The Friends of Dunbar Cave will host Cooling at the Cave this Saturday, July 26th, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will be held at what is known to many long-time Clarksville residents as the old dance floor, and in more recent times as simply the entrance to the cave.
Free and open to the public, Cooling at the Cave is a unique chance to hear bluegrass music by the well regarded Holt Brothers Band at the acoustically rich cave entrance. Guests may play card and board games, enjoy free refreshments, or just sit and listen to the music. Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, as the 58 degree air that naturally flows out of the mouth of Dunbar Cave may require it regardless of how hot the day is.
Before the days of refrigerated air-conditioning, the entrance to what is now called Dunbar Cave has been a meeting place because of the strikingly cool air. During much of the 1900’s the Dunbar Cave area was operated as a resort and guests flocked to the cave entrance as the only place around that was cool in the summer.
During the Big Band era many famous musicians such as Tommy Dorsey, Lena Horne and countless others played played music while guests danced and socialized. Later the cave area was owned by Roy Acuff and famous country musicians played this venue for many years.
Barbara Wilbur created this event in July 2007 with people like Marguerite Rubel in mind. Marguerite and many others talk about the good ole days at Dunbar when the world opened up to them at Dunbar Cave. Last years event closed to the comments of “When are you going to do this again?” “Over 100 people attended in 2007 and we’re expecting a larger crowd this year”, says David Boen, president of Friends of Dunbar Cave.
Swan Lake Golf Course is donating the use of a golf cart for transportation to those needing assistance between the visitor’s center and parking lot and the dance floor.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of Dunbar Cave. The Friends of Dunbar Cave seek to promote and preserve Dunbar Cave State Natural Area by providing educational and enjoyable events such as Cooling at the Cave.
