206 – the-childrens-museum.org

RECURRING EVENTS SUMMER CAMPS AT THE BLOOMSBURG CHILDREN’S MUSEUM July 6 -10: Fantastic Felines Art 5 Days Around the World Maker Camp III July 20 – 24: Creative Arts

AMERICAN MAH JONGG Every Tuesday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org DANVILLE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Every Tuesday Danville Memorial Park 570-284-4502 - visitdanvillepa.org DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS Every Tuesday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org

Blueprints in the Branches Tree House Design

July 22 – 28: Fired Up Ceramics July 27 – 31: AeroQuest: Teen Drone & Flight Fundamentals August 3 – 7: Teen Maker Camp Invent It, Design It, Print It Magic for Muggles August 10 – 14: Build a Bar Top Arcade Bloomsburg Children's Museum 570-389-9206 – the-childrens-museum.org BLOOMSBURG LIBRARY BRIDGE CLUB Every Monday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org CRAFT PIZZA NIGHT Every Monday Craft Catering at the Links at Hemlock Creek 570-594-8134 - craftcateringllc.com

MONTOUR COUNTY GENEALOGICAL ROOM Every Wednesday Boyd House Museum 570-271-0830 - montourcountyhistoricalsociety.org

QUAKER STEAK & LUBE BIKE NITE Every Wednesday Quaker Steak & Lube 570-389-9464 – quakersteakandlube.com

COLUMBIA MONTOUR Quarterly

WEEKLY DOODLE CLUB AT BLOOMSBURG TOWN PARK Wednesdays through July

DANVILLE GROWERS MARKET Every Saturday Downtown Danville between Cole’s Hardware and Voelcker’s Beverage 570-284-4502 – visitdanvillepa.org BLOOMSBURG FAIR FARMER’S MARKET Every Saturday through August Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-441-2059 - facebook.com/bloomfairfarmersmarket

Bloomsburg Town Park jotandtittlestudios.com

BLOOMSBURG TOWN PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Every Wednesday Bloomsburg Town Park 570-784-7123 - bloomsburgpa.org PLAY TRADITIONAL MAHJONG Every Thursday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org

BLOOM YARNIES Every second and fourth Saturday 570-784-0883 - bloomsburgpl.org KOMODO DRAGON FEEDING Last Saturday of the month Clyde Peeling's Reptiland 570-538-1869 - reptiland.com BREWSKIS’ BLUEGRASS BRUNCH Last Sunday of the month Brewskis Coffee and Bar 570-317-2865

SUMMER CONCERTS AT SPONSLER PARK Every Thursday Sponsler Park, Monroe Street 570-752-2723 - berwickborough.org FIRST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN BLOOMSBURG First Friday of the month Downtown Bloomsburg 570-661-1936 - downtownbloomsburg.org

MONTGOMERY/BOYD HOUSE TOURS Every Sunday

Montgomery House Museum & Boyd House Museum 570-271-0830 - montourcountyhistoricalsociety.org

ROARING CREEK VALLEY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION SHOW

THE DOCTOR’S INN B&B 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION July 11 The Doctor's Inn 570-275-1821 - thedoctorsinn.com AN AFTERNOON AT THE FRANK DELONG MANSION: EXPLORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FRANK DELONG July 11 Delong Mansion, Washingtonville 570-271-0830 – montourcountyhistoricalsociety.org

Through July 24 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 – exchangearts.org

JULY

MUSIC IN THE AVENUE July 3 & 17, August 7 & 21, September 4 & 18 Miller Avenue, Bloomsburg 570-661-1936 - downtownbloomsburg.org MILLVILLE 4TH OF JULY PARADE – CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 July 4 Millville Carnival Grounds 570-458-5709

