The Allegheny National Forest is throwing itself a birthday party.

And everyone’s invited.

2023 marks the centennial of the Allegheny National Forest’s creation.

The centennial event will be Sunday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area south of Kane off of Route 321.

“Planned festivities include live music, guest speakers, kids’ activities, commemorative giveaways, interpretive hikes, an expo of organizations, history displays, food trucks, and beverage vendors,” Christopher Leeser, public affairs officer for the ANF, said.

Admission is free and the event is family friendly.

“The celebration at Twin Lakes Recreation Area is the signature event for a weekend of exciting opportunities that include the ANF100 Juried Art Exhibition at the Crary Art Gallery, ANF on Film: A Hunter’s/Angler’s Guide to ANF at the Struthers Library Theatre, and the Jakes Rocks Trail Fest at Kinzua Beach,” Leeser said.

“Our partners and local businesses have sponsored additional activities to encourage your enjoyment of the forest including a 100-mile Hiking Challenge, a 100-mile Paddle Challenge, a Centennial Trail of History, a Centennial Geocache Trail, and more. Information on these activities is available on our website.”

Twin Lakes itself is part of that history, constructed in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

“Come and commemorate the recovery of the land, one hundred years of sustainable growth, and the collaborative conservation work that promises a resilient forest for generations to come,” Leeser said.