Colonial Harvest Celebration set for Sycamore Shoals State Park
Published 1:18 am Friday, November 8, 2019
CONTRIBUTED
Autumn is in full swing. As both the temperature and the leaves continue to fall, we begin to think of the many holiday festivities that wait in the coming days.
Over two hundred years ago it was quite the same for the early frontier settlers. On Saturday, November 9 from 10:00 to 4:00 and Sunday, November 10 from 10:00 to 3:00 Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park will become the scene of a Frontier Harvest Celebration as we enjoy a time of friendship, thanksgiving, and recognition of our patriot ancestors.
In Colonial America, before Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday, each colony or community observed days of thanksgiving usually after the harvest had been brought in or after a significant military victory.
Join the Washington County Militia, host living history organization at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, for their monthly militia muster and a colonial “Harvest Home.”
Activities throughout the weekend will include programs and demonstrations of 18th-century frontier life such as; open-hearth cooking and food preservation, colonial games, flintlock musket, and rifle demonstrations, music, apple butter making (Sat. only), medicinal plants, hunting preparations, and much more.
The weekend will also include a special Veterans Day program on Sunday, November 10 to honor the combatants at the Battle of Kings Mountain and our current veterans and armed service members.
This is a perfect opportunity for the entire family to visit one of Tennessee’s finest state parks and enjoy a day immersed in history and fun. Admission is free so don’t miss this unique event showcasing Tennessee’s rich heritage. During your time at the park be sure to experience the interpretive exhibits as well as our book and gift shop to make your visit complete.
In addition, our annual Fall Fibers Show will be taking place in the park visitors center! Be sure to check out our fiber artists, vendors, workshops, and demonstrations!
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643.
For additional information about this and other exciting events at the park please call 423-543-5808 or visit us on the web at www.sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com and tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals.
We look forward to seeing you at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, where you can “share in the glorious cause of Liberty”!
Colonial Harvest Celebration
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (all programs are held inside Fort Watauga unless otherwise noted)
Saturday, November 9th
10:00 – Militia Inspection and Raising the Colors: Hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the Militia starts off the day with a patriotic ceremony.
11:00 – Firearms of the Overmountain Men: Come for a close up look at the types of weapons used in the Battle of Kings Mountain.
12:00 – Militia Drill: View the County Militia as they train and prepare for military action. (Program will begin in the fort and move to the meadow)
1:00 – Staying Warm in the 18th Century: From hunting shirts to hoods, capes to cloaks, & mittens to muffatees Mrs. Daniels shares how to ward off the cold on the colonial frontier.
2:00 – Echoes of Revolution: Members of the Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums showcase martial music of the 18th century.
3:00 – Medicinal Plants & Herbs: Join Mrs. Hardy and learn how plants and herbs were utilized by the frontier people for medicine.
4:00 – Event Closing: Join us tomorrow for another exciting day of 18th century Living History.
Sunday, November 11th
10:00 – Militia Inspection and Raising the Colors: Hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the Militia starts off the day with a patriotic ceremony.
11:00 – Worship Service: All are welcome for Sunday morning service held in the courtyard of Fort Watauga.
12:00 – Medicinal Plants & Herbs: Join Ms. Elizabeth and learn how plants and herbs were utilized by the frontier people for medicine.
12:30 – Echoes of Revolution: Members of the Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums showcase martial music of the 18th century.
1:00 – Staying Warm in the 18th Century: From hunting shirts to hoods, capes to cloaks, & mittens to muffatees Mrs. Daniels shares how to ward off the cold on the colonial frontier.
2:00 – Special Veterans Day Observance: Join us as we pay tribute to the combatants of the Battle of Kings Mountain and our current veterans and armed service members.
3:00 – Event Closing: Thanks for joining us. See you next time!
