Fall Festivals at Kentucky State Parks

Latest UPDATE Oct. 22

The two-month-long drought may dim fall colors this year, but you still have a wide choice of events at Kentucky State Parks in their best season.

I will update with new events as they are scheduled.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park and Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area are teaming up to present the first in a new seasonal Nature Watch Series. “Pelicans and Prairies” will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 30-31.

Carter Caves State Resort Park will present “Murder With a View” – a whodunit that includes dinner on Nov. 5 and 6. The setting is a bed and breakfast in a rural area. The owners propose their own murder investigation with the help of the staff and guests. Who did it? The manipulative self-help guru? The “innocent” housekeeper? Or was it the owners themselves? Join Fantastical Theatricals for “Murder With a View.”

November is almost here and that means the Kentucky State Park restaurants are preparing for one of the busiest days of the year – Thanksgiving Day. All 17 resort park restaurants will be serving the annual Thanksgiving Day buffet on Nov. 25, 2010, a tradition for the parks and many families across Kentucky.

As the weather cools down for fall and the leaves begin to turn, the Kentucky State Parks announce “Getaway Packages.” These packages are good for weekends or weekdays at 17 resort parks across the state, except for holiday weekends and special events. Commonwealth Package I includes a lodge room for one night, dinner for two, breakfast for two and lunch for two for $149 plus tax. Commonwealth Package II features a lodge room for two nights and a dinner, breakfast and lunch for two people for $209 plus tax.

The “Play er’ Again” Concert Series at General Butler State Resort Park will feature the 23 String Band on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. The concert, at the Butler-Turpin State Historic House on the park grounds, is free. The 23 String Band, an old-time group that offers a new twist to traditional mountain music, is known for its unique arrangements branded as “Original Hillbilly Music.”

Halloween will soon be here and Kentucky State Parks have plenty of activities – some scary and some not -- planned for families. They include costume contests, haunted trails, hayrides, storytelling, games, campground decorating and more. Click here for a listing of Kentucky State Park Halloween events with dates, times and phone numbers. (Please note that some activities are limited to campground guests.)

Photographers of all abilities are invited to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s annual Fall Photography Weekend Oct. 22-24. This weekend consists of a digital photography contest with point and shoot, intermediate, and masters divisions, evening programs, critique and award ceremony.

Set your GPS system to N 36° 51.907 W 086° 04.141 and head out to Barren River Lake State Resort Park for the 5th Annual Geocaching Weekend Oct. 23-24. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers outdoors, called geocaches, and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.

Several Kentucky State Parks will be participating in “Second Sunday” on Oct. 10, an event aimed at offering fitness activities to Kentuckians ... “With more than 250 miles of hiking trails across the state, Kentucky State Parks provide an excellent place for outdoor exercise and recreation,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “The Second Sunday event is a great opportunity for people to start exercising and learn more of the many opportunities and wonders that await you in our state parks.”

General Butler State Resort Park is hosting a “Spirits of Butler Paranormal Weekend” on Oct. 23-24. Join Starr Williams, certified ghost investigator and spokesperson of Psy Tech Radio, and the investigation team RIP for a weekend of ghost hunting at the Butler-Turpin State Historic House and cemetery located at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park will host the “Tanner Station Rifle Frolic” – a living history event about 18th century history and weapons -- on Nov. 6-7. The frolic will include a shooting competition with flintlocks on both days by re-enactors. There will also be speakers, demonstrations and other examples of pioneer and Native American life from the 18th century that guests can see. The shooting competition will start at 10 a.m. both days. The event is free and open to the public.

Fort Harrod State Park will host the Arts Council of Mercer County’s 2nd Annual Fall Arts Festival on Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local art groups as well as more than 20 booths of juried arts and craft vendors will be presented. Several children’s activities, a Writers Café featuring local authors, Studio G singing sensations, and live theatrical performances from The Ragged Edge Community Theatre and What a Life! Productions will take place.

Big Bone Lick State Park will be hosting the 25th Annual Salt Festival during the weekend of Oct. 15 - 17 at the park in Boone County. The weekend will feature demonstrations of pioneer and American Indian life, salt making, spear throwing, storytelling, music, crafts and more. Visitors can also see the park's bison herd and visitor's center. Friday is geared for school group field trips, but the festival is open for the general public from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. School groups should pre-register by calling (859)384-3522. Admission will be charged.

