2022 Trail Town on Main Light Parade

The 2022 Trail Town on Main Light Parade will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022. 

The parade will begin at 9:00 pm with lineup starting at 7:30 pm in the Vision 2000 Industrial Park off of Route 247 in Browndale.   

Leading up to the parade, starting at 3:00 pm, Main Street will be filled with vendors of all kinds, showcasing our local business community!  

We invite all community members & visitors to attend this event on Main Street!

If you would like to participate in the parade please print and submit your participation form found below!

 

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First Annual Forest City Trail Trot 5K and Community Walk

RACE REGISTRATION

Sponsorship Letter

Sponsorship Levels

 

The Greater Forest City Business Alliance is excited to announce the First Annual “Forest City Trail Trot 5K and Community Walk” to be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, on the D & H Trail!  Race location is at the trailhead, located in Forest City, on Commerce Boulevard.  The 5K race start is scheduled for 10 am with a 1 mile “Community Fun Walk” to follow immediately thereafter (approximately 10:45).

In January, 2022, Forest City lost a longtime resident and “running icon”, Donny Teague at the age of 91. For all who knew Don, he was “always running”.    He was known and will be remembered for his true love of the sport, boundless energy, and his colorful and attention-grabbing outfits when hitting the pavement.  He was also a faithful supporter, advocate, and statistician for the Forest City Regional Cross-Country Team, for more than 20 years.  He was committed to the success of those student-athletes and made sure each team member had the support they needed to cross the finish line.  He was out on the course until they were in.  We are honored to name this race in his memory.

In line with Donny’s joy of running in, around, and through Forest City and beyond, funds raised from this race will be earmarked to support projects connecting local commerce to our region’s outdoor experience.   Forest City received a grant in 2021, through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and matched by the Forest City Borough and RailTrail Council of NEPA.  This grant allowed Forest City to create an Action Team – made up of many members across several organizations – to participate in a program called “Outdoor Towns”. The purpose of this initiative was to take a close look at the natural resources and assets we are surrounded by and identify any barriers to marketing and connecting Forest City to them! The voice of our community was heard… and visions and projects that can help to support Forest City as a wonderful place to live, work, and play have been identified.  We have an amazing “Big Backyard” – it was “Don’s Big Backyard”…and we need to support it!   So, funds from this race are earmarked to support this initiative!

Awards will be presented for:
5K Runners/Walkers
Overall male, first place
Overall female, first place

Female 17 years old and under: first, second, and third place
Male 17 years old and under: first, second, and third place
Female 18 – 29 years old: first, second, and third place
Male 18 – 29 years old: first, second, and third place
Female 30 – 39 years old: first, second and third place
Male 30 – 39 years old: first, second and third place
Female 40 – 49 years old: first, second and third place
Male 40 – 49 years old: first, second and third place
Female 50 – 59 years old: first, second and third place
Male 50-59 years old: first, second and third place
Female 60-69 years old: first, second and third place
Male 60 – 69 years old: first, second and third place
Female 70 (+) years old: first, second and third place
Male 70 (+) years old: first, second and third place

One Mile Community Walkers – No chip – 1st. 2nd, 3rd place in order across the finish line!  This one is all for fun!

Timing Services to be provided by Scranton Running Co.

For more information please visit Forest City Trail Trot 5K – In Memory of Donny Teague | Facebook Event.

Starting on March 1, 2022, you can register for the 5K.  There will be an early registration discount available until April 2, 2022.

You can download the sponsor information and sponsorship levels here as well, which offers a variety of ways to support the event, beyond monetary donations.

We hope to see everyone on May 7th and thank you for your support!

GFCBA 5K Run May 7 2022

RACE REGISTRATION

Sponsorship Letter

Sponsorship Levels

The GFCBA is a registered 501(c)6 organization.

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Town meeting sets priorities for Trail Town/Outdoor Town plan – Forest City News Article

Town meeting sets priorities for Trail Town/Outdoor Town plan.

Fifty two area residents and interested citizens attended a meeting Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Forest City Area Historical Society to begin to prioritize actions toward the establishment of Forest City as a Trail Town/Outdoor Town.

This session was the 4th in a series of meetings held in conjunction with a $10,000 Commonwealth of PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources grant directed toward determining a plan of action to set Forest City on a course to “cash in” on recreation as way to resurrect area businesses for the future.

The Group, designated as the Action Team, is spearheaded by the Greater Forest City Area Business Alliance, and the D& H Rail Trail Council.  Susanne Atcavage, President of GFCBA, along with GFCBA Team Leader Erin Debish, and  Lynn Conrad, executive director of the Rail Trail Council, made the presentations.

After presenting a list of 38 action items which were produced over the past six months, attendees were asked to come forward and place colored stickers on the actions which they prioritized in each of five categories.

