It's hard to believe that the summer of 2009 has nearly come and gone.  Most schools are back in session or will be real soon.  It's time to soak up all of the warm season fun that Dale Hollow Lake, Big South Fork, and Fall Creek Falls has to offer before the cool crisp temperatures of autumn arrive.  ...take that boat (or houseboat) out for a few more spins around your favorite spots or cruise up and down the lake, ....gather a few friends and go jetskiing just a few more times (and if you don't own any, rentals are available for most types of watercraft for reasonable rates), ...go skiing, swimming or just lounge on the beach or at a pool just a little while longer, check out all the refreshingly cool waterfalls around the regions, or take in another round of golf. ... pack a picnic and enjoy some quality time with family and friends before life gets so hectic.  Be sure to check out all the little shops that you've been meaning to visit (it's not to early to stock up for Christmas) and find time to visit the restaurants that you love the most or have wanted to try.  They will all be glad you came.  The people and places that make this part of the world so special, look forward to sharing time with their "friends" that stop in to visit as time allows.  They invite you back not only for the summer, but drop in for a weekend retreat (or more) in the other seasons as well.  There are several great events coming up over the next few weeks and months that we would like to share with you below.  Keep in mind that fall is just around the corner and this area has some of the most picturesque countryside around and fishing, hiking, golf, and more can be year round activities with the proper gear.  
 
There's still time to pre-register for the Dale Hollow Lake Poker Run coming up August 22-30.  There's more about this below, but keep in mind that the entry fee for this run has been cut in HALF.  It's only $50/hand this time around!  Those that participated in the first run had a great time.  So much so, many plan to participate in the second run.  Most played with friends and went around the lake by boat to the various marinas, enjoying the camaraderie as they went.  The grand prize winner in the first run was Dorene Lowery of east Tennessee.  She won $2,000 for her hand.  Make sure you register today so you won't miss out on the fun and opportunity to help a worthy cause and maybe yourself as well.... and don't forget the cool blue wristband you'll gain just for registering.  You don't have to participate by water.  You can hop in your car, ride your bike, or make your way around to each of the participating marinas by whatever form of mobility that you choose.  Just be safe. 

 
There are many other events coming up in the near future that we hope will be of interest to you.  Make plans now to enjoy as many as you can.  Each is unique and fall is also a great time to experience the Upper Cumberlands.  You can find a listing of local events on the www.Go2DHL.com, www.Go2BSF.com, and www.Go2FCF.com event pages.  Here are a few that we want to make sure that you know about, but there are more on the websites including information on area fairs.  Cumberland County Playhouse has an excellent line up of exceptional shows and concerts throughout the year.  Check their website for the show schedules and concert information and to purchase tickets prior to arrival.  Bluegrass Underground and Sunset Jammers also offer great entertainment schedules throughout the year. 

There are car shows around the region almost every weekend through the month of October.  Byrdstown Kountry Kruisers meet the first Saturday, Standing Stone Cruisers meet the 2nd Saturday, the club from Sparta, TN meets on the 3rd Saturday, and the club in Somerset, KY (one of the largest) meets on the 4th Saturday.  There is another meet in Monticello, KY each Thursday night, plus there is a big event during the Roller Coaster Yard Sale (www.rollercoasterfair.com (October 1-3) with over 150 miles of authentic marathon yard sales and much more) - the Cumberland River Cruise In at Alex Montgomery Chevrolet in Burkesville, KY (Saturday, October 3rd). 

August 21-22 is an Astronomy Weekend at Fall Creek Falls.  The 31st Annual Mountaineer Folk Festival will follow soon thereafter on September 11-13.  September 19 brings the Upper Cumberland Regional Air Show to the Sparta area. Heritage is important to the folks of Bledsoe & Van Buren Counties with heritage festivals in each county Oct. 2-4.  Sequatchie County celebrates on October 17 with their Days of Yesteryear.