Green River Lake State Park will host its Kids Outdoor Day on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010. This fun-filled day will consist of many types of outdoor activities for all children, including fishing, archery, BB gun shooting, nature hikes, trap shooting, boating, game calling and much more. Lunch will be provided for all in attendance. Door prizes will be awarded. All events are free. The activities will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 270-465-8255 for more information.

Elk viewing tours at three Eastern Kentucky resort parks will once again be offered this fall and winter. Visitors to Jenny Wiley, Buckhorn Lake and Pine Mountain can choose a weekend, stay at a state park lodge or cottage and arise early to enjoy one of these unique tours. Participants should bring their cameras – there should be great photography opportunities. The largest elk herds are located on privately owned lands that are normally closed to the public. This is one of the few opportunities available for the public to see the greatest number of elk.

Rockabilly legend Art Adams and his band will be performing during the Sept. 18 “Play er’ Again” Concert Series at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton.

Carter Caves State Resort Park will host “The Johnny Cash Story Dinner Show” with the band “6 Feet High & Rising” the weekend of Sept. 24-25. Enjoy two nights of good food and songs that made Johnny Cash famous. The band dresses the part and produces an electrifying atmosphere as they perform hits such as “Walk the Line,” “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” The buffet dinner will start at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. both nights.

Mountain traditions abound the weekend of Sept. 24-25 during the Great American Dulcimer Convention at Pine Mountain State Resort Park at Pineville. Guests can enjoy the sweet music of Appalachian lap and hammered dulcimers softly chiming in the hands of some of the finest performers in the country.

The Kentucky State Parks will be participating in National Public Lands Day on Sept. 25, 2010, a day set aside to recognize the importance of parks and encourage volunteer work. National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year, some 150,000 volunteers worked in 2,000 locations in every state. The purpose of this day is to keep the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps alive and to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage. Click here for details on the event at individual parks.

If you are making getaway plans for October, then Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is ready for you. The state park at Dawson Springs has several special weekends scheduled that range from trail rides to geocaching. Click here for the listing of events.

Kentucky Fall Festivals

UPDATED, Monday, Sept. 28, UPDATE II Wednesday, Sept. 30, UPDATE III Saturday, Oct. 3, UPDATE IV Monday, Oct., 5, UPDATE V Wednesday, Oct. 7, UPDATE VI Friday, Oct. 9, UPDATE VII Wednesday, Oct. 14, UPDATE VIII Friday, Oct. 16, UPDATE IX, Thursday, Oct. 22, UPDATE X, Friday, Oct. 23, UPDATE XI, Monday, Nov. 2, UPDATE XII, Thursday, Nov. 5, UPDATE XIII, Thursday, Nov. 19

I'm a little late this year posting on the autumn activities at Kentucky State Parks, but there is still October and November to enjoy:

Carter Caves State Resort Park continues to offer cave tours during the winter season in two caves. Tours of Cascade Cave are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily through April 2. Cascade Cave is one of the largest of over 200 caves in Carter County and is noted for its large chambers and numerous cave formations. Highlights of the tour include the reflecting pool in the Lake Room, the unique cave formations in the Cathedral Room, and an underground waterfall over 30 feet high. The tour lasts about 75 minutes and covers a walking distance of about ¾ of a mile.

It’s time for nature lovers to make plans for a Kentucky State Park tradition – Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February of 2010. American Bald Eagles will be gathering around the major lakes of Western Kentucky and South-Central Kentucky as they look for food during the winter. Kentucky State Parks will take you there to observe and learn about these beautiful birds of prey.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will host a “Hike Within the Park” on Saturday, Nov. 21. This is an opportunity for guests to participate in a guided hike along the major trails within the park near Dawson Springs.

Salute military treasures and Kentucky traditions this fall during the Kentucky Historical Society’s Candlelight Tour events Nov. 12, 13 and 14 in downtown Frankfort. The events at KHS are part of Candlelight Tour weekend, presented by Whitaker Bank and Downtown Frankfort Inc.

