Families can celebrate autumn and the outdoors with entertainment and fun-filled activities for children at the ninth annual Plumas National Forest Fall Fest.

  The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mt. Hough Ranger District, 39696 Highway 70 outside Quincy. Everyone is welcome to join the fun; admission is free.

    Hands-on activities include leaf art and learning how to create and play a native Californian elderberry flute. Antonio Flores, East Bay Parks regional docent, will be on hand to talk about the culture of flute-making and the endangered elderberry beetle. Participants can also string beads and bells on leather twine to use when hiking to warn bears away or attach to a horse’s harness to develop a soothing cadence. Environmental Alternatives hosts seedling planting and Coordinated Resource Management teaches about the creepy crawlie bugs that are good for local creeks.

    Audubon, Plumas County Office of Education and Pacific Gas and Electric Co., with its annual tree giveaway, are just a few of those who will be on hand to offer of lots of fun activities.

  Guests can also relax and listen to the great sound of self-taught musician and recording artist John Carter, who has been playing music for more than 33 years. Carter uses puppets and rhythm instruments for a mixture of traditional folk and original music for both children and adults and will play at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Carter will be followed by PNF Tribal Liaison Wade McMaster on guitar at 11:45 and then Indian Valley intertribal women’s community drum group “Hum Ku” at 1:45. Plumas Talespinners member Sherry Kumler will weave her tales between sets of music beginning at 12:30 p.m.

    Indian Valley Volunteer Fire Department once again offers “the best barbecue hamburgers this side of the Mississippi” as a fundraiser, and Quincy Elementary School’s sixth-grade students will offer beverages and homemade desserts to raise funds for their Watershed Education Program.

    Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and join PNF staff outdoors this fall season while enjoying the festivities.

    For more information about Fall Fest contact Kathy Powers at 283-7618.