I am so hoping there will not be any rain this Friday night because there is going to be a whole lot of activity going on in downtown Muncy. It is the second Muncy 4th Friday, and since last month’s event was cancelled due to rain, this month will have twice as much going on for fun and entertainment. Be sure to register for the kayak giveaway and a new bicycle. The winner is going to be announced at 8:30 p.m. and must be present to win. Sponsored by the Muncy Professional Business Association, all the money raised for these prizes will go to the Son-Light House. I am looking forward to watching the pie eating contest!

For those of you who travel the turnpike, this month the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) approved a six percent toll increase for both E-ZPass and cash customers which will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2018. The most common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase next year from $1.23 to $1.30 for E-ZPass customers and from $1.95 to $2.10 for cash customers. The most common toll for a Class-5 vehicle – a prevalent tractor-trailer class – will increase from $10.17 to 10.78 for E-ZPass and from $14.45 to $15.35 for cash.

I found this quite interesting: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) generated 244 new inventions and 109 patent applications in the 2016 fiscal year. These innovations included an anti-cancer drug derived from Omega-3 fatty acids, sensors to help prevent bridge collapses, gene-silencing technology that controls mosquito populations, and hand-held imaging tools to detect meat contamination.

The Lycoming County Fair was a success. On Saturday night, I really enjoyed a meal from the Happy Family BBQ, a new food vendor and they are from Muncy. Located near the small stage, they served great homemade food. This was their first time and the Huffman family said they will be at the fair again next year.

Muncy Events

Thurs. July 27 The Susquehanna Civil War Roundtable will feature a presentation entitled “The Pennsylvania Railroad and the Civil War” featuring Civil War and Railroading historian Ivan Frantz, Jr. starting at 7:00 p.m. at the the Degenstein Library, 40 S. 5th St. Sunbury. Come see a very interesting presentation on the influence of the railroads on the war in general and the Gettysburg campaign in particular. All are welcome to attend. For further information contact Greg Kline at 717-571-6877.

Fri. July 28 Muncy 4th Friday, downtown Muncy, 6-9 p.m. featuring lots of vendors, food trucks, bike and kayak giveaway, bounce house, live music, youth art show, pie eating contest and lots more.

Fri. July 28 the Susquehanna Valley Quilt Guild will meet at Pennsdale UM Church at 7 p.m. for a program on Christmas Quilting 101 showing various ornaments. Members are asked to bring Christmas Show & Tell. The guild is open to any and all who are interested in promoting and teaching the art of quilting. For more information call 570-547-1940.

Fri. July 28 at 10 a.m. Toddler Tales Yoga for ages 1-3 at the Muncy Public Library. Learn lots of animal poses and stretches. Let’s see how far you can bend! Please call the library at 570-546-5014 to register.

Sat. July 29 from 12-4 p.m. JIPS Investigators: Conducting an investigation and techniques at the Muncy Public Library. Join our ghost hunting team and learn tips and tricks for conducting an investigation. Please call the library at 570-546-5014 to register.

Aug. 2 & 3 Senior box distribution days at Son-Light House for those eligible, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 9 to noon & Thurs. 5 to 7 p.m.

Sat. Aug. 5 Pops in the Park concert, 232 Pepper St., Muncy, 7 p.m. Presented by the Muncy Historical Society this free outdoor concert will be performed by the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Muncy High School Auditorium.

Sat. Aug. 5 “What is Under Our Feet” program at Montour Preserve from 2-3 p.m. in the Environmental Education Center. Learn the fundamentals of geology and that of Pennsylvania. During the program you will get to examine layers of the earth found under us and learn about the common rocks and minerals found in the area.

Sat. Aug. 5 Classic Cruise-In at Robin’s Cozy Nest in Unityville from 5-8 p.m. Old and antique vehicles welcome. Food, fun and ice cream.

Tues. Aug. 8 Muncy Friends of the Library book fundraiser, Muncy Public Library, 3-6 p.m.