The most priority appeared to be directed toward vastly improving signage to direct visitors to Forest City and the Rail Trail, and then to get them from the Trail Head up to Main Street, to help improve the business climate.

The 15 priorities selected by the attendees from the 5 different categories were as follows:

Main Street Aesthetics

  1. Building façade improvements
  2. Murals and public art
  3. Streetscape enhancements such as garbage/recycling cans, doggie cleanup posts, etc.

Erie St. & FC Trailhead Enhancements

  1. Murals 
  2. Directional signs & maps directing to Main St. business district
  3. Clean up and design a unique and inviting atmosphere on Erie St. 

Connect Outdoor Assets to the Main St. Business District

  1. Safe and  clearly marked bike/pedestrian routes from D&H and O&W trails, the Lackawanna River and Kennedy park
  2. Create signage to connect Main St. business district with trails, Kennedy Park and Lackawanna River.

Business and Community Development

  1. Attract lodging: B&B, Motel/Hotel, Air B&B
  2. Attract Retail businesses
  3. Attract Restaurants

Marketing Efforts

  1. Market FC as a Trail Town/Outdoor Town
  2. Market to attract youth to the outdoor town initiative and to become future entrepreneurs and residents.
  3. Create interactive social media specific to Outdoor Town/Trail Town initiative.

The Action Team also announced a draft version of its Vision Statement for Forest City:

 Forest City is a welcoming small town with a big backyard for embracing visitors for outdoor recreation that embraces visitors and is a place where family, business, culture, ideas and sense of community thrive.

Audience members added comments following the summary of the priorities.  Sean Sheare of the Snowmobile and ATV Club commented on the economic impacts of those sports to the area.  

Others talked about the need to search out grants to achieve many of the objectives, even including the hiring of a fulltime person to seek the grants.

An idea for transportation from the Trails included a trolley or short bus to the Main Street.

GFCBA Pres. Sue Atcavage summed up the evening’s work by stating that it was going to be a huge job to undertake the TrailTown/Outdoor Town initiative and to secure the needed funding from grants , donation and other sources.  She said it would include the use of professionally done and creative social media usage. It would also require the cooperation of Borough Council and other area governmental and civic organizations.

She said the Action Team is on a fact finding mission and that 2021 is a planning year. She stressed that more discussions will be taking place and  there is a great need for volunteers and donations  to make the various priorities a success.  Suggestions can be made to any Action Team member or to the Alliance at gfcba13@gmail,com or to Rail Trail at trail@nep.net.

 

Article courtesy of The Forst City News. 

 

Forest City News Outdoor Towns Article'

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GFCBA’S FIRST ANNUAL POKER RUN WAS A SUCCESS!

The GFCBA was in fundraising mode on Saturday, July 31st and are pleased to report that their First Annual Poker Run was a success, with just over $1700 raised! The intention of this year’s event was to draw attention to our members in the food and restaurant industry who were greatly affected by the pandemic.  The funds raised will be used by the GFCBA to support local projects for town aesthetics and economic growth.  Many of the grants the GFCBA pursues for those purposes require a percentage of matched funding.  So, this fundraising effort directly supports those objectives.  

1st annual poker run tshirt

The day of this Poker Run was a gorgeous Saturday, and the 75 participants made their way through the Greater Forest City Region, with stops at Arlo’s Tavern, Jake’s Elk Lake Tavern, Chet’s Place, Simpler Times, Frank’s Place, The Beacon Bar and Grill and The Stonehouse.  At each stop, participants received a playing card, showcasing our Vintage and Antique Sponsors.  Shirley’s Restaurant and Elegante’ Pizzeria also supported us at the start of the event, providing food and drinks to registrants.  

classic car overlooking jakes elk lake tavern's lake

The success of the event was largely due to the support of our GFCBA Member sponsors. Many thanks to the following businesses:  ANTIQUE Sponsors:  4 Season Small Engine Repair, Clifford Home and Auto, Comprehensive Physical Therapy, Hornbeck Chevrolet, M&M Auto, NEP Telephone Company, and Elegante’ Pizzeria;  VINTAGE Sponsors: Briechle Law Offices, Cable’s General Store, Christ Episcopal Church, Debish Design Studio, Elk Mountain Ski Resort, Rail Trail Council of NEPA, Richard Kresock Insurance Co., Senator Lisa Baker, Simpler Times, The Stonehouse, White’s Crossing Sports Shop, William H. Wolfe Jr.Well Drilling, and Zazzera’s Supermarket;  CLASSIC Sponsors: All in A Basket, Camp Bluestone, Colachino Masonry, Cube Auto, First National Bank, Forest City Area Historical Society, Genco Dental Care, Honesdale National Bank, Jake’s Elk Lake Tavern, Kelley’s Salon, M.S. Marie’s Salon, S & J Tile, The Forest City News, and The Samuel Company.  