BENTON RODEO AND FRONTIER DAYS July 14 –19 Benton Rodeo Grounds bentonrodeo.com

KIDS SUMMER WORKSHOP – ALL ABOUT OWLS July 16 Rohrbach's Farm 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net “FABULOUS FOSSILS” FOSSIL DIG WITH THE BLOOMSBURG CHILDREN’S MUSEUM July 16 McBride Memorial Library 570-752-2241 - mcbridelibrary.org ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” July 16 – August 2 Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble 570-784-5530 - bte.org WORLD WAR II WEEKEND July 17 – 19 Berwick Test Track 570-350-9675 - berwickstuarttank.org PRIDEAPALOOZA 2026 – A WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION, MUSIC, AND COMMUNITY July 17 & 18 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds airepa.org

BERWICK 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION July 4 Jackson Mansion 570-752-2723 - berwickborough.org NIFTY 250: FOOD, FUN AND FIREWORKS July 4 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds bloomsburgfair.com

ALL ABOUT VICTORY GARDENS July 9 Rohrbach's Farm 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net BRIGGS FARM BLUES FESTIVAL July 9 – 11 Briggs Farm 570-379-3342 - briggsfarm.com

“UNEARTH A STORY” GATHERING OF READERS July 9 McBride Memorial Library 570-752-2241 - mcbridelibrary.org SILO DECK PARTY AT THE FARM IN BLOOM July 9 & 23, August 13 & 27, September 10 and 24 The Farm in Bloom 570-784-6625 - thefarminbloom.com

39TH ANNUAL 4 WHEEL JAMBOREE July 10 – 12 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 317-716-2684 - 4wheeljamboree.com

@ONEGOODEYEPHOTOGRAPHY

Living History Encampments – Live Music – Military flea market – Food Vendors Friday, July 17 th - Saturday July 18 th - Sunday July 19 th 2PM – 5PM 9AM – 5PM 9AM – 3PM Riverfront Test Track Park – South Eaton Street Berwick PA FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING Additional events during the Berwick WWII Weekend: FREE ADMISSION MOVIE SHOWING FRIDAY, JULY 17 TH AT 7PM FREE SWING DANCE – LIVE BAND SATURDAY, JULY 18 TH AT 6PM-9PM Berwick World War II Weekend Presented by Stuart Tank Memorial Assocation Inc. Road to Rome - Reenactment Battles and Tank Demonstrations and Rides Living History Encampments • Live Music • Military Flea Market • Food Vendors Riverfront Test Tract Park - South Eaton Street, Berwick, PA FRI., JULY 17 TH 2PM - 5PM SAT., JULY 18 TH 9AM - 5PM SUN., JULY 19 TH 9AM - 3PM FRIDAY, JULY 17TH AT 7PM FREE ADMISSION - LIVE BAND SATURDAY, JULY 18TH FROM 6PM - 9PM ADDITIONAL EVENTS DURING WWII WEEKEND

Featuring: Berwick High Sch Auditorium 1100 Fowler Avenue Ber FREE ADMISSION & PARKING

West 7588 Colum Cash

Berwick High School Auditorium 1100 Fowler Avenue Berwick

FREE ADMISSION For more information: Call 570-350-9675 Email: tomm3a1@gmail.com 309 N. VINE ST. BERWICK, PA For more information: Call 570-350-9675 Email: tomm3a1@gmail.com www.berwickstuarttank.org A truly special museum filled with display and artifacts which celebrate the manufacturing of the Stuart Tank by the American Car & Foundry in Berwick and honor the brave veterans of WWII.

