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HARVEYS LAKE — Visitors to the Arts and Antiques Festival on Sunset Beach on Sunday got to browse a variety of vendors and their wares as well as learn about the lake and its history.
Gloria Bilder, of the Harveys Lakes Beach Association, said the annual event was a great opportunity to kick off the summer, highlighting the benefits of the beach, while reminding residents of its accessibility to the community.
“For under $200, a family membership can be purchased,” she said. “That includes the beach, bathroom facilities with showers, certified lifeguards and a covered pavilion. You don’t have to be a resident of Harveys Lake.”
Bilder described the beach as the “hidden gem” of the area and a great resource for families.
Gabrielle Moore, of Pittston, agrees. Her family, which includes three children 6 and under, often find themselves at the beach after church services on Saturdays or Sundays, she said.
Moore, a member of the beach club, recently moved from Ohio with her husband and said she was impressed with the beauty of the lake and its recreational value. Her children, she said, utilize the playground equipment and enjoy the swimming as well.
Jim Haines, of Center Valley, participated in the event as a vendor selling exotic pens and other crafts.
Haines said attendees were wonderful customers, stopping to ask questions about his products and how they were crafted before purchasing an item.
“I grew up here,” he said. “I know a lot of people. Its great. That’s why we love to come back.”
Artist Jeanette Kulick, of Harveys Lake, took the opportunity to share the art of sculpting with attendees of the event.
“If my demonstration gets people through the door, I’ll be glad,” she said.
Kulick, carefully sculpting a mermaid, was quick to share the details of her technique and her artistic journey.
“I took a continuing education course at Misericordia (University),” she said, “and sculpting just took.”
Brian Orbin, 19, came to the event equipped with a multitude of newspaper clippings and other historical artifacts.
“I come to all the events at the lake,” he said. “I’m the unofficial keeper of Harveys Lake history.”
Among Orbin’s photos are pictures of Hanson’s amusement park, which closed in 1984.
Many attendees had stories about the amusement park, its closure and other changes at the lake over the last several decades.
Orbin is intent on not allowing residents to forget the history of the lake, which he said brings renewed enthusiasm for current activities.
“A lot of people think Harveys Lake is a millionaire’s playground,” he said. “That’s not true.”
