Free public meetings will outline economic opportunities, visitor projections, and community collaboration for Pennsylvania’s first permanent Thomas Dambo troll installations.

BRADFORD, PA – The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau (ANFVB) invites local business owners, community leaders, artisans, and residents to attend upcoming informational sessions regarding the landmark “Trolls in the Forest” public art and eco-tourism project.

The sessions will explore the regional economic impact of the project, provide an overview of projected visitor volume, and outline concrete ways local businesses, hospitality providers, and volunteers can capitalize on the influx of travelers.

Sessions are free, open to the public, and include light refreshments:

• Kane Information Session: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: Kane Elementary School, 400 W Hemlock Avenue, Kane, PA 16735   

Bradford Information Session: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: Bradford’s Old Post Office, 80 E. Corydon Street, Bradford, PA

Each 90-minute session will provide an overview of the project scope and timeline, followed by an open community discussion. With significant visitor interest on the horizon, the time to start thinking and preparing is now. The session is designed to jumpstart local brainstorming—encouraging business owners, civic groups, and residents to explore their own creative ideas for collaborating, welcoming travelers, and making the most of this momentum.

“Bringing three monumental Thomas Dambo trolls to McKean County is a once-in-a-generation catalyst that will draw thousands of cultural travelers into our downtown corridors,” said Rustin Lippincott, Executive Director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. “These meetings are designed to equip our local merchants, restaurateurs, makers, and civic groups with the insights they need to prepare, collaborate, and directly benefit from this surge in foot traffic.”

“Trolls in the Forest” will feature three monumental troll sculptures crafted entirely from locally sourced salvaged wood and recycled materials. Standing up to 30 feet tall, the sculptures will mark Dambo’s first permanent exhibition in Pennsylvania, placing McKean County on the global “troll hunting” map alongside more than 190 sculptures worldwide across 20 countries and 21 U.S. states.

Targeted for installation in 2027, the sculptures are planned for Kane, Bradford and a third mid-county location near Westline. Designed to encourage exploration across trails, parks, and downtown business districts, the installation is projected to attract more than 100,000 visitors annually, turning single-day excursions into multi-day stays that fuel the regional economy.

No RSVP is required to attend. Community members and business owners unable to attend can learn more or request project updates by visiting PATrailCentral.com or calling 800-473-9370.