Featuring:

1940’s Attire Encouraged

309 N. VINE ST. BERWICK, PA West Side Ballroom 7588 Columbia Blvd (Route 11) Berwick CashBar – Food Available

Berwick High School Auditorium 1100 Fowler Avenue Berwick

FREE ADMISSION For more information: Call 570-350-9675 Email: tomm3a1@gmail.com FANDOMS AND FUN July 18 Bloomsburg Children's Museum 570-389-9206 – the-childrens-museum.org

VAN WAGNER – FREE CONCERT July 26 Historic Warrior Run Church 570-538-1756 - freelandfarm.org

www.berwickstuarttank.org

309 N. VINE ST. BERWICK, PA

YOGATHON… + OTHER MOVEMENT PRACTICES July 18 Pump House B&B 570-784-6730 - pumphouseweddings.com KIDS SUMMER WORKSHOP @ ROHRBACH’S FARM – ALL ABOUT GOATS! July 23 Rohrbach's Farm 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net

MONTOUR DELONG COMMUNITY FAIR July 27 – August 1 Montour DeLong Community Fairgrounds 570-437-2178 - montourdelongfair.com LORI SASSANI SOLO SHOW July 27 – September 4 The Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 – exchangearts-.org

SARA RACHEL SCOTT AT THE EXCHANGE LISTEN- ING ROOM July 29 The Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 – exchangearts.org KIDS SUMMER WORKSHOP @ ROHRBACH’S FARM – ALL ABOUT HONEY July 30 Rohrbach's Farm 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net

WHOOPIEPALOOZA July 25 Rohrbach's Farm 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net PIONEER DAY July 25 Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train 570-875-3850 – pioneertunnel.com

MOORESBURG OPEN HOUSE July 26, August 23rd and September 20 Mooresburg One Room School House 570-271-0830 - montourcountyhistoricalsociety.org

July–September • 2026

LAURIE O'NEAL

AUGUST

2026 BASSMASTER KAYAK SERIES August 1 & 2 Susquehanna River, Bloomsburg 570-752-3223 - columbiacountybassmasters.com

EASTERN GUN EXPO August 1 & 2 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 610-393-3047 - easterngunexpo.com

2026 SUSQUEHANNA GREENWAY OUTDOOR EXPO August 1 Shikellamy State Park Marina 570-522-7244 - susquehannagreenway.org MUSIC IN THE GARDEN, AN EVENING WITH JEFF TOMASSACCI (JEFF JAMS) August 5 Folk's Butterfly Farm 570-394-7298 - folksbutterflyfarm.com ANNUAL CAKE AND ICE CREAM FESTIVAL AT TOWN PARK August 6 Bloomsburg Town Park 570-784-7123 - bloomsburgpa.org

@KAYCROUSE

@M.G.ADVENTURE

AUGUST CONTINUED...

ARTFEST 2026 August 22 Bloomsburg Market Street 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org

MIFFLINVILLE PEACH FESTIVAL August 7 & 8 Mifflinville Carnival Grounds

ANN KERSTETTER BAND AT THE EXCHANGE LISTENING ROOM August 26 The Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 – exchangearts.org AN EVENING WITH STEVIE AT THE FARM IN BLOOM August 29 The Farm in Bloom 570-784-6625 - thefarminbloom.com

FARMFEST BLOOMSBURG MUSIC FESTIVAL August 7 & 8 The Farm in Bloom 570-784-6625 - thefarminbloom.com PAGES TO PAVEMENT COLOR RUN August 8 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-784-0883 - bloomsburgpl.org WINOS AND DINOS August 8 Clyde Peeling's Reptiland 570-538-1869 - reptiland.com BBQ & BREW MUSIC FESTIVAL August 14 – 16 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds facebook.com/BBQandBrewMusicFestival

SEPTEMBER ALL HOME DAYS September 5 – 7 Memorial Park, Elysburg facebook.com/allhomedays

COLUMBIA MONTOUR Quarterly

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS . . . AND THE TRACTOR . . . AND THE WAGON . . . AND THE TRUCK . . . AND THE BICYCLE . . . September 8 – October 16 The Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 – exchangearts.org

TRIO BOHEMO (CLASSICAL) September 20 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu 2026 BLOOMSBURG FAIR September 25 – October 3 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-784-4949 - bloomsburgfair.com

DANVILLE HERITAGE FESTIVAL September 11 – 13 Mill Street, Danville 570-284-4502 - visitdanvillepa.org BRONWYN (BLUEGRASS/AMERICANA) September 11 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu TOUCH A TRUCK September 12 Rohrbach's Farm 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org

