Black History Events Scheduled in Kentucky

John James Audubon State Park will honor Black History Month with a Kentucky Chautauqua Performance: Reverend Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price” on February 11, 2012

February is, of course, Black History Month. Several agencies within the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet will be holding events during February in honor of the month long celebration.

Below is a listing of these events:

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Kentucky Chautauqua Performance: Reverend Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price”

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m., Audubon Museum

In 1864 Kentucky became the last state to allow slaves to enlist in the Union Army. The Rev. Newton Bush, like many other slaves, risked his life to escape. He traveled to Camp Nelson and enlisted in the Army to fight for his freedom, the freedom of loved ones, and to preserve the union. Those like Bush soon found that even though they were risking their lives to fight for freedom, this alone did not ensure they would be treated with any more respect and dignity than they received as slaves. This Kentucky Chautauqua performance (by actor Robert Bell) is presented in conjunction with the Kentucky Humanities Council and the John James Audubon Museum. Free. Call 270-827-1893.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown

Lecture, Luncheon and Kentucky Chautauqua Performance

Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m.

Pen Bogert, a preservation administrator in Bardstown, will share his research on slaves at the Federal Hill Plantation. Robert Bell will portray the Rev. Newton Bush, an African-American Union soldier, in “Freedom at a Terrible Price.” This Kentucky Chautauqua performance is sponsored in part by the Kentucky Humanities Council. Lunch will also be served. The cost is $15 a person and reservations are required. Call 1-800-323-7803 for reservations and information.

Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort

Family History Workshop

Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m.

The Kentucky Historical Society will present “Entangled Lives,” a dialogue between descendants of a master and a slave with Ann Neel and Pam Smith. This is a free program, but advance registration is required. To reserve a space, email KHSRefDesk@ky.gov before Feb. 10. Smith will also discuss her Kentucky family lines that connect with President Thomas Jefferson’s sister, Lucy Jefferson Lewis, of Livingston County, Ky., and intersect with the noted conservationist, Thomas Wallace, editor of the Louisville Times during the 1930s and ’40s. Smith will instruct the group on how to trace slavery and slaveholding in their own families through pictures, oral histories, census and probate records, information from research trips, and results from DNA testing. It will take place at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 W. Broadway, Frankfort.

Kentucky Humanities Council, various locations

Kentucky Chautauqua Programs

Several Kentucky Chautauqua programs related to African-American history in Kentucky will be presented during February. These programs, sponsored by the Kentucky Humanities Council, feature actors who portray characters from Kentucky history. They include Anna Mac Clarke, portrayed by Haley McCoy, and her experience as an African-American woman in the Army during World War II; the Rev. Newton Bush, an African-American Union soldier, portrayed by Robert Bell; and “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing!,” By Daryl Harris, a musical history of African-Americans in Kentucky. Here are the programs:

  • Feb. 2, Anna Mac Clarke, military pioneer, Martin County Historical and Genealogical Society, Inez
  • Feb. 9, Anna Mac Clarke, military pioneer, Bluegrass Heritage Museum, Winchester
  • Feb. 9, The Rev. Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price,” Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Prestonsburg
  • Feb. 9, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” Daryl Harris, McCracken County Public Library, Paducah
  • Feb. 21, The Rev. Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price,” Paul Sawyier Public Library, Frankfort
  • Feb. 28, The Rev. Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price,” Woodford County Public Library, Versailles

Winter Events in January and February at Kentucky State Parks

Tree Silhouetted During Winter Sunset, Kentucky, USA

Tree Silhouetted During Winter Sunset in Kentucky

People in Kentucky (and most places, for that matter) make the mistake of thinking that winter is JUST for sitting inside, eating, and watching college basketball.  I don’t have anything against sitting or eating and I love college basketball (how could you NOT when you live in the state of Kentucky – home to two of the most exciting programs in the country?!?!). However, humans don’t need to hibernate with the bears. Doing so just leads to extra pounds.. for us and them!

There’s still plenty of beauty to get out and see, and plenty of places to visit. In fact, you’ll find the crowds smaller and traffic much more agreeable. Plan a trip to a Kentucky State Park this weekend – and don’t forget your camera. If you visit one of the Kentucky State Resort Parks, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious hot meal in the dining room.  Most offer gorgeous views, buffet bars as well as menus, friendly staff, and some of the best coffee you’ve ever had.

Below are some of the winter events you can take advantage of at Kentucky’s State Parks.

If you’re looking for some winter adventure, the Kentucky State Parks have numerous outdoor events planned in January and February to get you outdoors and moving.

