Shawnee on Delaware, PA - There’s more happening year round at this popular Monroe County Ski Area, now home to many of the Pocono Regions largest special events.

Kicking off the summer festivities will be the all new Shawnee Celtic Festival on June 28 and 29, Saturday and Sunday, from 11AM till 6PM both days. Produced in cooperation with East of the Hebrides Entertainments, the new festival promises two full days of the sights and sounds of the Emerald Isles and Scottish Highlands. Non-stop Celtic Music with 9 bands will be featured on 3 stages.

On the weekend of July 5 and 6, from 10AM till 5PM, the Pocono Kidz Fest returns to Shawnee Mountain. Now in it’s 6th year, the event where “kids rule” serves as a yearly fundraiser for the Pocono Family YMCA. Kidz Fest features over 30 child and family friendly activities, exhibits, shows and vendors, plus all the kid powered fun of Shawnee Place Play & Water Park with its waterslides, splash pools and play elements. Also on the evening of July 5 from 7PM till 10PM, the annual Fireworks display, benefiting the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company will again held at the base of Shawnee Mountain, The Fireworks rain date is Sunday, July, 6.

The 14th Annual Pocono Garlic Festival is back for a second season at Shawnee Mountain. Presented every Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 30 & 31 this year), by the Pocono Garlic Growers Association, this annual event moved from downtown Stroudsburg in 2007. The change in venue allowed the legendary festival to expand it’s schedule to two days, charge an admission fee and add additional entertainment and vendors. For summer 2008, it’s food, food and more food with an increased list of 40+ vendors, restaurants and maverick cooks preparing a huge variety of aromatic and tasty foods liberally laced with the famous Pocono grown garlic. A high level of crafters and artisans are promised both days working in diverse media all finding a unique way to offer some garlic-themed wares. Non-stop musical and novelty entertainment will be presented on multiple stages along with activity areas and a new educational tent with exhibits and lectures both days.

Included with all Shawnee summer festivals is Shawnee Place Play & Water Park which is open daily for summer 2008, June 21 through August 31 on the grounds of Shawnee Mountain. Shawnee Place has over 15 unique outdoor play elements especially for ages 2 – 12 and their families, plus two exciting waterslides with refreshing splash down pools and a cool activity pool.

Featured 2008 fall events at Shawnee Mountain will include the annual Rodeo and Chili Cook-off on September 27 & 28 and the big Autumn Timber & Balloon Festival happening October 17,18 and 19.

Advance discount festival tickets and more detailed festival information for all Shawnee events and Shawnee Place are available now at www.shawneemt.com or 570-421-7231.

Shawnee Mountain is located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania just off Exit 309 of Interstate 80. General information call 570-421-7231. For lodging information, call 888-845-5248 (townhomes and chateaus), 800-SHAWNEE (Shawnee Inn), or 800-POCONOS (vacation bureau). Or visit Shawnee Mountain on-line at www.shawneemt.com where on-line booking links are available.