Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park to Hold Annual Folk Celebration May 29
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 | 06:38am
Festival Features Concert, Events Highlighting Cultural and Living History
BYRDSTOWN, Tenn. – Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park and the Friends of Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park will host its annual Folk Celebration on Saturday, May 29, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's festival theme is “1865-1877: The Reconstruction,” which is the time period Cordell Hull and his family lived on what is now the state park’s grounds. The day will include a variety of cultural and living history events that relate to the way of life in the historic Upper Cumberland region. The event is free and open to the public.
Some of the many highlights of the day will include demonstrations on basket making, spinning, quilting, doll making and blacksmithing. There also will be a display on the “old-fashioned” use of medicinal plants and herbs, as well as a gardening demonstration on heirloom plants. Native Americans will be on hand to interpret living skills and crafts and renowned local authors will be present to sign and sell books on regional history and folklore.
Period musicians “The Caudells”will perform music from the late 1800s. This year’s featured artist is Conductor Jack, who will present his famous children’s show “The Zinghoppers” on his very own solo stage. Back by popular demand is the Children’s Area, featuring hands-on playtime with traditional games such as marbles and croquet. The Pickett County Horseman’s Association will offer mule rides and there will be an old-fashioned Spelling Bee for both adults and children. Bluegrass pickers are encouraged to bring their own instruments and join in the day’s festivities.
The Folk Celebration will include a quilting exhibition with two people’s choice awards – traditional and contemporary. For details on the quilting show and contest, please contact Betty Eliassen at (931) 864-7226. Winners of the “Old-Fashioned Games” essay and coloring contest distributed to local schools also will be announced. Period food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day.
For more information, including a schedule of events, please visit www.friendsofcordellhull.org or call the park at (931) 864-3247. Funding for the Folk Celebration comes from the Tennessee Arts Commission and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee through the Arts Build Communities program.
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park and Museum is a historic site near Byrdstown, north of Cookeville. The 45-acre site includes a representation of Hull's log cabin birthplace, an activities center and a museum housing documents and artifacts, including Hull’s Nobel Peace Prize. The park also features the beautiful Bunkum Cave Trail, leading to an overlook and the entrance of historic Bunkum Cave. Additional information about the park can be found at www.tnstateparks.com/CordellHull.
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