They include elk viewing tours, hikes, looking for eagles at the Land Between the Lakes and watching sandhill cranes as they migrate through Kentucky.

One of the most popular events is the Winter Adventure Weekend Jan. 27-29 at Carter Caves State Resort Park at Olive Hill. The weekend includes hiking, canoeing, recreational tree climbing, cave tours, winter survival, rappelling and other adventures. Guests will be able to select from a list of trips they want to take – for beginners and advanced winter adventurers alike. All of the trips and events are led by guides. The list of the trips, along with registration information and other details for the 2012 event are available at www.winteradventureweekend.com. All participants must register online at this site. The nonrefundable fee for adults (age 13 and older) is $25, and the nonrefundable fee for children ages 6-12 is $20. (All participants must be at least 6 years old. Some trips have additional age requirements.). For more information, call Carter Caves at 1-800-325-0059.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville is hosting the Hike the Highlands Winter Getaway Jan. 13-15. Join the expedition to hike 8 miles on three guided hikes in one weekend. Gaze out across the Cumberland Mountains from Knobby Rock in the midst of the celebrated Blanton Forest. Stand on the mountain peak where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia adjoin and feel the weight of history in the saddle of the Cumberland Gap Pass. Investigate a Native American camp in a sandstone rockhouse, relive the folk history of the legendary Chained Rock and examine a natural arch on the vaulted south slope of Pine Mountain. Registration is required. The park is offering a lodging package for $170 for two. Call 1-800-325-1712 for information.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin is hosting its Arches and Waterfall Weekend Jan. 13-15. Enjoy a weekend of guided hikes to explore some of Kentucky’s natural treasures: natural arches and waterfalls. There will be a daily morning hike and a daily afternoon hike to different natural features. Relax in the lodge and enjoy evening programs. Call the park at 1-800-325-0063.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park at Prestonsburg and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park at Buckhorn resume elk viewing tours in January. This is one of several excellent wildlife viewing tours offered by the Kentucky State Parks. Call the parks for details and reservations or visit www.parks.ky.gov (Jenny Wiley is 1-800-325-0142; Buckhorn Lake is 1-800-325-0058.)

Three parks in western Kentucky will offer Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February. The parks and dates are: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park at Gilbertsville, Jan. 20-22; Lake Barkley State Resort Park near Cadiz, Jan. 27-29; and Kenlake State Resort Park near Aurora, Feb. 3-5. Tours are conducted by van and by boat with wildlife guides. Call the parks or visit www.parks.ky.gov for more information and reservations.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park will offer its Nature Watch Weekends for sandhill cranes, Jan. 20-21 and Feb. 17-18. Participants can register for morning or afternoon trips led by naturalists. Registration is $30 per person and includes an evening session, a sunrise or sunset field trip, boxed meal and a T-shirt. Call the park at 1-800-325-0057 for information and reservations.

John James Audubon State Park at Henderson will host several Owl Prowls during January and February. These free trips begin at 3:30 or 4 p.m. Guests should bring cameras or binoculars to see avian predators like short-eared owls, great horned owls, prairie merlins, rough-legged hawks, northern harriers, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. The hikes are scheduled for Jan. 8 and 22 and Feb. 5 and 19. Meet at the main boat ramp at Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area in Warrick County, Ind. Call 1-270-826-2247 for information.

For more information about these events and Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Photo Credit: The gorgeous Photographic Print at the top of the page is available from Allposters.com.  More Kentucky Posters and Prints

“An Evening with Rosemary Clooney” Ticket Sales Begin

Rosemary ClooneyTicket sales have begun for “An Evening with Rosemary Clooney,” a Chautauqua performance and cocktail party hosted by The Friends of Audubon on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 6 p.m. in the Audubon Museum.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at John James Audubon State Park in Henderson. The event will be a fundraiser for the Audubon Theater Project and will feature an actress portraying Kentucky-native and Grammy Award winning artist Rosemary Clooney. Live music, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, prize raffles and an inspirational film montage of Clooney’s career are all part of this event honoring one of Kentucky’s most treasured entertainers.

Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Ky., in 1928. In 1945, she and her sister Betty won a spot on Cincinnati, Ohio’s radio station WLW as singers. After her first recordings with Tony Pastor’s big band, she broke out on her own with a hit single “Come On-a My House” in 1951. From duets with Marlene Dietrich to her role in the 1954 movie “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen, Clooney was always in good company throughout her career. By 1956, she had her own half-hour syndicated television musical-variety show “The Rosemary Clooney Show.”

