Don't miss the haywagon

One day each year Edgar Evins State Park at Silver Point becomes an outdoor theater showcasing characters from the history of the park and surrounding area. Saturday, October 11th will be the 9th year of the popular History Hayride, presented by Friends of Edgar Evins State Park and park employees. The cost is $15 per person with proceeds benefiting the park. Advance reservations are required.

The easiest way to reserve seats is on-line through the website for Tennessee Vacation. The URL is www.tnvacation.com/events/9216 Click on the big yellow "button" that says "Purchase Tickets." If you are computer challenged you may call the park office toll free at 1-800-250-8619 for instructions on making reservations by phone. Both Visa and Master Card will be accepted.

Eleven wagons will leave at approximately 30 minute intervals from the Visitors Center from mid-afternoon until 7 p.m. The wagons will make 10 stops in the park. At each stop costumed re-enactors will tell a story from the pages of history. A circuit will take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours during which the audience will remain seated. A narrator on each wagon will give more history between scenes. Reservations will be for specific times. Some choose afternoon rides although there are many who prefer the ambience after dark when the performers are illuminated by lantern and firelight. One of the latter fans is Fount Bertram, President of Edgar Evins State Park. Mr. Bertram says, "It adds a mystique that enhances the feeling of peering into the past."

The Friends of Edgar Evins State Park is a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of helping the park. This organization will have homemade cookies for sale in the Visitors Center along with complimentary coffee, hot cocoa and hot cider for those who wish a snack before or after the ride. The Friends website is on-line at www.foeesp.alturl.com or visit Friends of Edgar Evins State Park on Facebook.

This is not a Halloween themed event and is not suitable for small children or anyone who cannot sit quietly for 2 hours. As it gets colder along the lake it is recommended people dress warmly in layers and bring a jacket and blanket.