Southwest Virginia Parks

The Art League of Marion invites you to attend a weekend of arts, crafts, entertainment and food. The 37th annual Hungry Mother Festival will be held July 16-18, 2010, at Hungry Mother State Park, U. S. Highway 16 North, Marion, Virginia, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The lake at beautiful Hungry Mother State Park is the setting for over 100 arts and crafts exhibits including baskets, decorative wood, pottery, jewelry, candles, fine art, soaps, stained glass, and much more.

A Living History encampment where local re-enactors will demonstrate life in a Civil War camp will be presented along with skirmishes by this group.
A wonderful array of food will be available this year with something for everyone including meals, light snacks, or just drinks.

Parking fees are $6.00 per vehicle, or you may purchase a special three-day weekend pass for $9.00 which is good for the entire Festival.
The Art League of Marion uses 100% of the jury fees and a percentage of the booth fees collected from exhibitors to provide scholarships to deserving Smyth County students who are continuing their education in art, music, and theater. We are proud to have supported these students in the pursuit of their higher education. In addition to the scholarship program, the Art League sponsors an annual high school art show and a variety of art programs.

The 37th annual Hungry Mother Festival is presented by the Art League of Marion in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Contact Candy Whitt, Festival Chairman, at (276) 783-2901, for additional information, or via email: cwhitt@hammeratt.com  

You can get general information by calling Hungry Mother State Park at (276) 781-7400 or emailing hungrymother@dcr.virginia.gov.  To make reservations at any Virginia State Park please call 1-800-933-7275 or visit our website.

On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20, 2010, ten families from across the state of VA brought one of their most precious assets, their daughters, to Hungry Mother State Park.  The girls will stay in the park for 3 weeks while working with theYouth Conservation Corp a program throughVirginia State Parks. 

From the DCR Virginia State Park website:
The mission of DCR’s Virginia State Parks Youth Corps (VSPYC) is to engage Virginia’s youth in a structured program of important conservation and park projects on public lands while providing learning that fosters teamwork, self-esteem, social responsibility and respect for the environment.
The program includes three elements united by the types of project, environmental education and adventure programming, and the age of the participants. These are environmental stewardship programs, not summer camps; the young person will work hard, sometimes in difficult conditions including deep mud, hot sun, and mosquitoes and flies

The girls were to arrive by 12:00 noon to begin this journey.  Sunday was spent going over program guidelines and team building.  Monday, June 21, the girls began the work.  An it began with a ½ day orientation.  The safety of the girls is always the first priority.  The work during these three weeks will vary.  Some of the projects include trail work, trash pick-up, lake shore clean-up, staining some of the park facilities, & installing rock armoring.  The girls will also participate in park programs and will even have the opportunity to present programs for the park.  They will also get to experiencing some of our local attractions such as the state fish hatchery that is operated by the VA Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries, Grayson Highlands State Park, in Mouth of Wilson,.VA and canoeing the New River. 

This crew’s stay will end on Saturday, July 10 at 11 am with the official YCC graduation ceremony.    They will also be reunited with their families.  Each girl will be presented with a certificate, small memorabilia and a check for $500.  Most important, they will have made memories that will last a lifetime. 

Join in the fun with families, friends and communities for the sixth annual Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 26, hosted by Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA. Sponsored in part by the National Wildlife Federation, the event encourages parents and kids alike to trade their website for a campsite and screen time for green time to experience a night under the stars with Mother Nature.

Hungry Mother State Park will offer families several opportunities to get outside and play. The day will start with a geocaching adventure in which families can use GPS units to play this fun game. In the afternoon, park interpreters will show off some of Virginia's native animals and help guests decorate hiking sticks. In the evening, guests can sample campfire cooking as done by Carrie Sparks of Marion. The day will be capped by an exciting program called "Snakes!", presented by Connie Deegan of Johnson City, Tenn. Contact the Discovery Center for more information: 781-7400.

10:00 a.m. - Geo-who? Geo-what? Geocaching! - Geocaching is the new craze! Use a GPS unit to go on this high-tec treasure hunt. $3/person

2:00 p.m. - Beachcombing - A park interpreter will be on the beach with some interesting items from the natural world. FREE

4:00 p.m. - Trick Your Stick - Customize your own hiking stick! Sticks and materials provided. $3/person

6:00 p.m. - Campfire Cooking - Stop by the picnic area and see what Carrie Sparks is cooking over the open flame. FREE

Reservations for any campground at Hungry Mother State Park can be made online or by calling 1-800-933-7275.  Reservations are taken for specific campgrounds however, site location is on a first come, first serve basis. 