Rosemary Clooney, an entertainer in every sense of the word, continued to perform even late into her life. She sang a duet of “Green Eyes” with Barry Manilow on his 1994 album, “Singin’ with the Big Bands.”

She also guest-starred on ER, the television medical drama starring her famous nephew, George Clooney in 1995. Rosemary Clooney died in June 2002 from lung cancer. She is buried in Maysville, Kentucky.

For more information, call the park at (270) 827-1893.

John James Audubon State Park: Wildflower Extravaganza April 2

Black-Eyed Susans

If you love flowers, trees, and birds as much as we do in our home (I guess “in our yard” would be more appropriate), here’s something you’ll be very interested in.

John James Audubon State Park’s Annual Wildflower Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, April 2 , from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (CT).

Throughout the day, visitors to the park in Henderson will have the opportunity to stretch their legs, expand their minds and create botanical landscaping masterpieces. This annual event features programs for all ages including three wildflower walks, informative presentations and a children’s scavenger hunt.

Visitors will learn about the area’s incredible spring flowers and their historical uses. “Long before pharmacies, people looked to nature to cure their ills,” said Audubon Park Naturalist Julie McDonald. “Some of those medical uses were valid while others were just plain dangerous, however, since then we’ve lost touch with nature, and the stories that connect us to it.”

Evansville Courier and Press writer Sharon Sorenson will introduce visitors the art of birdscaping or landscaping to attract birds and wildlife. With all of the wonderful landscaping plants available, one would think that there’s plenty of food available.

“Not so,” said McDonald. “The toughest time to find food is toward the end of winter when natural food sources such as grasses and berry plants are depleted and the insects haven’t come back in large enough numbers to feed hungry mouths. If we plant the right plants to sustain birds through the winter and provide a frost-free water source, we’ll have a better chance of creating the best habitat for our feathered friends while reducing lawn mowing time throughout the summer.”

Saturday, April 2 activities include:

  • 9 a.m.: Wildflower Walk (1.5 hour)—We’ll identify as many flowers as we can on this challenging one-mile trail ranging from ridge to river. Audubon Museum – Front Porch.
  • 11 a.m.: Wildflower Walk—Learn about the traditional uses of native wildflower plants on this moderately easy trail. Audubon Museum – Front Porch.
  • Noon: Kids Wildflower Scavenger Hunt (30-minute program for children ages 3-5 and their parents)—Learn about shapes, colors and our local flowers on this easy, paved trail. Audubon Museum Back Porch.
  • 1 p.m.: Wildflower Walk (one hour)—Stroll along on this guided moderately easy walk of less than a mile. Audubon Museum – Front Porch.
  • 2 p.m.: Birdscaping: Landscaping for Birds (one hour)—Irrevocably tied to the plants around them, birds turn to plants for food, shelter, nest sites and nest-making materials. Which flowers, trees, shrubs and vines grow in your yard determine which birds visit there. Presented by Sharon Sorenson. Audubon Meeting Room.

For more information contact Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov.

John James Audubon State Park also has a museum, gift shop, campground, cottages, hiking trails and a nine-hole golf course!

John James Audubon: Before His Birds

“John James Audubon: Before His Birds” will be presented on Thursday and Friday,  Aug. 19 and 20, at 7 p.m. in the museum garden of John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, Ky. The play was written by A.J. Casey and is co-directed by Casey and Steve McCarty, technical director at Henderson Fine Arts Center.

“John James Audubon: Before His Birds” focuses on Audubon’s life and his influences as the creator of the masterpiece “Birds of America.” His intense love affair with his wife Lucy, as well as his many years spent gathering inspiration and material in Henderson, Ky., played heavily into Audubon’s life and success and are chronicled in Casey’s original play.

The gorgeous outdoor setting of the play’s presentation is in keeping with Audubon’s love of the natural world, and is a fitting tribute to Audubon’s many treks into the wilderness surrounding Henderson, Ky., during his time there. The museum itself will lend a dramatic backdrop to the production.

A.J. Casey holds a theatre degree from Murray State University and currently teaches at RiverBend Academy arts school. “John James Audubon: Before His Birds” is Casey’s first full-length script and was written as a thesis project. He created the script in cooperation with the Audubon Bicentennial Committee as part of Audubon in Henderson: A Bicentennial Celebration – 1810-2010.

