The site was chosen for the close proximity to the center of the Clinton County elk herd population in the Kettle Creek watershed and Sproul State Forest.

Festival visitors will experience an unforgettable weekend of Elk-themed activities, events and seminars. The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) will offer educational programs about the PA elk herd while other events include campfire music, wildlife drawing and photography classes, elk sightseeing excursions plus arts, crafts and food vendors.

A special Hearty Baked Bean Contest will be judged on Saturday with prizes given in two categories.

Camping sites are available by contacting Quiet Oaks Campground at (570) 927-2797 or email qocg@quietoaks.org.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Works of art and crafts, such as these by Ken Hunter will be on display — and available — at the first Bugle Fest, which will be held this weekend at Quiet Oaks Campground in Cross Fork.

For additional information and details on the entire weekend of events visit the website at buglefest.com.

Food

The event will feature a variety of delicious food including:

— The Road Kill Cafe: Serving a hearty breakfast to kick start your day in the PA Wilds. The pavilion here at Quiet Oaks is much more than an outdoor shelter, it is a fully licensed commercial kitchen. Quiet Oaks will be offering breakfasts to visitors during the festival from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Specialties include eggs and omelets, bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, toast, coffee or tea.

— Gridiron Pizza Food Truck: Offering gourmet pizzas with a variety of toppings for those big appetites, Gridiron Pizza provides an array of culinary delights, including Neapolitan-style brick oven pizzas. Treat yourself to a distinctive mouth watering experience with our specialty pizzas right here in the heart of Elk Country.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Works of art and crafts, such as these by Jeff Keiffer will be on display — and available — at the first Bugle Fest, which will be held this weekend at Quiet Oaks Campground in Cross Fork.

— Ice Cream: The Road Kill Cafe will have its ice cream stand open serving Central PA’s favorite ice cream from the Penn State Creamery. The ice cream stand will be available from 4-7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night serving a variety of flavors, along with sodas, sundaes, oats and even Dog ice cream for those hungry pups!

Here’s what you can expect while at Bugle Fest:

Friday/Saturday

3:30-5:30 p.m.

— Elk Drawing/Instructions by Ken Hunter, the former co-host of WNEP’s Pennsylvania Outdoors and award winning wildlife artist. Learn how to draw wildlife and elk with Ken Hunter; registration is required: Please email Carla at qocg@quietoaks.org or call 570-927-2797 to register; $30 registration fee.

PHOTOS PROVIDED A poster shows some of the ice cream treats which will be available at the on-site Road Kill Cafe.

— The Art of Scrimshaw with Dave Aucker: Scrimshaw refers to the art of decorating or creating objects from animal bones, teeth or other parts, traditionally from sea animals. The word “scrimshaw” actually comes from the Dutch word “schrimshaw,” meaning “to waste time.” This art form became a popular pastime for sailors, particularly during long and uneventful whaling voyages, as a way to engage in artistic expression during their idle hours. Come on out and watch Dave as he demonstrates some of this mariner’s pastime. He will also have some of his work available for sale.

Saturday

1-3 p.m.

Focus on the Wild: Techniques to Photograph Elk and the Natural Beauty of Kettle Creek. Join local landscape and wildlife photographer Chris Calhoun for a fun, hands-on, two-hour photography experience designed for anyone with a camera — whether it’s a DSLR or a smartphone. He’ll kick things off with a fast-paced, 30-minute session covering simple techniques to elevate your photos, including the rule of thirds, leading lines, natural framing, lighting, shutter speed, focal points and basic photo editing — all designed to help you turn everyday shots into “wall-hangers.”

Then we’ll head into the nearby elds and woodlands — right in the heart of elk rut season — to apply what you’ve learned. Explore scenic spots on your own or in small groups as you practice capturing elk and landscapes in real time.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Dave Aucker will have a variety of hand-made scrimshaw items available at the event, such as these horns.

After the session, upload your favorite photo to a themed Facebook post. The community will vote, and the top image will win a signed, framed print from Chris’s personal collection. This isn’t a professional seminar — it’s a relaxed, welcoming way to build your photography skills, connect with fellow nature lovers and experience the beauty of Pennsylvania’s elk country. Bring your curiosity, your camera and your sense of adventure — and let’s focus on the wild together!

Saturday

Hearty Baked Bean Contest: Enter your hearty baked beans in our Bugle Fest Contest. Hearty Baked Beans have meat included, the contestant must include some type of wild game as the meat in the beans. Team names must be from past/old cowboys.

All entries must be on site by 12 pm Saturday for tasting/judging at 1 p.m. Judging will be done by bucket raffle. All entries must provide small tasting cups.

Two prizes will be given, Best Overall Beans and/or Best Overall Hot/Spicy Beans

PHOTOS PROVIDED Dave Aucker will have a variety of hand-made scrimshaw items available at the event, such as these horns.

First place will receive prizes, to be determined. Second place will get honorable mention.

Saturday

7-9 p.m.

Around The Campfire with Van Wagner — PA History/Storytelling and Music: Come listen to Van Wagner, as he takes you on a journey through Pennsylvania History through his storytelling and music. His music has been featured on the History Channel, WVIA TV, Country Music Television (CMT) and in several productions. He has released 35 original albums and published a book entitled “Coal Dust Rust and Sawdust.” His music and programs not only entertain but inspire audiences to become involved in learning more.

Crafts

While at the festival you can check out a variety of artisans and their crafts including:

Ken Hunter Prints

In addition to his drawing class, Ken Hunter will have a selection of prints available for purchase throughout the weekend. Ken’s artwork and photos have appeared in many state, national and foreign publications including books and magazines. His art has graced the covers of magazines such as Pennsylvania Game News and Pennsylvania Angler, plus many other national and international publications. Ken was selected to paint a piece of art that commemorated the 75th anniversary of the National Parks that he presented to First Lady Barbara Bush at the White House.

Golden Feather Decoys

Jeff Keiffer will have some of his hand carvings set up for viewing and purchase throughout the weekend. Jeff has been carving for over 30 years. Most of his decoys are considered “Contemporary Antique.” Using the same tools as the great carvers of the past, he tries to make each decoy look like it was used 100 years ago. He has been competing in the “antique style” contests at major decoy contests for the past several years. In 2009, he placed second in the Ward Foundation World’s competition.

The 18th Century Shop

Dave Aucker will have a variety of hand made scrimshaw items available for viewing and purchase. Dave grew up watching Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett shoot their way across the big screen with a flintlock rifle. Since that time, he has been interested in the history of and the shooting of muzzleloaders. He had one of his horns featured in an issue of Muzzleloader Magazine.

Top Calls

Top Calls will have a booth with their various turkey, elk, deer and squatch calls — as well as a variety of other engraved items. Top Calls was established in 1994 as a Game Call Company with a vision. The vision was to produce some of the finest Quality Handcrafted Game Calls on the market today! With over 70 years of combined hunting experience, owners Russ Wagner, Frank Sutli and Frank Sutli, Jr. have successfully used their products both in the field and on the calling competition stages across the United States.

Kettle Creek Apiary

Kettle Creek Apiary began in 2024 with two hives and a vision to build a small sustainable apiary in North Central Pennsylvania. Located in the heart of Potter County (aka “God’s Country”), we expanded and added a few more hives. We continue our mission through the natural evolution of the honeybee and will enjoy watching and managing the growth of our apiary, one colony at a time.