NICK ANDREW STAVER AT THE EXCHANGE LISTENING ROOM September 30 The Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 – exchangearts.org

@KATSNAPS

ROHRBACH’S FALL KICKOFF September 12 Rohrbach's Farm 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net 7TH ANNUAL BACK THE BLUE September 12 Three Dogs Vino 570-204-0895 - threedogsvino.com DOGGY DIVE September 13 Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 – knoebels.com

FREE DAY OF PLAY September 14 Bloomsburg Children's Museum 570-389-9206 – the-childrens-museum.org ENDEA OWENS AND THE COOKOUT (JAZZ) September 17 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu BLOCK PARTY AT ROCK GOD BREWING COMPANY September 19 Rock God Brewing 570-284-4096

COPTOBERFEST September 19 Three Dogs Vino 570-204-0895 - threedogsvino.com

July–September • 2026

FarmFest Returns to Bloomsburg This Summer AUGUST 7-8

Two Days of Music, Family Fun, and Community Celebration

O If you have a cleanup event planned, please contact us at info@heartofpa.com and rstoudt@montourrec.com to get it listed and organized.

O ne of the region’s fastest-growing mu- sic festivals is set to return this summer as FarmFest Music Festival takes over The Farm in Bloom on Friday, August 7, and Saturday, August 8, 2026. Located on a scenic 10-acre farm along the beautiful Susquehanna River at 284 West Ft. McClure Blvd., Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Farm- Fest has quickly established itself as one of the area’s premier live music events, bringing together local favorites, regional talent, and nationally recognized performers for an un- forgettable weekend of entertainment. The festival begins with Campfire Friday on August 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., offer- ing an intimate evening of live music and a re- laxed atmosphere to kick off the weekend. The excitement continues on Saturday, August 8, with the main festival running from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This year’s lineup features more than 12 bands performing on two stages, including nation- ally known party band The Amish Outlaws, along with The Heartstrings, Jenny Grace, The Rocky Allen Band, The Sylvan Dell Stragglers, Last Call Beautiful, and many additional art- ists representing the best in local and regional music. More than just a music festival, FarmFest offers something for the entire family. Guests

can enjoy a wide variety of food vendors, beverages, and craft vendors throughout the grounds. Children will love the free bounce houses and the full petting zoo presented by Party-Time Petting Zoo, while families can participate in classic outdoor games including sack races, three-legged races, and other activ- ities throughout the day. As a special highlight, one lucky attendee will win a guitar autographed by every performing artist, with the drawing taking place on Satur- day during the festival. Admission is just $40 for adults, and children 12 and under are admitted free, making Farm- Fest one of the region’s best entertainment values. “Our goal has always been to create more than just a concert,” organizers said. “FarmFest is about bringing people together for a week- end of incredible live music, family fun, and creating lasting memories in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Pennsylvania.” With its unique farm setting, diverse musical lineup, and welcoming family atmosphere, FarmFest continues to attract thousands of music lovers from across the region and be- yond. Tickets and additional event information are available at farmfestbloomsburg.com.

COLUMBIA MONTOUR Quarterly

616 Walnut Street Danville, PA 570-275-1310

Lunch • Dinner • Takeout • Delivery Something for everyone... entrees, appetizers, burgers, salads, soup and don't forget the fresh cut fries! Offering a full bar with a variety of domestic, imported, craft, and seasonal beers. Family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating. Open for lunch and dinner.

www.ltevansrestaurant.com Online Ordering Available!