Carter Caves State Resort Park is hosting a dinner theater that should bring back memories and a lot of laughs for guests. “The HoneyMurderers” – a spoof of the television show the “Honeymooners” -- will be presented Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the park near Olive Hill.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin is sponsoring a special stamp cancellation with commemorative envelopes on Nov. 3 to honor the 85th anniversary of the Kentucky State Parks. The keepsake envelopes will be sold at the park gift shop and at DuPont Lodge. The special U.S. Postal Service cancellation stamps will be conducted from 8-10 p.m. All of those who attend on Nov. 3 will be eligible for a drawing for a free cabin rental. (Some restrictions apply)

The 19th annual Moonbow Trail Trek, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offers nature lovers the opportunity to combine a challenging hike with a chance to view some beautiful scenery.

If you’re thinking about taking up spelunking as a hobby, consider paying a visit to Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park the weekend of Nov. 13-15. The park near Burkesville will be hosting its “Beginning Caving Expedition” that weekend for beginners and experienced cavers.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park is hosting an evening cruise Oct. 24 for a beautiful view of fall colors and sunset along the shoreline of Lake Barkley.

Three Kentucky scenic corridors — Lincoln Heritage Highway, Kentucky Great River Road and Woodlands Trace — have been elevated to National Scenic Byway designation by the Federal Highway Administration. Fall is the perfect time to tour them.

The William Whitley House State Historic Site will host a Living History Encampment on Oct. 24, featuring interpreters portraying figures from the early days of Kentucky’s settlement.

Fort Boonesborough State Park is offering visitors a chance to view its annual campground Halloween program for just $1. Now through Oct. 24, you can drive through the HalloweenFest XV at the park near Richmond to enjoy all the decorations, music and thousands of lights. The campground will be open for this special tour from 7-10:30 p.m. All proceeds go to the park and the Fort Boonesborough Foundation, a private organization that supports the park.

Kentucky State Parks restaurants are preparing for one of the busiest days of the year – Thanksgiving Day. All 17 resort park restaurants will be serving the annual Thanksgiving Day buffet on Nov. 26, a tradition for the parks and many families across Kentucky.

I'll put Kentucky's fall beauty up against anyplace in the country, and now's the time to get out their and enjoy it. Adventure tourism is alive and well during the fall months in Kentucky. There are plenty of outdoor opportunities ranging from hunting and fishing to hikes, wildlife viewing and canoeing and kayaking. Kentucky State Parks are sponsoring many outdoor events at this time of year. With a total of 52 parks that include 17 resorts, there is a park nearby with trails and other adventure tourism programming. Click here to learn more about outdoor events.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park has two seasonal events scheduled the weekend of Oct. 16-17. On Friday, Oct. 16, the park will host the “After Dark in the Park, Geo-Ghost Walk” from 8-11 p.m. The walk will begin at Shelter No. 1 and the fee is $10 a person. On Saturday, the E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park Foundation will host the Fall Fest from 4-8 p.m. The event is free; parking is $5 a car.

The Kentucky State Parks 85th Anniversary Poetry Contest has three age categories – 11 and under, 12-18 and 19 and over. Any style may be used but poets are asked to use a theme that is some way related to the natural, cultural or historical aspects of state parks. The deadline for submitting an entry is Nov. 2, 2009, with the winners to be announced by the end of the year. The top prize in each age category is a $50 Kentucky State Park gift card. There will also be prizes for 2nd and 3rd place in each age category. All winners and honorable mentions ages 18 and under will receive a free admission coupon to a state park fort, museum or historic site of their choice.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park will host the 47th annual PhotoScenic Kentucky Workshop the weekend of Oct. 24-25.

Fall, the best time of year for stories of ghosts and other haunting, is upon us. From now through early November, take a trip to where your spine gets tingled by tales of paranormal activity throughout Kentucky.

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site has acquired a temporary exhibit from the Kentucky Historical Society called, “Of Father Sky and Mother Earth: Early Southeastern Indian Art and Culture.”

General Butler State Resort Park will be presenting the “Tony & Tina Murder Mystery” – an evening full of mystery, music and suspense – on Nov. 14. The dinner theater production includes audience participation, so bring your dancing shoes, too. Guests will love this fun-packed evening. First introductions to the final revelations, you’ll be transported into an amazing experience.

