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The annual Autumn Heritage Celebration will be held this weekend at Sycamore Shoals State Park.

Activities throughout the weekend will include programs and demonstrations of 18th century frontier life – cordage & rope making, music, 18th century food preservation techniques, colonial games, and much more. The weekend will also include a special Veterans Day program on Sunday to honor the combatants at the Battle of Kings Mountain and our current veterans and armed service members.

Events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

SATURDAY

10 a.m. – Militia Inspection & Raising of the Colors

11 a.m. – Cookery Books & Receipts: We often think of food at Thanksgiving. Mrs. Daniels will include open hearth cooking, flintlock musket and rifle demonstrations, soldier & militia gear, medicinal plants, tavern life, apple butter stirring (Saturday only), and discuss 18th century recipes and where they are best found.

12 noon – Thanksgiving Proclamation & Militia Drill: Assemble with the frontier settlers as the 1780 Thanksgiving Proclamation is read publicly inside Fort Watauga. Then, witness the Washington Co. Militia train for military action and exhibit various firearms of the 18th century.

1 p.m. – Child Soldiers of the Revolution: Join members of the Watauga Valley Fifes and Drums to learn about some of America’s youngest veterans on this Veterans Day weekend.

2 p.m. – Cordage & Rope Making: Join Mr. Doan and see how the early settlers made rope, a useful product both then and now.

3 p.m. – Historical Demonstrations: Take the opportunity to visit with living history interpreters to learn more about life on the 18th century frontier.

4 p.m. – Fort Watauga Closed

SUNDAY

11 a.m.– Frontier Church Service: All are welcome for Sunday morning service held inside Fort Watauga.

12 noon – Historical Demonstrations: Take the opportunity to visit with living history interpreters to learn more about life on the 18th century frontier.

1 p.m. – Militia Drill: Witness the Washington Co. Militia train for military action and exhibit various firearms of the 18th century.

2 p.m. – Veterans Recognition Ceremony: Join us for a special ceremony as the patriots who fought at the battle of Kings Mountain are honored. Also, there will be a salute to present-day veterans and service members.

3 p.m. – Retiring of the Colors / Event Closed

FALL FIBERS FAIR

Also, members of the Overmountain Weavers Guild will present the Fall Fibers Fair inside the park visitors center throughout the weekend. Visit with local spinners, weavers, and fiber artists to learn more about wool, flax, and other fiber arts. Also do some early Christmas shopping with fiber arts vendors who will be set up throughout the weekend as well.