National Park hosting Cosby in the Park Festival May 18

Image by Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

GATLINBURG -- Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced the annual Cosby in the Park festival to be held on Saturday, May 18, at Cosby Campground. In its 14th year, Cosby in the Park is presented in cooperation with the Cocke County Partnership and Great Smoky Mountains Association. The event celebrates the cultural heritage of this area and highlights the many recreational opportunities available in the Cosby section of the park. The event is free to the public and is scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

“Cosby in the Park is always one of the most enjoyable special events we host each year,” said Kent Cave, Supervisory Ranger at Sugarlands Visitor Center. “We invite everyone to join with us as we honor the people, history, and culture of this very special place.” The festivities take place in and around the campground amphitheater, located along the Cosby campground entrance road. Free parking for attendees will be provided in campground Loop B.

A full day of activities is planned that include Southern Appalachian music, as well as programs and demonstrations on local history, quilting, corn shuck dolls and crafts, old time toys, natural foods and medicinal plants, and other folk arts.

Amphitheater Stage:
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Joint Proclamation honoring Cosby Academy
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Mountain Strings
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lost Mill String Band
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Duay O'Neil: The History of Cosby Academy
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Boogertown Gap Band
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tony Thomas
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Green Family Band

Hike:
11:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Cosby Nature Trail, 1.5 miles moderate, Meet Pam Rodgers at amphitheater area

Ongoing Activities and Exhibits:
• Quilting
• Old Timey Tools
• Leave No Trace
• Mountain Toys and Games
• Traditional Corn Shuck Crafts
• Broom Making
• Native Foods & Medicinal Plants
• And more….

Published May 15, 2013