Big Bone Lick State Park will be hosting the annual Salt Festival during the weekend of Oct. 16-18 at the park in Boone County. The weekend will feature demonstrations of pioneer and Native American life, salt making, spear throwing, storytelling, music, crafts and more. Visitors can also see the park’s bison herd and newly-renovated nature center.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is holding its annual Fall Photography Weekend Oct. 16-18. This weekend consists of a digital photography contest with point and shoot, intermediate, and masters divisions, evening programs, critique and award ceremony.

Halloween will be a real scream at Kentucky State Parks. "Many of the park system’s campgrounds will be having special activities for campers, including decorations, costumes, hayrides and games for the kids. And other resort parks, recreation parks and historic sites will also have special events in late October -- a great time to be outside with family and friends."

Kentucky Dam Village Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Show set for October 10-11.

Greenbo LakeAntique Car Show Oct. 10-11.

Cumberland Falls now offers overnight lodging packages for its Monday Night Jam Sessions.

E.P. "Tom" Sawyer Park has mulitple activities celebrating Fall throughout October.

And don't miss "Second Sunday" throughout the state.

Several Kentucky State Parks will be participating in “Second Sunday” on Oct. 11, an event aimed at offering physical activities to Kentuckians.

Kentucky is consistently ranked among the top 10 states for obesity and obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is the event organizer. Click here for more information about Second Sunday.

“Kentucky State Parks are proud to be able to offer so many opportunities to our citizens to get out in the fresh air and exercise,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “The best thing about our parks is that they are free and located in all regions of the state.”

Kentucky State Parks have more than 250 miles of hiking trails with various levels of difficulty. Visit www.parks.ky.gov for more details. Here is a list of the state parks with activities planned for Oct. 11 (unless otherwise noted):

• Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Glasgow Parks and Recreation, YMCA of Glasgow and Barren County Homemakers are teaming up to offer a variety of activities for all ages for the Second Sunday of October. There will be different activities for everyone to encourage physical fitness and activity. There will be an obstacle course, seated chair exercises, Zumba and running workshops. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Beaver Trail Complex in Glasgow. 1-800-325-0057.
• Blue Licks Battlefield, Mt. Olivet
  Please join us at 2 p.m. by the Pioneer Museum for a guided, interpretive walk along the Heritage Trail. It is a beautiful trek covering 3 ½ miles at a leisurely pace. There will be opportunities to discuss plants, animals and history since the trail winds around near the river and past Tanner Station (a replica of an 18th century fort). Free gifts will be given to participants courtesy of the Nicholas County Extension Office and Robertson County Extension Office. Enjoy viewing nature up close and personal instead of through a car window. Blue Licks has miles of easy to moderate walking and hiking trails open all year long. In addition to this walk, the Kentucky Llama & Alpaca Association will have a special trek on Oct. 11. Llamas and materials will be on display and the trek will begin at 1 p.m. This event is free and open to the general public. 1-800-443-7008.
• Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
  In an effort to get everyone moving, enjoy this walk, stroll or run around a 2-mile loop around the park. The walk will include the park’s “Trail of Scarecrows” and will feature health tips and suggestions from local health agencies. Meet at the lodge at 3 p.m. The park road will be closed during this time. 1-800-325-0058.
• Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
  A guided hike along Carter Caves State Resort Park’s Natural Bridge Trail will take place for Second Sunday. The hike is 1/2 mile in length will leave the Welcome Center at 2 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. For those looking for a longer venture, there will be a hike along the Horn Hollow Trail at 3:30 p.m. This hike is 2 miles in length and will take about 1 1/2 hours. There is no charge for the hikes. Arrive early and take a guided tour of X-Cave or Cascade Cave (admission charged). Tours start at 9:30 a.m. You can get more information and purchase tickets at the Welcome Center. 1-800-325-0059.
• Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus (Oct. 9)
  During the weekend of the park’s Civil War Days event, a “Ghost Walk” will be held Friday, Oct. 9. The trail is about ¼ mile and goes through earthworks and trenches. Water will be provided by the local extension office. 1-270-677-2327.
• Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
  Meet at the Mary Ray Oaken lodge at 2 p.m. for a guided hike on one of Dale Hollow’s beautiful scenic trails. Enjoy this walk through the woods to admire the colorful fall foliage and to experience a breathtaking view from Eagles Point, the best overlook on the lake. This hike is a good opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while getting some exercise. The hike will be approximately 3 miles over natural trails that vary in terrain with some steep inclines. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring water. For more information contact Jamie Avery at 1-800-325-2282 or jamie.avery@ky.gov
• Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
  Get outdoors and enjoy Second Sunday with a hike in the woods at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. The hike will start on the Fern Valley Trail, then turn onto a portion of the Michael Tygart Trail and come out at the Lodge Road to return to the Jesse Stuart Lodge. Hike will be approximately 3 miles and leave at 10 a.m. from the parking lot at the Jesse Stuart Lodge. There is also mountain biking and horseback riding available for the beginner to the expert on the many multi-use trails at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. 1-800-325-0083.
• Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville
  Meet at the Green River Lake Tailwater area for events starting at 2 p.m. Fishing, archery, hiking and paddling are among the events scheduled. 1-270-465-8255.
• Levi Jackson State Park, London
  Levi Jackson will host a community event for Second Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Events include a rock-climbing wall, obstacle course, clogging, walking, games and more. The museum road will close at noon. The events are sponsored by local businesses and organizations. 606-330-2130.
  