The local cast includes: John (Chris Reaves); Lucy (Megan Mortis); Capt. Jean Audubon and Artistic Admirer (Frank Furbush); Anne Moynet (Megan Nantz); William B. and Thomas B. (Rick Chandler); Woman and Lady Artistic Admirer (Brianna Barron); Dacosta, Attendant and Mr. Bowen (Kurt Denton); Assistant (Isaac Vaughn); Thomas Bakewell (Adam Casey).

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. Tickets may be purchased at Matt’s News & Gifts in downtown Henderson and at the Audubon State Park museum.

The play will be preceded on Thursday, Aug. 19 by the opening reception and awards presentation of Views of Audubon, an exhibit of paintings inspired by landscapes and wildlife of the park, from 5 to 6:45 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 20, a drawing for a 2010 Jeep Wrangler will be held prior to the play at 6 p.m. in front of the Tea House; $25/ticket entries. The proceeds will help support the Audubon in Henderson: A Bicentennial Celebration – 1810-2010. For more information on bicentennial events, visit: www.audubon2010.com

About Audubon in Henderson: A Bicentennial Celebration – 1810-2010:
John James Audubon arrived in the river town of Henderson, Ky. in 1810 with his wife and infant son. Audubon loved the frontier spirit in Henderson, and as he worked to support his family through business he also spent much time roaming the woods, observing and painting the many species of birds abundant in the area. Audubon’s skills as an artist grew during his years in Kentucky, and after nine years in Kentucky, he went on to publish his ornithological works in the masterpiece, “The Birds of America.” In celebration of the bicentennial of Audubon’s 1810 arrival in Henderson County, the Friends of Audubon, Ohio Valley Art League and the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources have come together to celebrate with a wide variety of events. For more information, visit www.audubon2010.com. For more information about Audubon State Park and other Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Kentucky State Parks: Labor Day Weekend Events!

The Kentucky State Parks will be in full swing with events and activities during Labor Day Weekend.

All 32 campgrounds will be open and many parks are planning special festivities for guests. The park system’s 17 resort parks – all with lodges, full-service restaurants, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and other amenities – will be open.

The recreational parks and historic sites will also be open. Most have hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, fishing and other recreational opportunities for guests.

Golfers have 18 courses across the state from which to choose. Several courses have received national honors for being among the best places to play. The Kentucky State Parks also offer golf packages that include overnight stays.

For more information about all 51 state parks and to make lodging or camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Information about lodging discounts and coupons is also available on the website. Below is a listing of events scheduled during Labor Day Weekend 2010:

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Sept. 3

Tomahawk Throwing at the Pioneer Museum

While the tomahawk was a formidable weapon, unlike the movies, it was probably never actually thrown in frontier warfare. However, games of skill were common on the frontier. Join the park “expert” for a talk about the history of games of skill and a chance to test skill with a tomahawk. This program is open throughout the day and is part of the Pioneer Museum Summer Series. It is free with paid admission to the museum. 1-800-443-7008.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Sept. 4

Labor Day Blood Drive

You can be someone’s hero! The Central Kentucky Blood Center Blood Mobile will be just outside the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Pioneer Museum. All blood donors will receive complimentary passes for the Pioneer Museum and be eligible to win door prizes. Donate blood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call the park at 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for overnight accommodations, directions and additional information.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

Sept. 4

Goldenrod Gala

The park will host a one-day juried Arts & Crafts Festival featuring handmade items. The gala includes a variety of demonstrators, all-day entertainment, food concessions, Farmer’s Market and activities for kids. 866-462-8853.

Fort Boonesborough State Park

Sept. 4

CKBC Mobile Blood Drive
The Central Kentucky Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive in the Recreation Hall of the campground from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All donors will receive a t-shirt, a gift and will be entered into the door prize drawings for gift certificates from the park and area businesses. Open to the public. 859-527-3131.

Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, Fairview

Sept. 4

Civil War Flag Exhibit

Spend part of your holiday weekend visiting Jefferson Davis State Historic Site to see an impressive collection of reproduction Civil War flags, both Confederate and Union, by Spencer and Linda Brewer of Central City. 270-889-6100.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Sept. 3-4

Plein-Air & Studio Workshop

Artists, are you ready to learn how to construct a good composition? This two-day adult workshop is designed for beginning-to-advanced artists seeking more knowledge to enhance and create a beautifully composed painting. The workshop will consist of students learning the fundamentals of a composition and compositional studies in the studio. Don’t miss the instruction by the award winning wildlife artist Devere Burt, of Cincinnati. Registration is required. A supply list will be provided. Fee: $60 for both days. Times: Friday 9-4 p.m.; Saturday 9–noon. 270-826-2247.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Sept. 2-6

