NPS - National Park Service

10/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 08:15

Explore Local Lore and Music at the 14th Annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine Event

News Release Date:
October 16, 2024

Contact:Tara Wilson-Kurz, 423-569-9778

Oneida, Tennessee - The past comes to life once again at the 14th Annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine on Friday, October 18, 2024, in the heart of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This free, family-friendly event invites visitors to explore a night of live music, storytelling, and immersive historical experiences in the old Blue Heron Mining Community. In this place, the echoes of history still linger.

The evening starts at 6:00 PM (ET) with Junior Ranger activities, specially crafted for younger visitors to explore and learn. As the sun begins to dip behind the ridges, the sounds of live music will fill the valley. Acclaimed local musicians Chris Young and David Howard will set the tone for the night with a mix of Americana, folk, and Celtic-inspired tunes. Young, a multi-instrumentalist, will transport audiences with his unique soundscapes, while Howard, a seasoned performer, will treat attendees to a set rooted in country and bluegrass.

As the evening deepens and shadows stretch across the land, at 8:00 PM (ET), the storytelling begins near the towering remnants of Blue Heron's coal processing structures. The storytellers-Lounicia Hughett, Beth Ann Kilburn, Howard Duncan, and Jim Buck-will captivate the audience with chilling ghost tales and folk stories inspired by Appalachian lore. Each storyteller brings decades of experience and a deep connection to the region's history, making their performances both haunting and unforgettable.

Local vendors will offer delicious food, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind goods throughout the night, adding to the festive atmosphere. Guests can arrive by car, with free parking available at Blue Heron, or choose the more adventurous option of taking the Big South Fork Scenic Railway for a scenic ride through the forest to the event. Train tickets can be purchased through the railway's headquarters in Stearns, Kentucky.

Join us for a night where history, music, and mystery intertwine at the 14th Annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine. Whether you're drawn by the eerie stories or the foot-tapping live music, this event is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Blue Heron Outdoor Museum is located at 8249 Mine 18 Road, Strunk, Kentucky. For more information, call 423-569-9778 or visit online at: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/bhghostmine.htm

www.nps.gov

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