There is a light at the end of the tunnel! This month, we get to turn the clocks forward and enjoy that extra daylight. Spring is just around the corner, and soon enough, we will be enjoying those warm summer festivals that we love so much. Until then, there are still many activities and events to enjoy in Berks County as we say goodbye to Winter. We were lucky enough to see more snow than we have had in years and were able to experience activities that we haven't been able to due to the lack of that sparkly white precipitation. However, we are ready for some fun in the sun in Pennsylvania's Americana Region! Check out some of the events we can look forward to this March:
Owl Prowl: March 2nd
Chris Brinkman
Learn all about owls and their vocalizations from a live feathered educator, then embark on a short walk through the Sanctuary to look and listen for our native owls. Lead by Dave Kruel, we will search for the great-horned, barred, Eastern screech, and Northern saw-whet owl in the nocturnal beauty of the Sanctuary.
Participants are encouraged to bring red-light headlamps/flashlights and wear sturdy shoes.
Registration is required. This event will take place in Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Visitor Center.
PA Dutch Classes: March 5th
Berks History Center is pleased to continue offering in-person and online classes that explore the language and culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch.
Enrolling in a Pennsylvania Dutch class at the Berks History Center offers a fun opportunity for students to enjoy the fellowship of other Pennsylvania Dutch enthusiasts, but more importantly, it allows an opportunity to celebrate and preserve this rich cultural heritage.
During the spring of 2024, the Berks History Center will offer both online and in-person classes, and we will offer three different course levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced). All classes will be eight weeks in length. Classes cost $70 for BHC members (Individual Level Members and above) and $140 for non-members.
"Unforgettable Fire" The U2 Tribute Concert: March 8th
Courtesy of Miller Center for the Arts
Unforgettable Fire, or ‘UF’, was born on New Year's Day in 1995 as one of the very first U2 Tribute Bands to ever perform in America. After over twenty-five years of performing at the most prestigious venues throughout the East Coast and beyond, UF have formed the reputation of being the preeminent U2 Tribute Show in North America.
West Reading Chili Madness: March 9th
Join West Reading for their first-ever Chili Fest!
- Competition between 20+ businesses on the Ave
- Business and Restaurant division overall
- Each business will have its own version of chili
- General public judges on a scorecard
Pennsylvania's 343rd Birthday: March 10th
Courtesy of Conrad Weiser Homestead
Conrad Weiser Homestead
This event, formally known as Charter Day, is our first event of the year. This is by far our largest Living History Event of the Year. At 12 noon, we will be having a period Divine Service led by Tad Miller. All public is welcome for the service and handouts of the service will be given out for all to participate.
The French and Indian War units attending are the Weiser Battalion, Augusta Regiment and Regiment de le Reine. Also in attendance will be the Revolutionary War American unit, The German Regiment. There will also be a display by Ye Olde Colonial Angler of 1770, Ken Reinard, in the Visitors Center.
Event ends at 4 pm with the troops getting their daily rum ration. We hope to see you there!
Daniel Boone Homestead
The Daniel Boone Homestead Associates are excited to kick off their 2024 season with their annual Charter Day Open House event celebrating Pennsylvania’s 343rd birthday. Charter Day recognizes the day William Penn received his land grant for Pennsylvania from King Charles II of England in 1681. In observance of Pennsylvania’s founding, the Daniel Boone Homestead will offer an exciting open house and living history event featuring eighteenth century demonstrations, trades, and hands-on activities including the operation of the unique Bertolet Sawmill.
Additional demonstrations include gunsmithing, leatherworking, hearth cooking, spinning, wool dyeing, and blacksmithing. The event will also feature craft and specialty food vendors as well as food trucks and concessions.
Scratch Egg Workshop: March 14th
Join us in celebrating one of the oldest PA German Easter egg decoration traditions! The BHC is thrilled to present a unique scratch-carved egg workshop, facilitated by our Curator, Amber Vroman. Discover the history behind this exquisite Easter tradition, and marvel at the BHC museum collection's stunning examples!
Participants will be provided with pre-dyed Easter eggs and step-by-step guidance on how to create designs by "scratching" the egg's surface.
Limited spots are available for this event, so act fast! The ticket price includes all necessary equipment, as well as light refreshments.
Angry Leprechaun Bike & Chopper Show: March 16th
Courtesy of Classic Harley-Davidson
Come on out to our 2nd Annual Chopper and Bike Show at Classic Harley-Davidson and help us celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy ice-cold beverages from Pagoda City Brewing and Chili dogs, and Chili-Mac-n-Cheese thanks to Wawa.
You'll be the one who decides who should take home a $100 Classic Gift Card & a trophy for Best Vintage Motorcycle, Best Chopper, and Best in Show (customer's vote).
Trivia Night at the Museum: March 22nd
Come as a duo or bring a whole team, and join the Reading Public Museum for a fun Friday night of trivia, delicious food, and good drinks! Trivia will be hosted in the Near Planetarium at the Museum. This event is 21+.
Easter on the Farm: March 23rd
Celebrate the Easter traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch with egg hunts, children's activities and crafts, hearth cooking demonstrations, artisans, folklife exhibits, barrel rides, and more! This event is free to the public and fun for the whole family.
Raptor Egg Hunt: March 30th
Courtesy of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Come along for an “Egg”cellent adventure. Learn all about eggs and the creatures that lay them. Children will then search for “raptor” eggs hidden in the forest. All eggs are turned in for a prize!
All ages will be hunting at the same time for eggs, please plan accordingly. Rain cancels. Ticket is for each child participating; parents do not need to purchase a ticket.
This event will take place at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary at the the Outdoor Ampitheater. There are two sessions from 10am- 11am and a second from 12:30pm- 1:30pm. Registration is required. Limited to 35 participants per session.