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Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park has scheduled several events for the month of February. Among them are auditions for this year’s production of “Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals!” scheduled Saturday, Feb. 1, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Persons interested are invited to attend and audition for parts in the story of Sycamore Shoals as told by the Overmountain settlers and native Cherokees.

Other events in February include:

– Fellowship English Country Dancing, a very popular pastime in early America. Beginning and seasoned dancers alike are invited to attend and learn early 19th century dances. Open to anyone with or without experience or a partner. Admission is free, and those attending will meet in the Visitors Center. The event is sponsored by the Sabine Hill Social Society.

– A seminar on raised bed gardening will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon  at the park on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Admission is free. Master Gardener Ben Hunter will share his techniques and tips for growing the garden of your dreams. The event is sponsored by the Northeast Tennessee Master Gardeners.

– An Old-time Music Jam will be held Sunday, Feb. Feb. 23, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Those attending will enjoy a mix of old-time and traditional folk, Celtic, and gospel music. Acoustic instruments such as fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, dulcimer (both kinds), autoharp, feet (no taps) are welcome. All who are interested in playing, learning about, or listening to old-time and traditional folk music are invited. Feel free to bring a recording device for learning purposes.

– A Holiday History & Craft Paper Heart Basket Valentine workshop will be held Feb. 14 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Registration is required for the class, with a maximum of 10 participants. The class is free.

Chad Bogart, museum curator, will demonstrate how 18th century Americans celebrated Valentine’s Day while making a simple heart-shaped basket on a nearly 200-year-old paper valentine. Recommended for ages 11 and up, but all ages are welcome.

– Is there such a thing as a useful knot? Park Ranger Taylor Morefield will teach a crash course in tying useful knots at 1:30 p.m. at the park. Whether you’re camping, doing farm work, hoisting heavy objects, or tying down a load, this program will teach you something. Learn principles of what makes a knot useful, how to care for rope, different types of cordage for different tasks, and a selection of the most versatile knots Ranger Taylor uses the most. Knots taught will depend largely on the experience level of those attending. Open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Those participating will meet behind the visitor center in the pines near the walking ramp.

– Join Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield at 2 p.m. for a look at several styles of firearm used in the Revolutionary War era. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each and see a firing demonstration of a flintlock weapon system. The program will be held inside Fort Watauga and is free. It will last approximately 20 minutes. All ages welcome. There will be one loud sound at the end of the program when the flintlock is fired.