FIREFLIES: Starting around this time of year in June, night time visitors to some remote pockets of the Allegheny National Forest may get a glimpse at a rare sight: synchronous fireflies.

The whimsical critters do something that few fireflies do: light up their bodies simultaneously with other fireflies. And mid to late June seems to be the time they shine.

Synchronous fireflies are so rare that only a handful of locations around the world can boast about being home to them.

There is something magical about spotting any fireflies, and one Pennsylvania team of firefly enthusiasts has organized a whole festival to honoring that magic: Pennsylvania Firefly Festival Inc.

The non-profit group is hosting the 2019 PA Firefly Festival June 22 at the Black Caddis Ranch in Kellettville, Forest County

Activities for the seventh annual event will happen from noon to midnight at the ranch, located on Route 666 between Tionesta and Marienville.

Attendees will enjoy live music, nature center exhibitors, children’s activities, art and craft vendors and food. A glow-in-the-dark painting workshop is set for 3 p.m.

Preregistration for guided firefly walks is closed, onsite registration on festival day may be available to a few lucky visitors as space allows.

More about the organization can be found at www.pafireflyfestival.org.

But, hey, we live in rural Pennsylvania, and you don’t have to wait for a special event to enjoy a firefly-filled evening.

McKean County back porches were made for relaxing with a cold beverage on a warm summer night, chatting with a neighbor and listening to crickets.