HUNTINGDON — As Independence Day weekend arrives in the Juniata Valley, Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon is preparing to welcome families with a lineup of free programs that blend early American history, outdoor exploration and a touch of patriotic fun.

The park will host a series of events on Friday and Saturday designed to connect visitors with the stories, skills and natural wonders that shaped the region.

Blacksmith demonstrations

The celebration begins Friday afternoon with blacksmith demonstrations at the historic Blacksmith Shop from 1 to 4 p.m. Park volunteer Don Maurer will showcase the art and history of early American blacksmithing, offering visitors a chance to see firsthand how tools, hardware and everyday items were once forged.

A second session will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The demonstrations highlight a trade that helped sustain the Greenwood Furnace ironmaking community more than a century ago.

Historical walking tour

At 4 p.m. Friday, the park naturalist will lead a historical walking tour through the old village site, beginning at the Blacksmith Shop. The tour explores the rise and fall of the ironmaking community that dominated the area for 70 years, guiding visitors past remnants of the company town and sharing stories of the workers and families who lived there.

Nature’s fireworks

As evening settles over the mountains, the park will shift from history to nature with “Nature’s Fireworks,” a family program at the Campground Amphitheater at 8 p.m.

The program focuses on fireflies, their unique bioluminescence and their role in Pennsylvania’s summer landscape. After a short presentation, visitors will take a walk through the campground to search for the glowing insects that light up the forest floor each July. All ages are welcome.

Red, white and blue scavenger hunt

Saturday’s festivities continue at 10 a.m. with the Red, White and Blue Scavenger Hunt, beginning at the Blacksmith Shop. Participants will search for natural items representing the colors of the American flag while learning about local plants and pieces of Greenwood Furnace history.

Those who complete the hunt will receive a S’mores Kit to enjoy later in the day. The program is open to all ages and designed to bring a festive, family-friendly twist to the holiday weekend.

With history, nature and hands-on learning woven throughout the weekend, Greenwood Furnace’s Fourth of July programs offer families a chance to celebrate the holiday in a setting where Pennsylvania’s past still feels close at hand.

All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.events.dcnr.pa.gov.