2026 FARMFEST LINEUP

TOMATO DISEASES & INSECT PESTS Suann Leighow, Penn State Extension Master Gardener of Columbia County

As vegetable gardeners, we look forward to bringing in an armful of vegetables. Of these, tomatoes win the prize. Tomatoes may be the nation’s most popular garden vegetable. Whether you grow them in pots, raised beds, or a large garden, you must know about tomato diseases. Some of the most common fungal diseases that affect home-grown tomatoes include early blight, septoria leaf spot, and late blight. Early blight ( Alternaria solani ) is present worldwide wherever tomatoes are grown. Spores can spread in spring via wind or splashing rain. This fungus needs a wet surface to germinate and grow. Low leaves that drip with morning dew provide perfect conditions for early blight. Early blight first appears as circular,

irregular black or brown spots on older tomato leaves. As these lesions enlarge, a series of dark concentric rings develops in the center of the spot, creating the distinct target pattern of early blight. Septoria leaf spot is a destructive disease of tomato foliage. The petioles and stems are affected by the fungus Septoria lycopersici, but not the tomato fruit. Infection usually occurs on the lower leaves near the ground after plants begin to set fruit. Early septoria leaf spot symptoms are typically dark spots; eventually, the center of the spot becomes whitish to tan, sometimes with tiny, dark specks. The fungus is not soil-borne but can overwinter on residue from previous crops.

COLUMBIA MONTOUR Quarterly

Proper sanitation measures can keep spores from infecting the next crop. Crop rotation is another means of reducing disease in tomato plantings. Each year, plant your tomatoes in a new location away from areas where tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, or peppers have grown. These vegetables all have similar disease problems. A minimum rotation of three years is essential to help reduce populations of soil-borne fungi. Please remember that when collecting diseased leaf samples for identification, keep them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the disease from spreading. Tomato pests can be just as destructive as diseases. Damage to plants from insects, animals, or harsh environmental conditions can create openings for pathogens to enter the plant and cause disease. Aphids ( Aphis spp.) are common visitors to vegetable gardens. Aphids infest a wide range of plants. Some important cultivated hosts include potato, tomato, eggplant, sunflower, pepper, pea, bean, corn, sweet potato, squash, pumpkin, and asparagus. These soft- bodied, pear-shaped insects may be solid pink, green, pink mottled, or light green with a dark stripe. Usually wingless, they are about one-eighth inch long. Aphids pierce veins, stems, growing tips, and blossoms with needlelike mouthparts. As a result, flowers are shed, plants are weakened, and yield is reduced. Aphids can spread rapidly, transmitting viral diseases.

EXAMPLE OF EARLY BLIGHT

What does all this mean? Many of these diseases look similar and can be challenging to tell apart. If you stop at the Penn State Extension office or a garden store for answers, you can describe what is visible on your plants. These descriptions help you see what is happening in your garden. Now that you have caught your breath, let me give you a few more to consider. Late blight is a potentially severe disease of potatoes and tomatoes caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans . Late blight is especially damaging during cool, wet weather. The fungus can affect all plant parts. Young leaf lesions are small and appear as dark, water-soaked spots. These leaf spots will quickly enlarge, and a white mold will appear along the margins of the affected area on the lower leaf surface. Complete defoliation, browning, and shriveling of leaves and stems) can occur within fourteen days of the first symptoms. There are products effective against these three diseases. Products containing chlorothalonil or mancozeb are the most effective. Several cultural practices help reduce tomato disease. The first cultural practice is to remove old plant debris. Overwintered fungal spores are splashed from infested tomato or weed debris in the soil onto newly planted tomatoes. This restarts the disease cycle. Also, space plants so they do not touch each other, mulch plants, and fertilize properly.

