News Release Date: October 3, 2012
Contact: Howard Duncan, 423-569-9778
The National Park Service will be hosting a series of special programs and craft demonstrations at the Blue Heron Mining Camp every Saturday during the month of October. The programs will highlight the unique history and culture of the Cumberland Plateau region. National Park Service Rangers and National Park Service volunteers will be presenting a variety of historically based skits, interpretive talks and demonstrations.
Demonstrations include spinning, blacksmithing, woodworking, old time music, basket making, embroidery and old timey toys. On October 6, visitors to Blue Heron will have the opportunity to see blacksmithing, spinning demonstrations, old timey toys and enjoy a skit by National Park Service Rangers called "Beyond Blue Heron" reflecting upon life in a coal camp. On October 13, visitors will be able to enjoy area crafts persons demonstrate basket weaving, wood working, spinning and chicken scratch embroidery. A special interpretive program titled "We Just Wanted to be Left Alone" will give insight into the trials and tribulations the local population experienced during the Civil War on the Cumberland Plateau. Visitors to Blue Heron on October 20 can learn how to make corn husk dolls, enjoy old timey toys, find out about animal tracks or enjoy a special interpretive program about "Working in a Coal Mine". October 27 will feature the sweet sounds of mountain dulcimers as the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club performs traditional songs throughout the day and visitors will have a chance to learn about the Kentucky longhunters. All events are free and begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time and continue until 4:30 p.m. The Blue Heron Mining Camp is located at the end of Highway 742 west of Stearns, Kentucky.
For a unique experience, visitors to Blue Heron may choose to ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway from Stearns. The Blue Heron Mining Camp may also be easily reached by vehicle on Highway 742. The nearby Blue Heron Campground will be open for those who wish to camp and enjoy the beauty of the Big South Fork.
Reservations for the campground may be made by calling 1-877-444-6777. Information about the Big South Fork Scenic Railway may be obtained by calling 1-800-462-5664 or from their website at www.bsfsry.com.
For more information, contact the National Park Service at (423) 286-7275 or (606) 376-3787.