Also appearing will be the Quebe Sisters Band from Texas, theNew Ballard’s Branch Bogtrotters from the Galax area, the Redhead Express from Branson and Alaska, the Peyton Brothers from Florida, and Wayne Henderson and Friends. Twenty guitar contestants will have the chance to win a handmade Henderson guitar, and $10,000 in scholarships will be presented to young musicians studying Appalachian music and the groups that support them.  

A new feature will be an area featuring musical instrument builders Gerald Anderson, Jimmy Edmonds, Kevin Fore, Jackson Cunningham, and Jeff Sebens.  
Guitarist Ronnie Reno leads the bluegrass band that bears the family name. With him will be banjo player Mike Scott, fiddler Jackie Miller, bassist Robin Smith and mandolinist John Maberry. The Quebe Sisters Band plays a mix of Texas swing, vintage jazz and swing and country shuffle and has been named the Group of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists. The Redhead Express, a nine-member family band who have a regular show in Branson, combine bluegrass, traditional, old-time, country, Irish and gospel along with clogging. The Galax-area Bogtrotters are known for their old-time music. And the four Peyton Brothers have been performing bluegrass and folk since 1972.    

Performances run from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A children’s area will feature lariat artist Doug Smith and his rope tricks, music, crafts and games.  
 

Bring a chair or blanket and a picnic if you wish. Concessions will be available. Admission is $10, and children 12 and younger get in free. Park admission costs $3. A portion of proceeds will benefit scholarships for young musicians. Camping is permitted in the park. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. The park is located on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus.  

Next weekend is Memorial Day weekend.  It is the beginning of the summer season for those of us in Virginia State Parks.  We spend the weeks preceding the holiday making sure everything in each park is ready for the coming visitors.  Days are spent mowing grass, preparing cabins and campsites, and setting up concessions for the coming season.  One of the most important things each staff member does is complete a customer service training provided by Virginia State Parks. 

Many of the parks have a trainer on site.  For the parks that do not, someone is assigned to travel to that park to give the training.  Exceeding the public expectation of customer service is imperative at Virginia State Parks.  We recognize that we are here to serve the park visitors.  That is our priority.

On May 15, Theresa Tibbs Office Manager at Grayson Highlands State Park, held this training for 14 new and returning Grayson Highlands State Park  seasonal staff members.  The staff is not only trained in customer service but also general park operations, park policy, blood borne pathogens, & OSHA standards.  This information empowers park employees to better serve the customer. 

How can you make a difference?  We want to hear about your Virginia State Park experiences.  Each park office and contact station have “Your Comments Count” cards.  These cards serve as a way for visitors to tell us about your visit.  When we know about an unsatisfactory visit, it allows us to correct the problem.  And when we do something right, please let us know that as well.  If staff has their name mentioned in comments from the public, they get special recognition.  The “Your Comments Count” cards can be dropped into a mailbox.  It is self-addressed and stamped.   You can also drop these cards off at the park office. Of course if something happens during your visit that we need to address immediately, be sure to let us know right away, even after hours. Park emergency phone numbers are posted at the park office and contact station. Please give us the chance to fix your problem and help keep you on the path of enjoying your stay!

For general park information go to our website or contact the park’s office.  Overnight reservations can be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.

Both last April and this April, some of you were introduced to Carrie Sparks at our Women’s Wellness Weekend. During that weekends Carrie taught the Outdoor Cooking sessions and guided our Wildflower Walk.  Carrie is a valuable member of the Hungry Mother State Park team.  Carrie is a volunteer.

Carrie spent every Tuesday this past summer helping the park by leading the “Critter Crawl” each week.  The program allows children of all ages to investigate the creek at Hungry Mother and what calls it home.  Carrie is on hand to help offer safety techniques for participants and inhabitants, as well as general information.

By being willing to volunteer her time this summer, Carrie enabled staff to conduct another of the popular programs at Hungry Mother, “Canoe the New”.  The canoe program is a 4 mile float down the New River.  Staff leading this trip must be ACA (American Canoe Association) certified.  Carrie’s volunteer time allowed the canoe trip to be conducted with all available certified staff. 

But that isn’t all Carrie does for the park.  She also rotates as a guide of the Heritage Walk, a guided history walk through the park.  Regularly, you can see Carrie and her husband Jim picking up trash along the trails of the park.  And she serves as secretary for the Friends of Hungry Mother, a citizens support organization focused on helping meet the needs of Hungry Mother State Park.

Carrie is has her certificate as a VA Master Naturalist and she spearheads the organization of the Mt. Roger’s Naturalist Rally each May in Konnarock, VA.  She is a member of the Marion Garden Club and an active member of the Friends of Mt. Rogers. 