HORNWORM CATERPILLAR

Hornworm caterpillars feed primarily on solanaceous plants, those in the potato family. They include tobacco, tomato, eggplant, pepper, and some weeds. Tobacco and tomato plants are preferred. Hornworms are probably the easiest insect to identify. Hornworm eggs are smooth, spherical, and one-sixteenth inch

July–September • 2026

in diameter. Light green at first, they turn white before hatching. Tomato hornworms ( Manduca quinquemaculata ) have eight V-shaped markings on each side; the horn is at the rear. These species grow to about three inches long. Hornworms strip leaves from tomato vines as they feed. These caterpillars also feed on developing fruit. Rather than boring into the tomato fruit, they feed on the surface, leaving large, open scars. Fruit damage is less common than the loss of leaves. Hornworm damage begins in midsummer and continues throughout the growing season. They are especially attracted to plants under drought stress. Natural parasitism often occurs on hornworm caterpillars when tiny braconid wasps lay eggs inside the hornworms. The larvae feed inside and then pupate on the backs of the hornworms. These pupal cases are small white projections, like rice grains, on the back of the hornworm. If parasitized hornworms are on the plant, feeding has ceased, so allow the caterpillar so that the next generation of beneficial wasps will emerge. If you have not seen this, it is cool and a great teachable moment for the children. Stink bugs (family Pentatomidae) feed on over fifty plants, including native and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, weeds, and many cultivated crops. Among vegetable crops, stink bugs attack beans, okra pods, ripening tomato and pepper fruit, and stems of melons and asparagus. The brown marmorated stink bug, or BMSB ( Halyomorpha halys ), has become a severe pest of fruit, vegetables, and field crops. Adults are approximately two-thirds of an inch long and are shades of brown on both the upper and lower body surfaces. They have the typical “shield” shape of other stink bugs, almost as wide as they are long. The eggs of the brown marmorated stink bug are often laid on the underside of leaves and are light green. They are elliptical and deposited in a mass of 25 to 30 eggs. This insect is an important agricultural pest.

BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG

Cultural practices help avoid many insect infestations. Plant tomatoes in well-prepared, fertile, mulched beds and properly watered to promote vigorous growth. Stressed plants tend to attract more insect pests. Handpicking and destroying many pests in a home garden is an effective control measure. In addition, beneficial insects are very effective at controlling pests such as aphids, leafminers, and hornworms. To avoid killing these beneficial insects, use insecticides only when necessary. Always try less toxic alternative sprays first to control insect pests and diseases. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Suann Leighow has been a Penn State Extension Master Gardener of Columbia County since 1995 and gardens in Numidia.

For further reading about various tomato diseases and disorders in the home garden, click the button below to read another article produced by Suann for the Penn State Extension website.

FURTHER READING ON TOMATO DISEASES

COLUMBIA MONTOUR Quarterly

Six Luxury rooms for today’s distinguished travelers who are looking for a comfortable home away from home! Wandell Inn 240 Main Street Benton, PA 17814 570-394-7033 www.wandellinn.com

A Picturesque Inn Nestled in the charming Village of Benton Pennsylvania... just a short drive from both Ricketts Glen State Park and Bloomsburg University. Each one of our six guest rooms is uniquely designed and features works by local artists. Our complimentary coffee bar awaits your visit.

LESSONS LEARNED IN MOORESBURG A Look into the historic Mooresburg One-Room Schoolhouse Jenn Puckett

“I wonder where they got all those teachers from?” In that moment, it once again hit me how alike my son and I are. I’ve been a question asker since I could speak and while it can be endearing, it can also be a lot. When he was still in the single digit age group, we sometimes had to step in when he heard the phrase “Does anyone have questions?”, because he always did. Questions have a way of creating more questions and my husband and I realize that others may not find it as adorable as we do. My now sixteen-year-old does ask fewer questions these days, but they are much more complicated to answer. But to answer my question, you’ll need to know why, where, and to whom I asked it. Outside of Danville, off Route 642 is an unassuming little red building with a sign that reads “Mooresburg One Room Schoolhouse”. I’ve driven past it dozens of times in my life, not knowing the history at this place went far deeper than funny looking desks and a school bell.

