Lots of cheer to start the new year

Dec. 27—From hikes to a traditional German celebration, there are lots of opportunities for people of all ages to ring in the new year this weekend.

The Grove City Community Library has planned a Noon Year's Eve Party from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the library, 125 W. Main St., Grove City.

Enjoy dancing, crafts, photo both and activities, ending with a balloon drop at noon.

Bring a snack to share and a donation for Grove City Area Pet Rescue. Registration is required by calling 724-458-7320.

Also in Grove City: the Guthrie Theatre, 232 S. Broad St., is hosting a comedy show and buffet dinner starting at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Buy tickets online at guthrietheatre.com or call the box office at 724-264-4855.

Mercer Rotary Club is hosting New Year's Eve Jackpot Bingo starting at 2 p.m. Saturday at East End Fire Department in Mercer. Doors open at 1 p.m.

Tickets are $35 each and that includes food, drinks and one bingo card for each game. Additional cards can be purchased.

In Butler County, Harmony borough and the Harmony Museum are hosting the annual Silvester Celebration that marks the new year in German time — 6 p.m. Saturday our time.

There will be a lighted ball drop, fireworks, foot races, shopping, music, kids' activities, food, contests and more.

Germans call New Year's Eve "Silvester" for the ancient feast day that commemorated the fourth century Pope Sylvester I, who died on the last day of 335.

For more information, including race registration and dinner reservations, visit harmonymuseum.org

And for those looking to venture out: the weather forecast is shaping up to be a vast improvement compared to the frigid temperatures and snow that impacted the Christmas holiday celebrations.

Temperatures in the Mercer County area are expected to reach the mid-40s on Saturday and Sunday, and there is some rain predicted both days.

Pymatuning State Park along with Carried Away Outfitters is hosting a New Year's Eve hike on Saturday to celebrate nature, community, gratitude for 2022 and new adventures for 2023.

Meet at 9:30 p.m. at Carried Away, 4220 E. Lake Road, Jamestown, for a three-mile hike on Ackerman Trail, which follows an old railroad bed through a pine forest.

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $10 and registration is required by visiting carriedawayoutfitters.com

From Dec. 31 through Jan. 8, visitors to Jennings Environmental Education Center in Brady Township are invited to mark new beginnings with the "New Year, New Views" self-guided walkabout at the Butler County park.

There are 10 stops along the way, showcasing some of the park's best scenery and highlighting what park staff hopes will be insights into "rest, resilience, hope, and more, as visitors view and contemplate the flora, fauna, water, and winds of change around them."

A free guide and map for the walkabout will be available at park brochure racks, in the park office or electronically by request.

For more information, call Jennings at 724-794-6011 or jenningssp@pa.gov

Elsewhere in the great outdoors: the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is hosting nearly 60 guided hikes in 34 state parks and three state forests on Sunday, Jan. 1, as part of the nationwide "First Day Hike" program.

It is meant to encourage a healthy start in the new year, giving families a chance to connect with the outdoors, according to a news release from DCNR.

The hikes are organized by the National Association of State Park Directors and they are led by park staff and volunteers.

Goddard State Park is hosting a hike from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Meet at the park office, 684 Lake Wilhelm Road, Sandy Lake, for a one-mile hike on the paved multipurpose trail and a grass and dirt trail.

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring binoculars if you have them. This is recommended for ages 10 and over.

Register by calling the park office at 724-253-4833 or goddardsp@pa.gov