Carrie, the staff of Hungry Mother State Park, would like to thank you for all the time and effort you have given to our programs and parks.  We appreciate you and your work.

This  is a great example of what can happen in our parks with volunteers in your VA State Parks.  Each park has someone designated to work with volunteers and volunteer projects.  You can get general information by calling (703) 583-5497 or emailing vspvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov. You can also register as a Virginia State Park volunteer through our website.
 

If you are interested in joining Carrie for one of her programs check at the Discovery Center at Hungry Mother State Park for an up-to-date schedule or call Candace or Gwen at (276) 781-7415.  

The Restaurant at Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA will open for the season tomorrow, May 20,2010. 

2010 hours will be as follows:
Lunch   Wednesday – Saturday  11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dinner   Wednesday – Saturday  5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday Brunch Buffet  - 11a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

This will mark the 12th season of operation under park management.  New and returning menu items will be highlighted this season.  The menu is crafted to meet the needs of most customers.  A fresh soup and salad bar is available for both lunch and dinner.  The chicken salad, filled with celery, grapes, & nuts on a croissant, is one of the local favorites. The dinner menu is full of entrees such as Chipotle Chicken , Eggplant Parmesan, and Ribeye Steaks.   Of course, burgers are also available.   Each Sunday, The Restaurant offers Sunday Brunch that varies slightly from week to week.  Most weeks an omelet station, and carving stations are available.  The Restaurant at Hungry Mother State Park offers a fine dining experience in a natural atmosphere at a moderate price. 

Lisa Vacha returns as the head chef at The Restaurant.  Lisa’s work is unparalleled in quality and presentation.  She has earned a reputation that stretches regionally.  Because of this maintained standard, she is often referred to as an artist with her food.

Lisa and the staff at The Restaurant work tirelessly to ensure each customer has a superb dining experience.  The staff is required to complete a customer service training each year to maintain this high level of service.  This year most of the staff will be returning, just one detail to help promote a quality experience. 

Catering is also available throughout the year.  The Restaurant combined with an available gazebo and Hemlock Haven Conference Center makes Hungry Mother State Park a popular wedding venue.  John Stone, Restaurant and Conference Center Business Manager, will often tell brides, “I can supply all the wedding needs except the dress and a groom.”  It is also a great and convenient place for family reunions or business conferences.  Please call 276-781-7425 for information about The Restaurant or to book a special event. 

For general park information go to the Virginia State Parks website, contact the park office at 276-781-7400 or e-mail Hungry Mother State Park at hungrymother@dcr.virginia.gov.  Hungry Mother State Park is located at 2854 Park Blvd, Marion, VA  24354

Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.
 

Saturday, May 22, 2010, is the park’s newest special event, The Night Owl.  The Night Owl is a mountain bike race with a different twist, it begins at 9:00 PM.  Yes, it is a night race that winds through the trails of Hungry Mother State Park.  Registration is $25 and begins at 7:45 PM at the beach concession area.  The race will include three categories: Expert, Sport, and Beginner. The event is hosted by Hungry Mother State Park and sponsored by the Friends of Hungry Mother.   For a more information including a map of the race route go to www.nightowlrace.com or you can call the park office (276) 781-7400.

For general park information go to www.virginiastateparks.gov, contact the park office at 276-781-7400 or e-mail Hungry Mother State Park  at hungrymother@dcr.virginia.gov.  Hungry Mother State Park is located at 2854 Park Blvd, Marion, VA  24354
 

Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.
 

Grayson Highlands State Park will host its 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 3, 2010 at 1:00 PM.  Eggs will be hidden all through Massie Gap.  Although only special eggs hold prizes, everyone will walk away with a treat. 

The event is open to all children ages 10 and under and will be divided into two different hunts.  The age of the child will determine which hunt in which to participate.  There is not an extra charge for this event  though the regular park fees will apply.  Anyone wanting to participate needs to meet at the Massie Gap parking area at 1:00 PM.

So, come on out to Grayson Highlands State Park for their first program of 2010.  Lots of eggs and lots of fun, what could be better?

Don’t forget your basket!

Top 5 reasons you should attend the Women’s Wellness Weekend
at Fairy Stone State Park
April 23 – 25, 2010

5. To rejuvenate: Remind yourself of the woman you know you are inside.
Take the weekend to get back to you.



 

4. To Laugh: Whether bringing old friends or making new ones,
laughter and women go hand in hand.

3. To Revive: Play is good for you. 
How many overly stressed kids are there?

2. To Empower: Gain confidence by refreshing skills, you learned long ago or learn new skills before the weekend is over. 
It is all within you.