I met Shane Patterson, Vice President of the Montour County Historical Society on a beautiful sunny day at the school, the kind of day that that kids dream about in January during math class. But it was a perfect day to head back to school in Mooresburg. One room though it may be, inside it was a large and surprisingly bright place. Rows of desks lined the floor, with sizing increasing with the ages of the students. The huge Beaver coal stove just inside the door provided heat in cold winters. I learned about traveling music teachers and about school bells as communication for the surrounding farms. I also found out this schoolhouse was open for students until 1964, and that there were over 90 of these schools operating at one time in Montour County!! And that’s how I got to my original question. The answer led to a discussion about the history of the nearby Teachers College, how community groups got together and hired teachers to support their local school, and what sort of curriculum would be taught. Then he asked if I was ready to see the rest. "The rest of what?" I thought. It’s a one-room schoolhouse. Shane led the way to a small building, about the size of a garden shed. I don’t know what I expected but it certainly wasn’t what was revealed. I stepped inside to see windows all around, set higher than an average house window and giving a wonderful view of the skies. I was standing in a WWII Watch Box.

BEAVER COAL STOVE

WWII WATCH BOX

July–September • 2026

Then we took a look at the downstairs. Here was a work bench that had definitely seen some blood, sweat and tears. There were plows and scythes and metal working tools that must have required Popeye himself to use. An early pottery wheel and corn sheller made hard work easier, but it was still hard. It’s like a handyman’s garage from a hundred years ago. There’s even a bicycle hanging on the wall. (It’s an Iver Johnson, second one ever made!) The Mooresburg One Room Schoolhouse has so much more than meets the eye at first glance. Appointments may be made for touring the museums by calling 570-271-0830. Please leave your name and message and someone will return your call. The Schoolhouse will also be open for visitors from 1pm to 4pm on July 26, August 23 and September 20th. The Montour County Historical Society has lovingly preserved a place that celebrates local history and it reminds us that communities can come together for great things. Plan your visit today!

Before radar and during the ongoing war, small communities such as Mooresburg organized townspeople to man these watch boxes and scan the skies. They had a guide for the shape of various planes and when suspected danger came near, they would raise the alarm for everyone to turn their lights out. These were run by unpaid volunteer community members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is still a copy of a weekly schedule inside, handwritten proof of a village’s commitment to one another. We stepped back out into the sunshine and Shane asked again if I was ready to see the rest. It was starting to feel a little like one of those “But wait, there’s more!” commercials. He opened the doors to the non-descript building behind the watch box to a one-of-a-kind display of typewriters, as Mooresburg is the birthplace of C. Latham Sholes, one of the inventors of the modern typewriter and of the QWERTY keyboard. Beside typewriters, there are dozens of farm implements, pottery and a gorgeous model farm display taking up an entire corner.

TEACHER'S DESK

MODEL 26 TYPEWRITER

COLUMBIA MONTOUR Quarterly

IVER JOHNSON BIKE

EARLY POTTERY WHEEL

Upcoming Open Houses The Mooresburg One-Room Schoolhouse stands as the only remaining one-room school building in Montour County still set up just waiting for the students to return. Records surviving from the past tell us that more than 90 such schools once existed in this county. These same records indicate the students who passed grades one through eight went on to higher education and were well versed in geography, history and the humanities. For a lot of the students, these schools often provided the only source of actual book learning a child received.

The Schoolhouse will be open to the public from 1 - 4 PM on the following dates:

July 26 August 23 September 20

LEARN MORE!

July–September • 2026

PHOTO CREDITS

1 @ryguysworld 2 @my_wandering_soul1

3 @dannydivilly 4 @xdanibethx 5 @rohrbachsfarm 6 @ohf_orchards 7 @knoebels 8 Wesley Dugan

@SEM50

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the following businesses as recent new members to the organization!

BENTON CIDER MILL WINERY 72 Campbell Road, Benton, PA 17814 | (570) 854-1558 The Benton Cider Mill Winery is a family-owned business. Going into a 4th generation, we pride ourselves on our homemade wine. Located in rural Benton, we invite consumers of all backgrounds to see our place or country paradise.

