2026 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting, & “Do 6” Awards
Starry Skies and Stronger Communities
2026 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting, & “Do 6” Awards
The 2026 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting, & “Do 6” Awards will be held September 9-11, 2026, in the Heritage Community of Coudersport, located in Potter County, Pennsylvania.
Coudersport was selected as the host community in recognition of its designation as the 2025 PA Route 6 Heritage Community of the Year, an award presented to one designated Heritage Community that has embraced their Heritage Tourism Work Plan and has been steadily implementing worthwhile projects that show impact and results in their community.
Flourishing small businesses, artisans, and signature events, supported by organizations such as Revitalize Potter County, the Potter County Artisans Center, and a revitalized Chamber of Commerce, have helped create a vibrant, welcoming destination. As a gateway to Cherry Springs State Park, a globally recognized Dark Sky destination, Coudersport successfully blends arts, culture, outdoor recreation, and tourism, making it an ideal setting to showcase best practices in heritage-based community and economic development for the PA Route 6 region.
About the Program
The 2026 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting, & “Do 6” Awards has expanded into a multi-day experience featuring educational sessions, networking opportunities, outdoor activities, and celebrations centered around this year’s theme: Community Planning. Throughout the event, attendees will explore innovative ideas, collaborative strategies, and real-world success stories that strengthen communities along the PA Route 6 Corridor, from dark sky preservation and heritage tourism to active transportation and economic development. Whether you attend the entire event or select individual activities, there’s something for everyone.
The event begins at world-renowned Cherry Springs State Park, named by the Travel Channel as one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. Guests will enjoy a special Dark Sky Program presented by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Environmental Education Specialist Steve Werner.
The Educational Workshop continues at the Gunzburger Building in downtown Coudersport with a full day of engaging presentations, Heritage Community panel discussions, and practical planning strategies designed for community leaders, tourism professionals, nonprofit organizations, and local stakeholders.
Featured speakers include Potter County Planning Commission member Katie Forsythe discussing Dark Sky Preservation; Heidi Schlag of Heritage Tourism Studio presenting strategies for creating a connected visitor experience along Route 6; Samantha Pearson of the PA Downtown Center exploring active transportation and economic development; Helena Kotala of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and David Landis from V2V Trails highlighting the Route 6 Alliance Gravel Route Project and connected projects; Jenny Trotten and Spencer Moss of Alchemy sharing the Revitalize Potter County initiative; and Silas Chamberlain of Firefly Outdoor Economics demonstrating how digital data can strengthen community planning efforts.
Funding Panel and Community Project speakers – Christie Yerger (PA Department of Community & Economic Development), Julie Fitzpatrick (PA Downtown Center), West Penn Energy Fund, Wes Fahringer and Katie Wickert (PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) Sarah Merritt, (PA Creative Industries) and Charles Gray (Impact Corry), Todd Pousley (Carbondale), Kathy Barrett and Susan Coole (Mansfield).
The Annual Meeting will be held at the Coudersport Golf Club and features keynote speaker Heidi Schlag, Founder and Principal of Heritage Tourism Studio, who will share insights into how thoughtful community planning shapes the Route 6 visitor experience. The evening also includes updates on Alliance initiatives, recognition of community achievements through the annual “Do 6” Awards, and an after-party to celebrate another successful year.
Attendees can also enjoy several optional activities throughout the event, including a guided walking tour of historic Coudersport, visits to the local farmers market, the PA Route 6 Alliance Maker’s Market in partnership with the PA Wilds, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Cyclists can join the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for an optional group ride along the scenic Coudersport Heritage Loop, part of the Trans PA Cycle Tour.
(Optional bicycle ride is a scenic mixed-surface ride hosted by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC). Beginning at the new Market Village and PA Route 6 Maker’s Mart in downtown Coudersport, this 17-mile route combines gravel and paved roads as it winds through the rolling hills, forests, and farmland north of town. The route is one of a series of Heritage Community routes being developed across the Route 6 corridor through a partnership between PEC and V2V Trails. Depending on rider interest and group size, an optional 12-mile version may be offered, or participants may split into smaller groups. Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of riding.)
Registration is now open. We look forward to welcoming you to Coudersport for this inspiring celebration of collaboration, community, and the future of Pennsylvania’s Route 6 Corridor.
Speakers
Lodging
Book your stay early! Visit https://www.visitpottertioga.com/plan-your-stay/lodging
Congratulations
2026 "Do 6" Award Winners
Each year at the Annual Meeting & Educational Workshop, the Alliance recognizes and celebrates just a handful of those outstanding individuals and groups through their annual “Do 6” Awards Ceremony. These individuals, organizations, businesses, and corporations exemplify the mission of the PA Route 6 Alliance to protect, preserve and enhance the scenic, cultural, historical, and recreational resources of Pennsylvania’s northern tier.
2026 HERITAGE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR AWARD
MILFORD – Pike County, PA
Presented to the designated Heritage Community, who embraced their Heritage Community Work Plan, implementing worthwhile projects and showing impacts and results.
2026 HERITAGE PARTNERSHIP AWARD
EDINBORO MARKET – Edinboro, Erie County, PA
Presented to a group, person or organization that has demonstrated excellence in historic preservation, cultural preservation, interpretation, and/or education through cross-corridor thinking and interagency cooperation.
2026 HERITAGE LEADERSHIP AWARD
ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST VISITORS BUREAU
Bradford, McKean County, PA
Presented to a person(s), business or organization for meaningful contributions and/or through partnerships, by enriching our communities through landscape initiatives or historic preservation.
2026 HERITAGE TOURISM AWARD
Ulysses, Potter County, PA
Presented to a business or project that furthers economic and tourism development while respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the PA Route 6 Corridor.
2026 ARTISAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
NICOLE HARRIS- ARMENIA MOUNTAIN SPIRITS/GREENER PASTURES FARM AND GREENHOUSES
Troy, Bradford County, PA
Presented to an artist or artisan group that exemplifies the goals of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail program, showing regional thinking and cooperation while promoting the arts along the corridor.
2026 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
TBD
Presented to a person or agency who exemplifies outstanding leadership and advances our mission through heritage development
2026
Planning Committee Members
| Position | Name | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Director | Candace Hillyard | PA Route 6 Alliance |
| Fiscal & Admin Coordinator | Danielle Stilson | PA Route 6 Alliance |
| Artisan Trail Coordinator | Ralph Scherder | PA Route 6 Alliance |
| Executive Director | Colleen Hanson | Visit Potter-Tioga |
| Director | Will Hunt | Potter County Planning, GIS, & Community Development |
| Northwest Regional Advisor | Katie Wickert | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Coudersport Borough | ||
| Coudersport Chamber |
2026 Event Sponsors
2026 Silver Sponsors
2026 Bronze Sponsor
2026 Funding Partners
Thank you to the 2026 Event Partners and Sponsors
Previous Educational Workshops, Annual Meetings, & “Do 6” Award Programs
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