Annual Cooling at The Cave to help celebrate Tennessee State Parks 75th Anniversery on Saturday, July 28th

By Blayne Clements | July 11, 2012 |

Clarksville, TN – Every year the Friends of Dunbar Cave (FODC) sponsors the “Cooling at the Cave.”  The event is spearheaded by Barbara Wilbur, and is intended to be a throwback to simpler times, when folks would beat the heat by sitting near the mouth of the cave, enjoying the company of neighbors, listening to music, and the constant cool air of the cave. This year Cooling at the Cave will coincide with the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Tennessee State Parks on July 28th.

With entertainment provided by Cumberland Winds Dixie Band, which will perform Dixieland style music. Tables, chairs and board games will be provided by FODC, however, events goers are encouraged to bring their own to ensure they have a seat at this popular local event. Refreshments will be available for donations, which help offset the cost of the event.

A crowd of people at Cooling at the Cave listening to the Cumberland Winds Jazz Band

For those that may have trouble walking to the cave,  golf cart shuttle will be available from the parking lot to the cave.

The FODC will have a table set up to solicit members, as well as offer t-shirts, postcards, and the newest edition of Larry Matthews book, Dunbar Cave – Showplace of the South, signed copies are available for $30. Cooling at the Cave runs from 3:00pm through 5:00pm but show up early, because this year, the park is hoisting a celebration.

This year, in conjunction with Cooling at the Cave, the park will also be celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the Tennessee State Parks.  Michael Fulbright will be giving a presentation on the history of Dunbar Cave at 1:00pm.  This event has limited seating, so please show up early to ensure you get a seat.

Park staff will be offering hot dogs, beans, chips and soft drinks at 1:30pm to the first 150 visitors, followed by a cake cutting ceremony at 2:00pm.  From 1:30pm through 3:00pm, Regional Interpretative Specialist David Haggard and his Bald Eagle will be on site, as well as the Tennessee State Park mascot, Ramble the Raccoon.  This celebration will also include the debut of the Parks Interpretative trailer.  Phi Kappa Alpha will present park staff with two rocking chairs.

The FODC will unveil the Dr. David Synder Memorial “Snakes of Dunbar Cave” interpretative panel.  Before his death in 2004, Dave Snyder presented a program on reptiles at most of the Spring Flings.  His educational and entertaining program brought in large crowds.   Because of his commitment to educating people about snakes and sharing his enthusiasm with others, he held a special place in the Friends member’s hearts.   The community made numerous donations in honor of Dr. Synder, which the FODC invested in the interpretative sign.

External Websites

• The Official Dunbar Cave Web Site
• Friends of Dunbar Cave Web Site
• Cumberland Winds
• Dunbar Cave: Showplace of the South

Photo Gallery

Images from the 2011 Cooling at the Cave

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About the Friends of Dunbar Cave

The Friends of Dunbar Cave, Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation committed to promoting, protecting and preserving the natural and cultural resources of the State Natural Area for this generation and for generations to come.  Please join Friends of Dunbar Cave in Supporting and protecting Dunbar Cave State Natural Area.  Members receive our newsletter, are invited to our monthly meetings held on the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. and are invited to participate in special park projects and activities.  As a member you will be assisting us in our short and long term goals to encourage development that will protect and preserve the wilderness and recreation that Dunbar Cave State Natural Area represents.

About Blayne Clements

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