FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CELEBRATE WARM WEATHER WITH OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN MERCER COUNTY
Exotic Animals, Wine Festivals and Holiday Parades Await Visitors This May

MERCER COUNTY, Pa. – May 11, 2011 – Western Pennsylvania’s seasonal weather welcomes travelers to the area and there is no better place to visit than Mercer County for a variety of outdoor activities for friends and families to enjoy.

Pymatuning Deer Park officially opens for the 2011 season on May 14. The park features over 250 animals and birds from around the world. Visitors will see lions and tigers from the Far East and several species of deer. Many of the animals you can pet and feed. The children’s pony ride is a popular tourist attraction along with the scenic train ride on the “Deer Park Express.” A picnic area and gift shop are available to guests and is located on 804 East Jamestown Road in Jamestown, Pa. Admission is $7 for ages 16 and up and $6 for seniors and children ages two through 15. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 724-932-3200.

Bring your family and friends to the Wilhelm Winery “Start of Summer Wine Festival” on May 28-29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy tastings, tours, food and fun for all. Special pricing on wine by the case will be made available throughout the festival and as well at the Wilhelm Hermitage Outlet Store. The event will take place rain or shine, and is located on 590 Georgetown Road in Hadley, Pa. For more information, please call 724-253-3700.

On May 30 at Mercer’s Historic Courthouse Square, visitors can experience the Mercer Memorial Day 500. Activities include a 5K race, a veterans’ reception, a patriotic program and parade and a Memorial Day Salute featuring Vietnam Veterans. The event starts at 9 a.m. with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, please call 724-662-2786.

For more information about events in Mercer County, visit www.VisitMercerCountyPA.com or call 724-346-3771.

About VisitMercerCountyPA:
Located in Northwestern Pennsylvania, along the Ohio border, Mercer County is home to name-brand outlets, boutiques and unique specialty stores for shoppers. The area is also known for its challenging golf courses of inspired design. Golf Digest ranked Mercer County as one of its top golf destinations. Visitors can dine on mouthwatering cuisine in Mercer County's array of fine restaurants and then stay overnight in a well-appointed hotel, a luxurious bed and breakfast or a cozy country inn. Close to Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland and other major markets, Mercer County is easily accessible via I-80 and I-79. The County offers the perfect escape.  For more information, visit www.VisitMercerCountyPa.com