Labor Day Weekend

John James Audubon State Park will be celebrating Labor Day Weekend throughout the park. The fun starts with Fishing Fun on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the boat dock on Recreation Lake and ends with Recycled Bird Feeders on Monday, Sept. 6.  There will be nature crafts, wildlife games and guided hikes throughout the weekend. The highlights of the weekend will include a Labor Day Campground Parade, Live Raptor Show and Ice

Cream In-A-Bag. Call for programs, times, and location at (270) 826-4424.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Weekend Activities

Join the recreation staff at Barren River for a weekend full of fun.  The park will be ending the “summer season” with a variety of activities for campers, guests and visitors.  There will be a Leave No Trace Awareness workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.  Participants will learn how to be good stewards of the land and will receive a discount card for 10 percent off lodging or camping valid through September 2011.  Dave Stahl will be providing live musical entertainment in the campground on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Nature hikes, reptile shows, fabulous fossil activities and more all weekend long. 800-325-0057.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Getaway

Close out the summer with lots of family fun at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.  There will be crafts, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, mini golf and all sorts of fun-filled activities to keep you busy.  Don’t forget the community pool will be open through Sept. 6, so come out and enjoy that last swim of the summer. 800-325-0083.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

Sept. 3 – 5

Labor Day “Fun in the Sun”

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be celebrating Labor Day with several activities.  Come build your own “Pine Derby Car” on Saturday morning and then race it Saturday evening.  The park will also have a reptile show with the Kentucky Reptile Zoo on Saturday at 5 p.m.  Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes as we will have a “heel-clicking” good time Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with folk and country line dancing.  Other activities include a pet show, tomahawk throwing, arts and crafts, archery, primitive fire starting demonstration, tie-dye t-shirts and much more. 800-325-0142.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Weekend Activities

The end of summer is near so let’s spend the holiday weekend together at Lake Cumberland. The park’s recreation department has plenty of fun activities planned for the entire family.  The park will have activities such as bingo, youth archery, balloon launcher, pool games and a magic show featuring Dave Cottrell.  For information, contact Robert Myers at RobertA.Myers@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1709.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Sept. 3-6

End of the Summer Celebration

Buckhorn Lake is having its annual End of the Summer Celebration filled with lots of fun and excitement for guests. Cool off from the summer heat by enjoying the pool and water games. Have fun drying off during the many yard games and sport activities that will continue throughout the weekend. Evening activities will include a campfire and s’mores and much more. 800-325-0058.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park’s recreation staff will offer a variety of programs Labor Day Weekend, including a hike to Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, archery, folk dancing, craft programs and more.  The community pool will be open from 12 p.m.-8 p.m.  800-325-0063.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville

Sept. 3-6
NBL/BMX Grand Nationals

Join E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park for the annual NBL/BMX Grand Nationals. Watch the best of the best riders from all over the world. This event is sponsored by Derby City BMX, www.derbycitybmx.org.  502-429-7270.

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend Celebration

Kenlake State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the back lobby. Scott Shupe, an old friend of the park, will bring many of his animals for his live animal presentation.  Other activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. End the summer with a live band Sunday night on the front lawn. 800-325-0143.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend – Say Goodbye to Summer

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Say farewell to Summer and all the heat and enjoy the last weekend of scheduled daily recreation activities for the year. Activities include tie-dye, an all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Social, Ping Pong Tournaments, Nintendo Wii Tournaments, arts and crafts. Heath Eric will perform to close out the weekend on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at the campground! Fees for some events. For details contact Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0146.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Celebration

Lake Barkley State Resort Park says farewell to summer with a Labor Day weekend celebration.  Activities will start on Friday evening at the campground and continue through Monday afternoon at the lodge.  The recreation staff has packed this last weekend of summer with lots of activities for the entire family. Activities include a snake presentation, tie-dye shirts, corn-hole games, trap shooting and an owl prowl. And don’t forget to stop by the beach on the last few days it will be open for the summer.  For more information contact Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov or 1-800-325-1708

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend Celebration

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. Don’t miss Music in the Park on Friday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. with local artist Heath Eric. 800-325-1711.

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

Sept. 6

Pickin’ at the Caves
Bring your instruments out to Carter Caves State Resort Park to gather and play music with other local musicians. Don’t play? No problem! Come and enjoy the tunes that local talent has to offer. The pickin’ will be in and around the lobby of Lewis Caveland Lodge from 7-9 p.m. Visit early and enjoy a country meal in the Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant. This event is held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. 800-325-0059.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov

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