1. To Restore: Because you deserve to treat yourself,  who else is going to do it for you?.

Lead by example during the Women’s Wellness Weekend.
Would you want someone to treat your daughter the way you treat yourself?
Think about it, you deserve a little more “me” time.

The6th Annual FM94 Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, VA on April 3, 2010.  The event will run from 11:00 AM – 2:00PM.  Goodie bags will be given out, Space Walk of the Blue Ridge will provide inflatable rides, area Relay for Life teams will provide food, and 10,000 eggs will be hidden.

We will have face painting, balloons, balloon animals, and opportunity to have your hair and nails colored.  You can enjoy a lunch while you are here, hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, drinks and desserts will all be available for a reasonable price. 

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against this disease.  It allows communities around the world to raise money to fight this killer. 
Come on out and have a great time with us and support these local, hard working Relay for Life teams.  The teams participating in the Easter Egg Hunt are:

Freedom Fighters
Hicks for a Cure
Bank of Marion
Booth Chiropractic
&
General Dynamics

This event is brought to you by McDonalds, the Forbes Group, Better Homes Furniture Warehouse, Marion Fire Dept. Marion Pediatric Associates, and Ernie Sullens Clothing. 

Natural Tunnel State Park along with the Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Association and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will be hosting a 2-day workshop "Skills Along the Wilderness Road."  The workshop will be held on April 16-17, 2010.

Friday, April 16, will begin at 2:00 p.m. and Pam Eddy from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will walk participants through the steps in becoming an interpreter using historical objects and stories as focal points.  This program will be held in the Cove Ridge Center within Natural Tunnel State Park.

On Saturday, April 17, enjoy a hands-on day of learning how to make soap and candles.  Throughout the day there will be sessions on linens, types of dress, basket making, a cooking demo and more.  The Saturday programs will be held at the Blockhouse within Natural Tunnel State Park.  The day will begin at 8:00 a.m.

The Friday night dinner, Saturday continental breakfast and 18th century soup or stew lunch will be included with the registration fee.  Registration is $10 a day.  You can register for one or both days.  There is no charge for overnight accommodations.  Space for the Saturday sessions is limited. 

Registrations forms need to be sent to:
Megan France
1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway
Duffield, VA  24244

The registration form and payment must be received to secure your spot.  Make checks payable to the Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Association.  For more information please call Megan France at (276) 940-1643.  Registration deadline is April 2, 2010 no later than 4:30 p.m.
 

The weatherman has finally promised Southwest Virginia a weekend with sun and  temperatures in the 50’s, and  I find myself thinking of all the ways to enjoy the weekend.  I want to enjoy it to the fullest. 

What does that mean to you?  Possibly a relaxing walk along a winding trail is a great way to let go of stress. Bring out the bikes for the whole family and listen to the kids giggle as they ride along  and of course you have to include hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. 

If you simply can’t avoid the daunting tasks around the house during the day, then the Southwest Virginia Museum State Park's First Saturday Community Coffee House, may suit you better.   Bring the family out on Saturday evening, March 6 at 7p.m. to a relaxing atmosphere full of stories, songs, and even a few surprises for you and your family.  Be sure to get there by 6:45 p.m. so you don’t miss a minute of this refreshing program.
 

On Sunday afternoon ,  a Shape Note Singing program will be held on Sunday March 7 at at Natural Tunnel State Park beginning at 2 p.m.  This program will teach you to sing four-part harmony without instruments and no experience is required.  There will be plenty of time before and after the program to enjoy and the afternoon of sunshine.

It doesn’t matter what your interests are, you can find them in a Virginia State Park.

The Friends of Hungry Mother will again be sponsoring Hungry Mother State Park’s Fall Fear Bike Race on Oct 24, 2009.  Racers will pick from 3 categories – beginners, sport, expert/pro.  There is a division for men and women in each category.  Each of the three courses is new in 2009. 

The main route will go in the reverse direction on the Lake Trail. 

The Sport Category will do a figure-8 type loop with the CCC Trail and the Expert/Pro Category will be using Raiders Run Trail, Old Shawnee, and Molly’s Knob Trails. 

The Beginner loop will be just less than 6 miles, the Sport will be approximately 10 miles and the Expert/Pro will be approximately 12 miles.              

Pre-registration is open until 11 am Friday, Oct. 23, 2009.  On race day, registration will be from 8:00 – 9:45 am, the pre-race meeting at 9:45 am and the race beginning at 10:00 am.  The event is sponsored by the Friends of Hungry Mother, Hungry Mother State Park, Arnold’s Exxon, Adventure Bikes of Wytheville, and R&R Station and Lucky Dog Deli of Marion. 

For more information on the race please call 276-781-7400 or visit the website.