Explore Park Kicks off its 2006 Season

Explore Park officially kicked off its 2006 season on Saturday, April 1 with the opening of the Park‚s Historic Areas. “They’re bringing back events people love the most, including Appalachian Folk Festival, Father’s Day Antique Automobile Show, Independence Day Celebration, Sleepy Hollow, and Holiday Traditions,” says Anna Wills, Explore Park’s education and programming supervisor. Appalachian Folk Festival, one of the Park’s flagship events, has been moved to April from September to take advantage of the spring weather. Appalachian music and culture (including moonshining!) will be highlighted this year as well as mysteries surrounding the Beale Treasure!

Most Sunday afternoons, visitors can enjoy special programs in the Historic Areas on a wide array of topics, including a new “Try Your Hand” series, allowing visitors to do such things as make fire or rope or actually do a farm chore. The River Foundation will again host two dinners at the Brugh Tavern˜one on April 28 preceding Appalachian Folk Festival and the other, All Hallow’s Eve, preceding Sleepy Hollow.

Virginia‚s Explore Park is located at milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke, Virginia. In the Historic Areas, open from April through October, interpreters in period clothing depict life in western Virginia in 1671, 1757, and 1850. General admission (16-54) $9, Seniors (55+) $7, Youth (4-15) $5, three and under free. Recreational activities: mountain biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are available from dawn to dusk or as posted at no charge. More information about Virginia‚s Explore Park can be found at www.explorepark.org or by calling 540.427.1800.

A list of the season’s events is below. More information can be found at www.explorepark.org

Sun, June 18, noon-5 p.m. - Father's Day Antique Automobile Show

Sun, July 2, noon- 5 p.m. - Independence Day Celebration

Sun, Sept 17, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. - Blue Ridge Celts: Outdoor Celtic Concert

Fri, Oct 27, 6 p.m. - All Hallow’s Eve Historic Dinner at the Brugh Tavern

Sat, Oct 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sun, Oct 29, noon-5 p.m. -Sleepy Hollow