Breaks Interstate Park
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Breaks Park prepares for 2009 whitewater season;
Molasses stir-off and 5K run are early October highlights
 September 23, 2009
In This Issue
Whitewater season draws near
Molasses stir-off planned for October 3
Annual 5K run set for October 3
Quick Links
Greetings!
 
The month of October is nearly here! As the weather cools and the leaves change, we know that a special time is upon us.
 
Each year, October brings great excitement to Breaks Park. From the whitewater release and beautiful fall foliage to old-fashioned molasses making and the annual 5K run, October offers plenty of wonderful things for everyone.
 
We hope you'll enjoy watching our leaves explode with color--we're expecting especially vibrant colors this year. On the Russell Fork River, you can enjoy some of the best rapids anywhere in the southeastern United States. Hopefully you'll be able to join us for our annual old-fashioned stir-off. That's an experience that's hard to come by these days. And don't forget the annual 5K run. It's popularity keeps growing each year.
 
We hope you enjoy autumn as much as we do!
.
Sincerely,  

Matthew O'Quinn
Superintendent
Kayaking on the Russell ForkPark gears up for busy whitewater season 
 
Those who enjoy rafting and kayaking on the Russell Fork River look forward to this time each year as they prepare to tackle world class whitewater.
 
Each Saturday and Sunday during the first four full weekends in October, water is released from the John Flannagan Dam and Reservoir, creating Class Five plus rapids on the Russell Fork through the Breaks Gorge. Different sections of the river provide varying levels of difficulty. Rafters will find Class Two and Three rapids closer to the Flannagan Dam area, and rapids topping Class Five through the Breaks Park area on sections of the river with names like "twenty stitches," "broken nose," and "triple drop." The gradient of the Russell Fork ranges from five feet per mile to an unbelievable 180 feet per mile. One violent 75-foot stretch, aptly named "El Horrendo," is considered one of the difficult in the East.
 
If you choose to take on the Russell Fork be cautious; the river can be unkind to all but experienced paddlers. It is known throughout the rafting world as some of the wildest, raging whitewater anywhere and is best experienced with a guide or outfitter familiar with the river. Call the U.S. Corps of Engineers at John Flannagan Dam at (276) 835-9544 for release times.
Sugar caneMolasses stir-off planned for October 3 
 
We've been raising cane all summer at Breaks Park--sugar cane that is--and now we're getting ready for an old fashioned stir-off.
 
Each year at Potter's Knoll, we make a "run" of molasses which comes from our very own sugar cane patch inside the park. The stir-off is planned for Saturday, October 3 this year. Join us and see the process of making molasses. You'll enjoy learning and reminiscing as the molasses are stirred and skimmed to sweet, sugary perfection.
 
Making a pan of molasses from start to finish takes quite a while. The demonstration begins at 7 am and will conclude sometime in the afternoon. Call 276-865-4413 ext. 260 for more information.
 
Remember grandma's stack cake? Try it out yourself!
 
Old Fashioned Stack Cake
1 1/2 sticks of butter                                     1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup sugar                                               1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs                                                         1/4 tsp. cloves
1 cup molasses                                            3/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. soda                                                3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder                                     3 cups plain flour
applesauce or apple butter, if desired
 
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and molasses. Mix well. Add soda to buttermilk; add salt, baking powder, and spices to flour. Combine with butter mixture and mix well. Bake in thin layers in a 350 degree oven until done. Applesauce or apple butter may be placed between the layers, if desired.
Annual 5K Cross Country Run set for October 3 
 
The annual Grundy Kiwanis 5K Cross Country Run at Breaks Park is set for October 3, and organizers are expecting the largest turn out yet.
 
This year the race will begin at 10 am for open age groups and high school teams. A 1.5 mile run will begin at 11 am for runners in fifth through eighth grades.
 
First place male and female overall winners will receive $100. Additionally, male and female overall master winners (age 50 and older) will recieve $100. Second place will receive $75 and thrid place will receive $50. The first place male and female high school teams will receive $150.
 
Pre-registration fee is $10. Registration on day of race will be $15. Participants who pre-register are guaranteed a t-shirt for participation. For more information, contact Jon Rife or Ricky Owens at 276-935-2181.
Click here for entry form.

Good for one free entry to Breaks Park 

  
 
Print this coupon and present
to gate house attendant for free entry!
 
This coupon is good for one free entry into Breaks Interstate Park. Coupon may only be used once and may not be combined with any other offer. Coupon must be presented to receive free entry. Exclusions may apply.
 
Offer Good through September 27.