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Grandfather Mountain State Park Hosts Fourth Annual Family Day Event on Saturday, Aug. 23

by Madison Fisler Lewis

Aug. 18, 2014. On Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Grandfather Mountain State Park will host the fourth annual Family Day event at Foscoe Grandfather Community Center.

“We have a little bit of something for everyone and I think it will be a great time for anyone,” said Sue McBean of Grandfather Mountain State Park.

“2010 was our first year of operation and 2011 was the first event we had at the park,” McBean said. “It was a way to introduce the community to the park, the staff and some of the activities that we do. It just got bigger and bigger, and it was a good way for people who aren’t hikers to come enjoy the park.”

The annual event will give participants the opportunity to engage in plenty of fun activities and to earn a State Park Stewardship Certificate by doing so. There are many exciting programs scheduled throughout the day, with exciting events for all ages, according to a press release.

Scheduled programs for the event include:

  • Linville Search and Rescue K9 Team Demonstration: 10:30-11 a.m.
  • Stream Ecology: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Metamorphosis Relays: 12:30-1 p.m.
  • Stream Ecology: 1-2 p.m.
  • History of Grandfather Mountain Preservation: 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Stream Ecology: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
  • Many Hats of a Ranger Skit: 3:30-4 p.m.

“All ages are welcome,” McBean said. “We have arts and crafts that toddlers will love, stream ecology for the older kids and we have demonstrations and exhibits for the adults.”

Along with these exciting scheduled events, the Family Day will also include arts and crafts for all ages, Lepidoptera activities, exhibits on camping and hiking gear and much more. There is sure to be something for the entire family. Live music throughout the event will be provided by Appalachian State University’s Split Rail Records.

There will also be a special family day hike available for those interested. Hikers should meet at the Lowes Foods parking lot at 8:30 a.m. to board the shuttle. Pre-registration is required for the special family-day hike. To register for this event, please call 828-963-9522 or email grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.

In addition, the park will sponsor a free raffle for great items at the event.

“The raffle is completely free,” McBean said. “Tickets will be given out when people come in and they can sign up to participate. There are great prizes like books, gift certificates and bandanas.”

This free event is a great outing for the entire family that shouldn’t be missed. For more information, call 828-963-9522.