The finishing touches have been put in place for the Cordell Hull Folk Festival, which is Saturday, May 24, 2008, beginning at 10AM.  Please come to Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park in Byrdstown to enjoy this daylong fun-filled event. This year's theme is "A Glimpse of Our Past: 1950 and before."  The day will include a variety of cultural and natural history events that relate to the way of life of the historic Upper Cumberland region.
 
Some of the many highlights of the day include Long Hunter and Civil War living history displays and traditional skill demonstrations such as basket making and quilting. Clogging, Native American dance, and a large variety of local and regional musicians such as the Cross Brothers Band, Lonesome County Line and the multi-talented Ross Moore will perform on the main stage throughout the day. Several local authors including Emily Sells and Dr. Lynwood Montell will be on hand for book signing and the well-liked Children's Area will be alive with Mule Rides, a petting zoo, and old fashioned games and activities for the young'uns.  Nature events include guided trail hikes to popular Bunkum Cave, a talk on native medicimal herbs by expert John Warner, as well as wildlife programs on native birds of prey and reptiles.  
 
The Folk Festival will include a quilting contest this year, "Where is Grandma's Quilt?" The categories are before 1950 and after 1950. Quilt entries may be dropped off at the park on Thursday, May 22. Prizes will be awarded at the festival between 4PM and 5PM.
 
The Festival will round out with an enchanted evening of story telling and acoustic music. Local phenomenal storyteller Jim Buck will acquaint us with local tales, beginning at 6PM and then Nashville singer-songwriter Mark Elliott will share his amazing talents as we watch the sun go down. Mark will perform the highly anticipated release of the song "Cordell" which he wrote for the famous Nobel laureate. For more information on this project go to http://www.markelliottmusic.com/cordell_hull_song_cd_project.htm.
  
Period food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day. For more information on the Folk Festival and to see a complete schedule, please see go to www.cordellhullmuseum.com or call the park at 931-864-3247.