Smethport is the Perfect Place for Leaf Peeping
September 30, 2010
Smethport Web and Allegheny National Forest
Visitors Bureau
Mother Nature’s premier “show” of the year has just begun and promises to have at least a two-week run in Smethport as well as the entire Allegheny National Forest region.

The “show” in this area is always candy for the eyes with vibrant hues of scarlet, orange and butterscotch yellow. Local forestry officials anticipate Oct. 2-10 as the peak for the best color this season, and are predicting vivid color due to the early warm temperatures and cool nights in the higher elevations of the Allegheny Plateau. Read more
Smethport Garden Club Presents Victorian Mansion Tour on Saturday, October 2
September 26, 2010
On Saturday, October 2nd, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m., visitors will be able to experience Smethport’s opulent past by going inside the history-rich homes built by elite entrepreneurs, bankers and politicians of the Victorian era.
The self-paced Tour of Homes, sponsored by the Smethport Garden Club, includes the following highlights … Read more
Main Street Rocks with Homecoming Parade
September 24, 2010
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Friday was Homecoming Day in Smethport. The celebration featured a parade down Main Street, led by Mayor Ross Porter, who was followed by Grand Marshal Charles “Chuck” McKiernan.
They were followed by the High School Marching Band. The band from Kane High School also participated in the parade. Their football team, the Kane Wolves, was in town to play the Smethport Hubbers later in the evening.
Among the Smethport Area High School students featured in the parade were Prom Queen Payge Colley (2009), Miss McKean County Fair Queen Kayla Woods (2010), and a truck load of cheerleaders.
School staff and community leaders were also in attendance, as well as SASD Superintendent Charles Leasure.
After the parade, the Hubbers hosted the Wolves in what turned out to be a very exciting game.
Record Shattered in Smethport’s ‘Wheel Around the Hub’ Bicycle Race
September 19, 2010
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Against the backdrop of sunny skies and dry streets, the top five cyclists in the men’s 53-mile ‘Wheel Around the Hub’ Bicycle Race in Smethport, Pennsylvania posted record-setting performances on Saturday.
In the final seconds of the race down Main Street, Adam Farabaugh, 21, from Owego, New York, edged out David Novak, 17, from Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, for an exciting 1st Place win.
View the exciting finish in real time …
Farabaugh took the cash prize of $300, plus the Gold Watch and medallion. Only tenths of a second separated Farabaugh and Novak, who took the 2nd Place medallion. Read more
Bike Race Featured Auction of 3-D Artwork by Julie Mader
September 19, 2010
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
Smethport’s juried PA Wilds Artist Julie Mader donated a framed and matted print (20″ x 9″) for public auction, which was held on Saturday, September 18, following the “Wheel Around the Hub Bicycle Race”.
At the conclusion of the race, just before the presentation of awards, bidders had the opportunity to add to their art collection Julie’s signed, 3-D, cycling themed “Full Spectrum Riders” print, numbered 3 of 25.
The auction occurred in front of the Court of Angels restaurant across from the McKean County Courthouse and was conducted by PA licensed auctioneer, Smethport Mayor Ross Porter.
Up-and-coming Mader, the celebrated artist for the Steep Canyon Rangers bluegrass band, has received extensive attention and rave reviews throughout the eastern United States. All proceeds of the framed and matted print were donated to the Smethport Fire Police by the artist.
Find out the result of the auction right here:
Guests Experience Opulent 1890s Lifestyle at Local B&B
September 13, 2010
Starting this month, the Pennsylvania Wilds Resource Center begins ongoing coverage of new and expanding tourism businesses in the region through its monthly newsletter.
Among the businesses highlighted in the September issue of E-Update is the Mansion District Inn bed and breakfast in Smethport, which officially opened its doors last year.
The 1891 mansion, owned and operated by Jovanna Porter and husband, local historian and Smethport mayor, Ross Porter, offers luxurious one and two-bedroom exquisitely furnished suites.
“It’s our goal for guests to experience Smethport’s opulent 1890s lifestyle throughout their stay at the inn,” Ross Porter said.
In addition, Chef Jovanna’s three course, gourmet breakfasts, served fireside in the remarkable golden oak dining room, receive rave reviews.
The Inn is located in the heart of the historic Borough of Smethport’s Mansion District, and is a great location to explore the grandeur of the PA Wilds region. To that end, the innkeepers keep GPS navigation units on hand for guests so they can discover the region through numerous day trips from a home base at the Inn.
Find pictures and other information on the Mansion District Inn at www.mansiondistrictinn.com
Murder Trial Re-Enactment to be Held in Kane — September 23
September 11, 2010
Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller
The McKean County Historical Society will hold a re-enactment of a murder trial committed in Kane during the early 1930s. The trial itself was held in Smethport under Judge Joseph Bouton, who will be played by Smethport attorney Anthony Alfieri.
At the invitation of the Kane Chamber of Commerce, the encore performance will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 23 at the Kane Middle School auditorium at 400 W. Hemlock Avenue.
The event will be dedicated to Regis Mutzabaugh, a prominent attorney who started his career in Kane in 1926 with the law firm of Mullen and Woods. The trial depicts the keen mind of attorney Mutzabaugh and some of the prejudices of the era.
The re-enactment was held earlier this year with well-attended performances in Smethport and Bradford.
For tickets, you can call the Kane Chamber at 814-837-6565 or pick them up at their office at 54 Fraley Street in Kane. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.




The sessions are funded in part by a PPA grant from the PA Council on the Arts. Call the Hamlin Library 887-5326 or stop in to register.













Two grants - Get Active and WalkWorks – support Smethport residents in their efforts to stay or get fit.
