Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will offer a series of day and evening programs throughout the summer. Park rangers will present a variety of program topics in both Tennessee and Kentucky. Programs will be held at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center in Tennessee and at the Blue Heron Campground in Kentucky. All programs are scheduled on Eastern Time.
Saturday, September 1
10:30 a.m. - Picnic in the Park - No Bears Allowed - Join Ranger Brenda Deaver and the "Wide-Mouth Frog" as they discover what wild animals in the park eat. You can even sing along on the chorus of an original ballad titled "But the Bear Came Back". Meet on the front porch of the Education and Interpretation Building located across from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.
1:00 p.m. - Historic Hayride and Stories - Bandy Creek Visitor Center/Lora Blevins Home Site - Would you like to go for a hayride and have the opportunity to hear some stories about Big South Fork? Join Rangers Dustin Beaty, Jessica Brown, and Teacher Ranger Teacher Lounicia Hughett for a historic hayride through Big South Fork. This ride will include a few fun tales and Appalachian music. The ride will leave at 1:00 p.m. from Bandy Creek Visitor Center. This event will last approximately 1.5 hours. Reservations must be made at the visitor center between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the day of the program. There will be a limit of 30 occupants on the wagon ride, but others may drive to the Lora Blevins home place to listen to the story portion of the program.
5:30 p.m. - Historic Hayride and Stories - Bandy Creek Visitor Center/Lora Blevins Home Site - Would you like to go for a hayride and have the opportunity to hear some stories about Big South Fork? Join Rangers Dustin Beaty, Jessica Brown, and Teacher Ranger Teacher Lounicia Hughett for a historic hayride through Big South Fork. This ride will include a few fun tales and Appalachian music. The ride will leave at 5:30 p.m. from Bandy Creek Visitor Center. This event will last approximately 1.5 hours. Reservations must be made at the visitor center between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the day of the program. There will be a limit of 30 occupants on the wagon ride, but others may drive to the Lora Blevins home place to listen to the story portion of the program.
7:00 p.m. - Bluegrass Music Concert - Great Day in the Morning and the Bluegrass Pilgrims - Bandy Creek Tent Near Visitor Center. These bluegrass bands will be performing for a 2 hour long concert. Both groups are from the local community. Great Day in the Morning is from Scott County and the Bluegrass Pilgrims are from Morgan County. Come enjoy their music. This concert is free. Bring your own chairs to this event or a blanket for seating on the ground.
7:30 p.m. - "Scrip", the Coal Miner's Credit Card - Blue Heron Campground Fire Circle - Did the coal miner really "owe his soul to the company store?" What is "scrip" and how was it used? Join Park Ranger Debby Zimmerman and Richard Koger, Director of Operations of the Barthell Coal Camp, as they explain the use of "scrip". Richard will have an impressive collection of "scrip" from the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company as well as some from various coal mining companies for your viewing.
Sunday, September 2
10:30 a.m. - Snake Tales - Snakes are one of the most misunderstood animals of our area. Interesting myths and legends are told about snakes. Join Park Ranger Sue Duncan and her special guests to learn interesting facts about snakes in Big South Fork. Meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.
1:00 p.m. - Historic Hayride and Stories - Bandy Creek Visitor Center/Lora Blevins Home Site - Would you like to go for a hayride and have the opportunity to hear some stories about Big South Fork? Join Rangers Dustin Beaty, Jessica Brown, Sherry Fritschi, and Teacher Ranger Teacher Lounicia Hughett for a historic hayride through Big South Fork. This ride will include a few fun tales and Appalachian music. The ride will leave at 1:00 p.m. from Bandy Creek Visitor Center. This event will last approximately 1.5 hours. Reservations must be made at the visitor center between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the day of the program. There will be a limit of 30 occupants on the wagon ride, but others may drive to the Lora Blevins home place to listen to the story portion of the program.
Monday, September 3
10:30 a.m. - Celebrating How Nature Works - In celebration of Labor Day, come learn about the insects that are hard at work recycling nutrients within the forest. Meet on the back porch of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center for this ranger guided hike. Ranger Bill Herman will lead this easy walk along the Bandy Creek Loop trail.
For more information about these activities, contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275, the Blue Heron Interpretive Center at (606) 376-5073.
