Mad Poets Bonfires

An outdoor open forum for poets, songwriters, drummers and musicians.

Saturday, June 5, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010

Bonfires begin at dusk (approx. 6:30 pm - 7 pm) on Saturday night. At Ridley Creek State Park, located between Rt. 352 and Rt. 252 off Gradyville Road.  Get into the park and follow the signs for Area #13 (Organized Tenting Area #13.)  

  • Poets, songwriters, musicians and others who enjoy the arts are welcome to come early, or to camp overnight at the site.  We have rented the campsite for Area #13 from 3:00 p.m. on Saturday through 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, on each of the above dates.
  • Free & open to the public.  Not open to children under 16. *Material is not censored* 
  • Don’t forget a flashlight, your poems or your favorite poets’ work, musical instruments, friends, something to sit on (i.e., lawn chair, blanket, etc.) and coffee mug (no alcoholic beverages in the park).
  • Bring your camping gear, if you are staying over.  If you are planning to leave the park Saturday night after the bonfire, you can get out of the park through an emergency access road near the campsite.  
  • We bring the marshmallows and light refreshments.  
  • There are walking trails through the park, so it is a great place to come early and hang out !


The Ridley Creek State Park Office number is 610-892-3900, if you need directions from a specific area. Or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   For general state park info: call toll-free 888-PA-Parks, Mon. To Sat. 7 am to 5 pm.

Directions

Ridley Creek State Park is located between Rt. 352 and Rt. 252 off Gradyville Road.

Here’s how to find your way into the park from I-95:

  • Take I-95 to the Blue Route, which is Rt. I-476
  • Take Rt. 476 to the MEDIA/SWARTHMORE Exit (It is the second exit. The first exit is MacDade Blvd.)
  • Head towards Media, by taking a LEFT onto Baltimore Pike at the end of the ramp, at the light.  Go about one mile and you will come to a big intersection (Baltimore Pike & Rt. 252, also known as Providence Road).  
  • Turn RIGHT onto Rt. 252 (“Providence Road”).  You’ll pass the entrance to Rt. 1, but stay straight on Rt. 252. Go through the light at Rose Tree Road.  (FYI: Rose Tree Park is on the right hand side, about 50 feet past this intersection.)
  • GET IN THE LEFT HAND LANE, when the road splits, right in front of the park - and stay on Providence Road.  (You’ll pass St. Mary Magdalene School/Church).  You’ll cross over Bhishop Hollow Road, and then MAKE A LEFT ONTO GRADYVILLE ROAD.  There’s a sign at that corner that says, “Ridley Creek State Park.”
  • You’ll come to a fork - bear left and STAY ON GRADYVILLE ROAD.
  • Go one more mile and BEAR LEFT, that puts you into the park.  Follow the signs for Area #13 (“Organized Tenting/Camping Area”)   You’re there ! (There may be white balloons posted at intersections and turns, as you get closer to the site).