Displaying items by tag: big south fork activities
Options abound to celebrate Public Lands Day
Public land in the Cumberland region includes Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, seen here from the Yahoo Falls Trail Overlook. Yaeger Rich via National Park Service
Celebrate our common natural and national heritage this weekend
ONEIDA — Get outdoors and take part in the celebration of National Public Lands Day with Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on Sept.27. All backcountry camping permits are half off for this date.
Elsewhere, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers several volunteer opportunities and is suspending fees for the day. A Leave-No-Trace popup educational exhibit is planned for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Enjoy a night under the stars in the backcountry of Big South Fork NRRA by obtaining a backcountry camping permit in person at one of our contact stations or online. These permits are good for a stay of up to 14 days.
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer event in which federal agencies as well as other groups partner together to maintain and care for the environment.
Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #NPSVolunteer, #FindYourPark and #NPLD.
New citizens to take oath of allegiance against Big South Fork backdrop
ONEIDA — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will host an official naturalization ceremony on Thursday, April 24. One hundred and fifty individuals will take the oath of citizenship.
The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and witness meaningful milestones. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Bandy Creek Visitor Center, with the Honorable Thomas W. Phillips presiding. Local Boy Scout Troop and Crew 333 will conduct the presentation of colors.
“National Park Week is a celebration of America’s national heritage. And national parks preserve this great nation’s stories and natural and cultural wonders,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. “Welcoming new citizens in such a special place is suitable to their inspirational journeys, qualities and characters.”
Naturalization is the official process through which a foreign citizen or national becomes a United States citizen after meeting the requirements set by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act. This process culminates in a formal court proceeding where individuals take the Oath of Allegiance, receive their Certificate of Naturalization and are officially welcomed as U.S. citizens, marking the beginning of their new chapters in the American community.
This official step unites new citizens through a shared commitment to the nation’s values, opening doors to new opportunities and a brighter future. Welcome them into the fabric of our nation.
Get down and dirty with history at Big South Fork celebration of spring
A farrier demonstrates his skills during a past installment of the annual Spring Planting and Music Festival at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, set this year for April 26. National Park Service
ONEIDA — Step back in time and experience history in motion at the 25th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26 at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Traditions of early Appalachian settlers come to life at this free, family-friendly event. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the heritage of the Big South Fork region with live demonstrations, traditional crafts, music and hands-on activities that showcase the self-sufficient way of life practiced by generations past.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Oscar and Lora Blevins farm sites and the Bandy Creek area, the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience traditional Appalachian life. Visitors will see a variety of demonstrations and hands-on activities that highlight the skills and craftsmanship of early settlers.
One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is the plowing and planting demonstration with mule and horse teams at the Lora Blevins field.
Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring old-time toys and taking part in interactive exhibits that make history come alive. Live music will be provided by some of the region’s most talented musicians.