By LANA MUTHLER

lmuthler

@lockhaven.com

ANTES FORT – It was 1991 when a group of Antes Fort residents got together and decided to celebrate the history of the village, tucked away across the Susquehanna River from Jersey Shore.

They named it Fort Antes Historical Days and the event has continued to grow each year.

Now in its 25th year, the three-day celebration continues to grow, adding more and more activities and shows to its “weekend of fun for everyone.”

This year Historical Days will be held Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 15-17, on the recreation grounds near the Antes Fort Fire Hall.

There will be a special 25th Year Celebration Ceremony on the Stage on Thursday at 5:45 p.m. and the annual fireworks at 9 p.m. Friday will be a little extra special this year in commemoration of the milestone.

As usual, there will be lots of truck and tractor pulls, great food, softball games and lots of fun things for those of all ages. And, as is the norm, a gigantic fireworks display will light up the skies over Antes Fort on Friday night.

But…. there’s some new things in store for area residents this year, including professional wrestling.

Yes, you heard that right.

The Billtown Professional Wrestling LLC out of Williamsport is coming.

The group will be setting up their arena on the grounds and present shows at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. And everyone’s invited to watch, free of charge.

Also new this year is the Punt, Pass and Kick Contest for those ages 5 through adult. Contestants’ names and how they fared will be sent on to the state level. Winners will appear at a Philadelphia Eagles game.

And for the first time this year there will be a miniature golf course for kids, along with train rides, a pedal tractor pull, balloon man, a ball throwing contest and games… all free.

If you like to hear stories about history, John L. Moore will be on hand. Known as “The Storyteller of Frontier Pennsylvania,” Moore uses dramatic techniques and audience participation to convey true stories about real people who lived on Pennsylvania’s Frontier during the 18th century. These people include Mary Jemison, Moses Van Campen, Frances Slocum and Colonel James Burd.

Dressed as a frontiersman, Moore brings people of the frontier to life by telling their stories with suspense, horror, humor and colorful anecdotes. He adds to the effect by employing such props as tomahawks, knives, antique axes and cowbells.

The Antes Fort School Alumni Reunion will be held Saturday, there will be a re-enactor encampment on the grounds and Jersey Shore junior athletics football games and coed softball tournaments will be ongoing on the fields.

There will be horse-drawn carriage rides all three days, along with musical stage shows with Carson Keiser Jr., a craft show and flea market. The museum will also be open every day, and a car show will be held Saturday.

An Applebutter Boil will be ongoing on Saturday and an apple pie baking contest will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m., with auctioning of the pies at 3 p.m.

The grounds open at 4 p.m. Thursday; noon Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday with a “fireman’s breakfast” offered at 7 a.m. in the fire hall.