three poker run attendees

We would like to recognize Jake’s Elk Lake Tavern for their creativity and generosity.  Jake’s hosted a “Bean Bag Toss” at their stop with a $1 donation to play.  From that, $150 was raised and donated to the Browndale Fire Department.  

bean bag toss game at jakes elk lake tavern

After all stops were made and five hours after the start of the event, everyone convened at the Mountain View Restaurant in Clifford for a fabulous barbecue meal. Cable’s General Store graciously donated the desserts and DJ Dennis kept the atmosphere lively with music! Two $500 prizes were awarded for “Best” and “Worst” hands, along with a  50-50 drawing, and other donated prizes.  When the event was finished, moving over to the Clifford Fireman’s Picnic was another great community event!

party at mountain view inn after poker run

The date is set for the Second Annual GFCBA Poker Run – July 30th, 2022.  Like this year’s event, the event will be open to all licensed cars, trucks, and motorcycles.  The purpose is to support local, support our area and above all else have fun.  We thank everyone who supported our first Poker Run and we look forward to a bigger and better event in 2022!

three attendees in poker run tshirts

 

For all of the First Annual Poker Run photos visit our Facebook page!

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Kennedy Park Children’s Halloween Party
October 31st from 11 am to 3 pm!

Costume Contests for ages 14 and under– judging at 2 pm!!

Pumpkin painting and carving station provided by FC Parks and Recreation!

Guessing jars!!

Face Painting by the super talented
Lisa Gillette Harach from Life is Beautiful Salon!

FC Parks and Recreation concession stand will be open!! Kids! Be sure to get your ticket for a free hot dog and hug drink from the concession stand!

Games, prizes and Halloween fun!!

Trunk or Treat!

If you are interested in setting up a car/space to give out candy, contact Meg Neubert (lovegiraffe77@yahoo.com) or Amanda Howells (ohsweetjosephine@gmail.com)to sign up!

*Businesses and community members are welcome to set up a trunk or treat or activity. Please let us know by October 26th. Check out our event page on Facebook!!
Thank you to our sponsors:
Parks and Recreation FC
Zazzera’s Supermarket
Sylvester Chevrolet

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GFCBA OFFERING FREE MEMBERSHIPS

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WINTER WEEKEND FUN IN OUR BIG BACKYARD

It’s 2020! And there are almost that many things to do in the Forest City area. From winterfests & family-friendly adventures to XC-skiing along our picturesque rail trail, everyone’s invited to come play your way. Without going far away! 

Nearby Elk Mountain offers all the choices of big mountain Vermont slopes, minus the large crowds and long drive. There are over 200 miles of NEP Sno Trails connecting you to awe-inspiring views, as well as restaurants, bars and more with easy-access snowmobile parking. Upcoming special events include a Children’s Ice Fishing Derby, X-Country Skiing Clinics, Soup Cook-Offs and Corn Hole Tournaments. And since there’s so much to enjoy in just one visit, you’ll find welcoming local lodging for full weekends of fun. 

Elk Mountain Ski Resort: Named “Best Overall Mountain” in the Mid-Atlantic, Elk guarantees at least 100 days of great skiing and snowboarding every season — with 180 acres and 27 trails, two terrain parks, and a 1000-foot vertical drop (among the highest in Pennsylvania). PLUS a regular roster of celebrations like WinterFest on Friday, January 24th with deep discounts on lift tickets. Visit www.elkskier.com for ticket info, snow conditions and events.

X-Country Skiing: Looking for a little less downhill while admiring nature’s winter wonderland? The Rail Trail Council of NEPA hosts a variety of FREE XC-Skiing clinics, with rental equipment for just $15! There’s one coming up on Saturday, January 25 from 10am-noon, taking skiers on a gentle jaunt along our forested rail trail by the beautiful Lackawanna River. Learn more at neparailtrails.org, and pre-register to reserve your boot size now by calling 570-679-9300.

Soup Cook-Off: Start practicing the letter “mmmm.” Forest City Parks & Recreation will once again hold its deliciously popular Soup Cook-Off with many local restaurants and home cooks competing for the top prize. But everyone wins — just $5 lets you taste them all and vote for your favorites! Saturday, January 25 from 11am-2pm at nearby Kennedy Park in Forest City. To learn more, visit www.forestcityborough.com

Children’s Ice Fishing Derby: Also at Kennedy Park on Saturday, January 25, the Forest City Police Department will be supervising a Children’s Ice Fishing Derby, weather permitting. Registration starts at 9:30am, with all hooks dropping by 10am. Sponsored by the Forest City Lions Club and NEP Telephone Company. For details, call 570-785-3453. Tip: Gear up at White’s Crossing Sport Shop down the road in Carbondale. They got you covered! 570-282-4699

Cornhole Tournament: Who will be crowned the great “Cornado?!” Bring your tossing talents to Kennedy Park as well on Saturday the 25th for good old-fashioned family fun. Open to all, adults and kids. Call 570-616-7592 for details and to register your team. Good shucking luck!

