Weekend in the Wilds will have a new look this year according to organizers. The event kicks off Friday July 4 in the downtown square.

People are encouraged to bring their picnics and enjoy a night of music. Dempsey Homestead Sweets will have desserts for purchase while you listen to Our Town and PHASER in the Emporium Town Square.

Music will begin at 6:00 pm. On Saturday the day begins bright and early with the Mountaineer Search & Rescue Big Foot Hunt. This year every hunter will receive an item whether or not they wrangle a big foot! Hunters pay $5 for a license and can begin hunting at daybreak.

Licenses are available through July 4 at Cameron County Chamber of Commerce, Lakeview Cabins and More, Sinnemahoning Tavern and Driftwood Saloon. New this year will be the placement of vendors.

“We have heard from visitors that traversing the sidewalk when vendors are set up in front of stores is too crowded and difficult to navigate the curb and bricks,” says chamber executive director Tina Solak.

The solution according to Solak is to utilize the side streets of Chestnut, Cherry and Wood. Vendors will be offering crafts for children including sand art, book sale at Barbara Moscato Memorial Library, yard sale at St Mark Catholic Church, the opportunity to purchase patriotic items, 3D printed outdoor decorations, and lots of food! Food items will range from gourmet hot dogs, sloppy joes, beverages, loaded fries, sandwiches, chocolates and more. Vendors will be up and running 11-4pm.The Cameron County SPCA is holding their annual basket raffle at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce. The drawing will take place at 1pm on Saturday. The Firequacker Duck Race is planned for Broad Street in Emporium at 2pm. The Big Foot Winners will be announced at 2:30pm.At 5pm the attention will switch to Shippen Township where Smoker’s Insane Terrain Offroad Park will host a smash and dash car race in the mud! The event located 6 miles from downtown Emporium on Route 155 is free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The offroad park will also be the site of the Cameron County Fireworks. They will blast off from the side of the mountain providing a unique viewing experience. Designated parking and a large area has been set aside for those wanting to spread a blanket and look up to the sky to see the rockets red glare.