In the Big South Fork, August 29th is the 5th Annual Music Fest in Wartburg.  September 4-6 is the big BRIMSTONE SIDE BY SIDE SxS ROUND-UP at Brimstone Recreation. On Sept. 5, Historic Rugby celebrates with the 40th Annual Rugby Village Pilgrimage and Pickett State Park celebrates Old Timer's Day.  Saddle Valley Campground is also celebrating Labor Day Sept. 5-7 with a Potluck & Singing.  September 11 & 12 brings the Annual Wings Over the Big South Fork Air Show and Concert to Scott County, TN.  This event has become much loved over the past several years.  On the northern side of the region Sept. 10-12 is the 2009 Old Fashioned Trading Days in Williamsburg, KY.  East Fork Stables has several themed rides and events planned for this fall.  Please check their website for the latest information and to make reservations.  Everyone has a great time "horsing around" in the horse community of BSF.  Look for costume contests at several of the establishments, not only during Halloween, but throughout the year. Sept. 17-19 is the 5th Annual Blazin' Bluegrass Festival in McCreary Co., KY.  The annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival is also on Sept. 19th.  Sept. 26th Honest Abe Log Homes will have a Log Raising.  If you've ever wanted to learn more about the homes, now is an excellent opportunity to do just that.  Visit their website for more information or give them a call toll free at 800-231-3695.  The 17th Annual Great Pumpkin Festival will be held Oct. 2-4 in Allardt, TN.  This is an awesome display of monster produce, plus lots of activities, food, fun, vendors, FIREWORKS, and more.  There are many more events coming up, but we will cover those in a later e-news or you can check them out on the web at www.Go2BSF.com. 

At Dale Hollow Lake, the Monroe County Watermelon Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5 in Tompkinsville, KY.  This is one of the largest events in Monroe County with 10,000 in attendance in previous years.  The 7th Annual Sierra Hull Bluegrass Festival will be held September 12th in Byrdstown, TN.  Sierra has had a busy year with many more great opportunities in her life with many awards for her talents.  Read more about her at www.SierraHull.com.  This is becoming one of the most high profile bluegrass festivals in the area.  The 27th Annual Standing Stone Marbles Festival & National Rolley Hole Championship at Standing Stone State Park near Livingston, TN is also on September 12th.  This festival is a one of a kind event and has been featured by many media outlets over the years such as ESPN, ABC Evening News, Sports Illustrated, Charles Kurault and CBS, Smithsonian Institution, CNN, National Geographic, Southern Living Magazine, and many more.  The following weekend offers the 21st Annual Upper Cumberland Quilt Festival in nearby Algood, TN and the Cumberland River Bluegrass Festival in Burkesville, KY. September 26th is the 6th Annual Cumberland Homesteads Apple Festival and 75th Anniversary Celebration near Crossville, TN with lots of food, fun and entertainment.  The 24th Annual Rollercoaster Yard Sale will be held October 1-3 with an over 150 mile route of some of the best yard sales anywhere.  Plus there are always farmers markets around, barbeque outlets, and more along the way around Dale Hollow Lake.  The Dale Hollow Bass Classic and the 18th Annual Allardt Great Pumpkin Festival & Weigh Off are also schedule for this weekend.  The well loved Dale Hollow Bass Classic fishing tournament offers anglers the opportunity to compete with others taking advantage of some of the best early fall fishing on Dale Hollow Lake.  Early registration is encouraged.  The weekend of October 10th is the 12th Annual Standing Stone Car Show, Gamaliel Autumn Festival (Gamaliel, KY), and the Sgt. Wesley Tucker Memorial Ride (motorcycle) out of Celina, TN.  The Sgt. Wesley Tucker Memorial Ride is in memory of our local hero that lost his life during the war in Iraq.  Proceeds go for scholarships for other local students.  October 16-17 is the Foothills Festival in Albany, KY with plenty of food and fun for everyone, along with plenty of live entertainment.  Sgt. York Day is also coming up on October 17th (www.SgtYork.org) in Pall Mall, TN.  This will be the 91st anniversary celebration of the famous WWI battle for which Sgt. York is known.  There will be a student art contest, senior citizen essay contest, children's activities, food & craft vendors, tours, historical exhibits, and more.  Don't miss it.  Also, if you are craft vendor and would like to set up at either of these events, just visit their websites for all the information.  The CITGO-Harris Oil Fishing Tournament is also on October 17th, another great tournament on the waters of Dale Hollow Lake. 

Be sure to plan on taking the Haunted Hollow Express at Big South Fork Scenic Railway in nearby Stearns, KY this fall.  It sets out on its first trip on October 16th with other dates to follow.  The Big South Fork Scenic Railway has rides scheduled April - December, but this is a special ride they do during the fall.  Visit their website for all the information. 

There are many other events coming up in the months ahead - just check out the listings on www.Go2DHL.com, www.Go2BSF.com, www.Go2FCF.com on the events page for more information on these and other events, plus you can find more information on places to stay, eat and more at other links on this website.