Enjoy them all.

Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln

Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States three weeks before the 200th anniversary of the birth of the 16th president: Abraham Lincoln.

Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln.

The Kentucky Historical Society has been all over this anniversary for years, not wanting to miss this one-in-a-bicentennial opportunity to remind the nation and the world that throughout his life, Lincoln remained and considered himself a Kentuckian.

KHS has developed several superb exhibits and programs, the latest being the live performance Lincoln's Life Through Kentucky Eyes.

Many people know that Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky and spent the first seven years of his life in the commonwealth. Few, however, realize how connected Lincoln remained to Kentucky throughout his life. Now, during the bicentennial commemoration of Lincoln’s birth, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) Museum Theatre program explores the complex relationship between Lincoln and his native state in the play Lincoln’s Life Through Kentucky Eyes.

On Monday, October 20, the Museum Theatre program debuted its newest piece, Lincoln’s Life, at the Abraham Lincoln Society gala. The twenty-minute performance was met with great acclaim by audience members.

“Presenting history in a play is a tricky business, but this short play examines the truth—both good and bad—of Abraham Lincoln’s Kentucky connections,” said Greg Hardison, Museum Theatre coordinator. “Our goal is for the audience to experience a flood of emotions and hear direct quotes from Kentuckians who both loved and loathed Abraham Lincoln. The research, writing, direction, projected backdrops, and ensemble cast all work in unison to create a unique and truthful look at Lincoln’s life through Kentucky eyes.”

Actors Laura Blake, Robert O’Bryan Greene, Patti Heying, and Adam Luckey portray the many faces of Lincoln and twelve diverse characters with distinctly different views of the sixteenth president. Together, they narrate the story of Abraham Lincoln, the boy, the man, and the president who led the United States through its most divisive years.

Written by actress and writer Donna E. Ison, of Lexington, Ky., Lincoln’s Life serves as the perfect complement to Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln, a new exhibition at KHS, in telling the story of Lincoln and his native state.

The play will be presented every Saturday in November at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., and then again on Saturdays in February. Make sure to schedule a time to visit the KHS and view this moving performance.

This Saturday, Nov. 15, will be the perfect day to do so, when the Center will also present "A Day with Lincoln."

This event is held in conjunction with the 27th annual Kentucky Book Fair and will feature presentations by authors as well as a noon luncheon with guest James L. Swanson, author of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer.

All presentations are free and open to the public. The luncheon cost is $32.00, which includes a copy of James L. Swanson’s book Manhunt. Reservations are required and must be purchased in advance by calling Julia Curry at 502-564-1792.

See the schedule of events for Saturday here.

Also this Saturday, the HistoryMobile with its exhibit-on-wheels "Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln" will be located outside the history center Friday and Saturday.

Cross-posted at BlueGrassRoots.