Shenandoah National Park, Va. – (April 1st, 2008) – ARAMARK, the concessioner in Shenandoah National Park, is hosting a series of events for the 2008 season, including culinary workshops, stargazing, Apple Butter Celebration, traditional Shenandoah cloggers and new Scavenger Hunt Hikes.
“Our wide range of activities further establishes Shenandoah as a culture-rich destination where visitors can learn about the history and environment as they enjoy the area,” said Tim Smith, District Manager for ARAMARK Shenandoah National Park Lodging. “With events like the Apple Butter Celebration, Night Skies and the weekly Shenandoah Mountain guided hikes, we hope to instill a greater appreciation for Shenandoah National Park while offering visitors a chance for fun within the park this season.”
Scavenger Hunt Hikes, brand new this season, will be offered June 23, July 21, and Aug. 18. Join authors Kat and John LaFevre to follow clues and search for hidden natural and historic “treasures” along a national park trail. Kat and John LaFevre are experienced guides and have led hikes in the Rocky Mountains, Smoky Mountains and will now provide this unique and fun family hiking experience in Shenandoah National Park. The expeditions will leave from Skyland Resort in the mornings, running 9 a.m. to noon and from Big Meadows Lodge, 3 to 5 p.m. Suitable for all ages, there is no cost to attend the hikes.
Shenandoah Valley Cloggers perform every Tuesday evening at Skyland Resort, March 25 to Oct. 28, 2008. Clogging, which has become the “country cousin of tap dancing,” was brought to this country by the early European settlers. It is still traditional throughout the Southern and Central Appalachian mountain regions, where it has been influenced by various cultures, including the Cherokee. Today, clogging is popular in many areas of the United States.
Shenandoah Seasonings, the cooking workshops at Shenandoah, showcase the unique culinary approach to using the highest quality foods that sustain the environment. The workshops feature cooking demonstrations with Executive Chef Terry Sheehan along with a Meet the Chef’s Reception and Chef’s Dinner. The workshops highlight a twist to the traditional Southern cuisine, native to the Shenandoah region, and showcase the locally produced wines of some of Virginia’s finest wineries and vintners. Shenandoah Seasonings will take place on April 18-20 at Big Meadows Lodge and June 15-16 and Sept. 21-22 at Skyland Resort. One day cooking demonstrations will be available on August 8 and 15 at Skyland Resort.
Summerfest now in its second year, is a summer festival featuring lively entertainment from the days of the 1920s through the 1950s. Classic cars from this period will also be on display. Come listen to the singers, watch the dancers or participate in old-fashioned games and historic “Cake Walks.” Take a guided tour of historic Massanutten Cottage and stroll among the quilters and basket makers who are on hand to demonstrate their talents and products. Held from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on July 19, 2008, the event is free and open to the public.
Night Skies presents a provocative overview of America’s vanishing night skies and tips on controlling light pollution. Join amateur astronomers to stargaze in a natural refuge away from city lights at the Big Meadows area (mile 51.3) on April 25, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 5. There is no cost to attend.
9th Annual Apple Butter Celebration brings visitors back to a time when women would snit their apples instead of simply cutting them. Apple butter is one of the park’s historical specialties and also celebrates the start to Shenandoah’s famous fall foliage season. The event features large copper kettles of apple butter that visitors can help stir and sample, apple candy and local entertainment, as well as homemade apple arts and crafts workshops. The event takes place Sept. 12-13, 2008 with entertainment and workshops on Sept. 13.
This year will also see an increase in programs hosted by the National Park Service in Shenandoah National Park. Along with returning programs like Wildflower Weekend, May 10-11, 2008, the Park Service is holding a Junior Ranger Day on April 26, 2008, to encourage children and families to connect with a national park.
For more information on the National Park Service’s summer programs held in Shenandoah National Park, please visit, www.nps.gov/shen. Or, for a complete listing of summer events or to book overnight reservations at either Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge or Lewis Mountain Cabins, please call 1-800-778-2782 or log on to www.visitshenandoah.com. Purchase an annual Shenandoah National Park pass and attend numerous events this season at a great savings.
About Shenandoah National Park Established by Congress in 1935, Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia contains nearly 197,000 acres of land with over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Shenandoah draws up to 1.5 million visitors a year with its rich history, unique geography and wildlife, as well as the panoramic vistas from the Skyline Drive. This National Scenic Byway, built during the Depression era, winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, providing vistas of the sweeping landscape to the east and west.
Lodging options in the park include Skyland Resort (mile 41.7), Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51.2) and Lewis Mountain Cabins (mile 57.5), which are operated by ARAMARK, an authorized concessioner and hospitality provider for the National Park Service. For more information about Shenandoah accommodations, dining and special events, call 800-778-2872 or visit www.visitshenandoah.com.
About ARAMARK ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine's 2008 list of "America's Most Admired Companies," ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and analysts. ARAMARK also ranked first in its industry in the 2007 FORTUNE 500 survey. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 250,000 employees serving clients in 19 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com. |