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Contact: Bill Herman, 606-376-3787 Contact: Dave Carney, 423-569-9778 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will celebrate Cultural Heritage Days at Blue Heron Mining Community during the third and fourth Saturdays in October. This multi-weekend event embraces the ways of life and labor of miners and their families who once lived at this coal camp and others in the region around the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Come and experience some of the heritage and culture of this coal mining region. Stop by the ghost structures to learn what it was like to have worked and lived here through the voices of those who once called Blue Heron home. Meet with knowledgeable National Park Service staff and volunteers to learn more about trains, mining and equipment, K and T Railway history, Stearns Company coal history, and company scrip. Watch and speak with local craftsmen demonstrating numerous traditional crafts on the grounds between the depot and tipple. Some demonstrations may consist of blacksmithing, quilting, chicken scratch embroidery, corn husk dolls, basket weaving, crocheting, candlewicking, beekeeping, and woodworking. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of traditional Appalachian, bluegrass and country music. Fun activities for kids and the young at heart include playing with old timey toys and making animal tracks. Visitors have the option of rail or road access. Contact Big South Fork Scenic Railway at 800-462-5664, (606) 376-5330, or online at www.bsfsry,com for tickets and pricing. Reservations are recommended. To attend these events for free, visitors may access Blue Heron Mining Community via Kentucky Highways 92W from Stearns to 1651S and 742W. It is located approximately 12 miles from Stearns, Kentucky. All events are free and begin each Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m. EDT. All demonstrations, musical performances, programs, dates and times are subject to change. Refreshments and heat-and-serve food will be available for purchase. Parking is free on site. For more information, please call the Big South Fork Headquarters at (423) 569-9778. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015