NEP Sno Trails: With over 200 miles of interconnected trails winding through forests, hills and riversides, NEP Sno Trails is one of the largest trail systems in all of Pennsylvania operating & maintained by a single organization. Even better, they also connect you to many of the best nearby restaurants and bars, with easy access & parking. Some also offer on-premise lodging at truly great rates. So you can stay and get in even more play the next day!

Local Restaurants, Bars & Lodging:

THE SPEAKEASY
Daily food specials, variety of rooms, right along Sno Trail
speakeasysaloonresort.com

CHET’S PLACE 
Live bands, multiple accommodations, snowshoe rentals
chetsplace.com

ARLO’S COUNTRY STORE & TAVERN
Entertainment, great food & cozy lodging
arloscountrystore.com

CANDLELIGHT INN & LODGE
Late night food til midnight, live music & lodging
FB: Candlelight Inn & Lodge

FRANK’S PLACE
Steakhouse classics, craft beers, easy access from Rail Trail
franksplacesimpson.com

ELEGANTE’S
Pizza/Italian American, just up the road from FC Trailhead
eleganteforestcity.weebly.com

THE RED SCHOOL HOUSE
Great food, even better prices. Open til 2am every day.
theredschoolhouse.com

BEACON BAR & GRILL
Delicious menus updated often. A happy hour favorite.
FB: The Beacon Bar & Grill

SHIRLEY’S FAMILY DINER
Where the locals know to go for hearty breakfasts & lunch.
FB: Shirley’s Family Diner

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“CITY STITCHES” SEWING A STRONGER COMMUNITY

A good seamstress can mend your clothes like they’re brand new, tailoring them to fit your exact size perfectly. Yet some say the newest business in town — City Stitches — specializes in “stitching our community together.”

Owner Lorne Powell has long been involved with community events, festivities and fundraisers in the Forest City area. Now, she’s raising hope at 700 Main Street, bringing a cozy new home for hobbyists, crafters, plus anyone looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and seasonal decorations. There are sewing and quilting classes for young and old alike. Original paintings, jewelry, leatherwork and holiday handicrafts by local artisans. And perhaps most endearingly: an always-welcoming atmosphere for all. Some come to shop, learn a new skill or work on their latest project with friends, while others happily visit just for coffee and lively conversation among neighbors.

Her friend, Donna Mazza, is on hand too, offering exceptional sewing skills, affordable alterations and assistance with a growing choice of classes. In addition, Powell notes that unlike many other galleries, City Stitches does not ask for a commission of any pieces sold — instead featuring frequently-updated display spaces to rent at truly reasonable rates. Conveniently, City Stitches also offers drop-off and pick-up dry cleaning services, “the only one of its kind nearby!” say satisfied customers. And they have much much more planned, including FREE Christmas Craft activities for kids during this year’s TrailTown Holiday Festival on Dec 7, starting at 1PM in downtown Forest City.

City Stitches is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, with classes by appointment on Thursdays & Fridays from 6-8pm. You can keep track of their latest fun activities plus cheerful news on Facebook. Or feel free to contact them at 570-785-2511 or citystitchesfc@gmail.com. Better yet, stop by! You’re sure to find someone you know spinning a yarn or knitting some, gathering fabric, new friends and keeping the crowd in stitches.

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Local Business Spotlight: Mike’s Home Remodeling

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“The most the most important thing we build at Mike’s Home Remodeling is TRUST,” says Forest City business owner Michael Fay. “That’s what people want when they remodel their homes … to trust the job will be done right. And, done on time. That only quality materials will be used, and they’re in the hands of professionals. They want to know that the workers allowed into their homes are trustworthy.”

Which is exactly why Mike’s Home Remodeling continues to thrive after just two years in our local community. He’s a trusted resource. Clients rely on his honest advice for upgrading their kitchens and baths, for improving the value of their homes, for preparing a house to sell, as well as for roofing, repairs, painting and power washing. “We do it all,” Fay adds. “With integrity.”

Originally based in Orlando, Florida as a skilled contractor serving celebrity homeowners, Fay moved his business and family to the area in 2017. “It’s a great area to live,” he says. “We’re grateful to be here.” A member of the Greater Forest City Business Alliance, Mike’s Home Remodeling believes in giving back to the community, volunteering time and talent for special projects. During last summer’s Trailtown Festival Weekend, Fay also launched another project he considers personally special. The remodeling of a formerly vacant storefront on the corner of Main and Depot Streets, now home to his second business, Iron Therapy Gym. “It’s rewarding to help rebuild the local economy any way we can.”

To learn more, contact MikeyFay1@gmail.com or call 407-989-3060

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