The 2015 Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Elk Expo will be held August 15-16 on the beautiful grounds of the Elk Country Visitor Center on Winslow Hill in Benezette. The PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau proudly partners with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance to host this annual celebration of everything elk. The 2014 Elk Expo was honored as Pennsylvania Wilds Event of the Year. This year is anticipated to be bigger and better than ever with over 12,000 visitors expected from across the state and from around the country.
A crowd favorite is always the calling contest, where young and old can show off their talent for imitating elk and turkey sounds. The event features nationally recognized speakers making presentations and offering educational seminars on nature and hunting topics. A Pennsylvania Game Commission elk trap unit will be set up outside the Elk Country Visitor Center where Elk Biologist Jeremy Banfield will explain how he uses the trap to capture elk. Visitors can stroll through vendors offering handmade products, everything from outdoor gear to wildlife photography. For kids, there are lots of fun activities and educational opportunities including horse-drawn wagon rides, archery shoot, interactive exhibits, and a 4D sensory surround theater. There will be plenty of live music and festival food too.
On Saturday you can get your picture taken with Punxsutawney Phil from 11AM to Noon. At 1PM, the Pennsylvania Game Commission will hold their elk tag drawing live at the Elk Expo in the ECCO Building. To be entered into the elk license lottery drawing, you must apply through the Pennsylvania Game Commission: www.portal.state.pa.us. From 2-5PM The Dusty Trout, which is an American Roots Music band that hails from the Pennsylvania Wilds, will perform. Their original compositions are a unique combination of traditional bluegrass and alternative country music that are typically based on historic events and experiences in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
On Sunday the very popular local band Six-Pak will perform from Noon until 3PM. They play everything from Johnny Cash to Guns & Roses. The KECA bull elk tag raffle drawing will be held on Sunday at 1PM. 100% of KECA’s raffle proceeds directly benefit Pennsylvania’s Elk Country. To purchase KECA tickets go to www.experienceelkcountry.com/elktag.
Event parking is available both days in Benezette with shuttle service to the Expo. For more information on the 2015 Elk Expo visit ElkExpo.com or call the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau at (814) 849-5197.