EOS THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER 288 Dahl Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 | (570) 784-5445 | eostrc.org

Non-Profit Corporation established in 1992 to provide therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with special needs, and Veterans. Our Mission: Eos Therapeutic Riding Center strives to positively impact the life skills and quality of life of children and adults with special abilities, and veterans, through individualized therapeutic horseback riding activities conducted in a safe and supportive environment.

HISTORIC RED MILL ANTIQUES 44 Red Mill Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 | (570) 764-2022

Shop for quality antiques in a historic flour mill built in 1805. We are selling and buying unique and quality antiques, primitives, toys, furniture, and more. Things you didn't think you needed, but you'll want to take them home. Our hours are Thursdays thru Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm.

JUNIPER & ASH ANTIQUES 164 West 9th Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 | (570) 939-7522

Juniper & Ash Antiques is a unique co-op antique and vintage shop located in Bloomsburg. Established in February 2026, our shop brings together more than 60 talented vendors under one roof, offering an ever-changing selection of antiques, vintage treasures, collectibles, home décor, furniture, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a vintage enthusiast, or simply searching for something special, there's truly something for everyone.

July–September • 2026

@BADGERMILK_STUDIOS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the following businesses as recent new members to the organization!

LILY'S HOUSE 10 Golf Course Road, Berwick, PA 18603 | (570) 759-7010 | lilyshouse.dog We are a growing grooming, training, and daycare pet services business with a "paw- tique", so you can spoil your pets with the best toys, treats, and more! We are a "Best Spot" location on Sniff Spot, an app for travelers to take their dog for safe off leash play.

PHILADELPHIA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION (PFCU) 1615 Columbia Boulevard, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 | (570) 784-5200 | pfcu.com We’re not here for our profit. We’re here for yours. Since the beginning, that philosophy has paid off for our many members. It is our fundamental belief - and the pride of PFCU - that our members and employees are the real owners of this institution. That’s why we work so hard to help them achieve their financial goals and improve their lives. And, why we reinvest all our profits back to improve our services, reduce fees, and keep rates competitive. We believe in helping people. Pure and simple. And that might seem like a radical idea, but trust us - it isn’t. It’s just a good one. PFCU does not issue stock or pay dividends to outside shareholders All earnings are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher dividend rates, fewer fees, free financial education and community activities Members get to vote for our all-volunteer Board of Directors WINEFESTPA BLOOMSBURG 620 West Third Street, Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 | ( 412) 215-1923 | winefestpa.com Hosting four annual INDOOR 'Wine 'n Shine Palooza" Festivals at the Bloom Fairgrounds! November 7th 2026 - Wine Shine 'n PickleFest | Yummy Tummy Palooza

March 27th 2027 - Wine 'n Shine Fest | Pierogi Palooza May 8th 2027 - Wine 'n Shine Fest | Taco & Taters Palooza November 6th 2027 - Wine Shine 'n PickleFest | Yummy Tummy Palooza

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THE MUSIC CORNER ALLEN COMBS II

Allan Combs II is a singer-songwriter hailing from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Allan has been performing for audiences for most of his life, most notably working as a full-time solo musician in the Mid-Atlantic region for the past decade. Combs’ self-taught guitar techniques provide a foundation for unique original songs and one-of-a-kind arrangements of popular tunes. Combs’ sound can be self-described as “ a blend of rock 'n' roll, soul, funk, jazz, and country into undeniably catchy, upbeat music”. In 2025, Allan was nominated for “Folk Artist of the Year” by the 2025 Central Pennsylvania Music Awards; his group Tanjo & Crow was also nominated for “Duo/Trio of the Year”. Combs was a second-year resident at Avaloch Farm Music Institute in 2025, where his group Tanjo & Crow was hosted for an EP release of songs recorded on site the previous year. In early September 2024, Combs released his first EP, “Solo Crow: Volume I”, which features all acoustic renditions of his newest songs. September 2025 marked the ambitious debut of Allan’s newest project, a full band playing his original works named AC II. & his Band. AC II & his Band plan to release their first single in Mid 2026.

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