Date: November 12, 2008
(MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK –November 12, 2008) Mammoth Cave National Park Superintendent Patrick Reed invites all area residents to the annual Cave Sing, Sunday, December 7. Meet at the visitor center for this free event.
“Cave Sing is always a fun afternoon in the park,” said Reed. "It began in 1980 as a way to say ‘thank you’ to our local friends and associates. This is our 29th year and the event carries the same message – we appreciate our neighbors."
Cave Sing schedule:
Before The Sing
1:15 - Storytelling at the Mammoth Cave Hotel Rotunda Room
2:00 - Depart for cave from Visitor Center
Inside The Cave
2:30 - Rotunda
The Carollin' Bell Ringers
Glasgow First United Methodist Church
2:45 - Methodist Church
Western Kentucky University Women's Chorus
After The Sing
3:30 - Mammoth Cave Hotel
Santa Claus arrives and complimentary refreshments are served
"Some of the earliest accounts of cave tours describe the sound of the cave," added Reed. "Music was used more than one hundred years ago to help visitors appreciate the great expanse of Mammoth Cave’s passageways."
"Most trips into the cave, including the Cave Sing, are considered strenuous," said Ranger Johnny Merideth, who is organizing the Sing with Ranger Chuck DeCroix. "Visitors are reminded to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes."
Even though the cave air stays at a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit, windchills in the entrance are much cooler. Some areas in the cave are damp, while others are dusty. Cave Sing visitors will use the 60 steps at the Historic Entrance to enter and exit the cave, and walk on the cave trails which are slightly uneven and hilly in spots. Cave Sing visitors will be allowed to enter and exit the cave at will.
“People need to be aware of the construction that’s underway in the visitor center area,” said DeCroix. “Parking is the same, but the breezeway, and the bridge between the Hotel and the visitor center are blocked off. Moving between the visitor center and the Hotel requires a bit more walking.”
A few words of caution:
· The Cave Sing is a ¾-mile walking trip, including a steep hill and about 100 steps.
· Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
· Even though the cave air stays at a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit, windchills in the entrance are much cooler.
· Bags, purses, camera bags, strollers, diaper bags, and framed infant carriers are not allowed in the cave. Be aware that these items need to be stowed in the coin lockers located in front of the visitor center, or locked in your vehicle.
Contact the park for more information: 270.758.2180, or maca_park_information@nps.gov.
- NPS -
