Below is the June 2008 calendar from Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. More information is available at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.

June 2008 Events - Divided By Region

NORTHERN GEORGIA

Visiting Artist Series
Weekends, June 1, June 7 and 8, June 14 and 15, June 21 and 22, June 28 and 29, 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site - Dahlonega Artists and craftspeople from Georgia and surrounding states will demonstrate their arts or crafts. They will have their works for sale in the museum. $2.50 - $4. (706) 864-2257.

First Friday for Families
Friday, June 6, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen This monthly ranger-led series will cover topics of interest to children and adults. Each Friday will explore a new topic, from how animals survive in winter to wonders of the night. Times and dates will vary through the year. Register in advance. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

To Tempt a Trout
Saturday, June 7
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge - Dawsonville Kick off the day with an early morning fishing rodeo for anglers 15 and under. You can also pick up tips on tackle, technique, and trout management methods. $3 parking. (706) 265-1969.

A Day in a Miner’s Life
Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site - Dahlonega Peek back at life in the 1830s with demonstrations on gold panning, blacksmithing, shingle making, pioneer tools, candle making, folk toys, spinning, pine needle basket making and more. $2.50-$4. (706) 864-2257.

Children’s Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park - Summerville Children 15 and younger can bring their own fishing gear to catch a limit of five catfish from a well-stocked lake. $3 parking. (706) 857-0826.

Snakes Alive
Saturday, June 7, 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia
This reptile program includes mounted displays and live snakes to view up close and personal. Program will take place at the park amphitheater. $3 parking. (706) 356-4362.

Saturday Evening Music Concert Series
Saturdays, June 7, June 14, June 21 and June 28 Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen
Regional musicians perform a variety of music from Appalachian Mountain, Bluegrass, and Southern Gospel music. The program lasts from June-mid-November. These programs will be “pass-the-hat” donations for the musicians. $3 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.

Hiking in Helen
Saturdays, June 7, June 14, June 21 and June 28 Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen
Join this fun guided hike that travels three miles from the park’s lodge to Helen. Participants can hike back three miles or return by shuttle. Bring lunch. Register in advance. $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Family Camp for all Ages
Monday, June 9 to Friday, June 13, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen
Make your family vacation memorable by attending Unicoi Family Camp. Spend each day attending classes or workshops. $20 per adult, $10 per child, $70 maximum per family. Children 4 and under Free. $3 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.

Yellow River Bassmasters Youth Fishing Tournament Saturday, June 14, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder
This free fishing tournament is for ages 5 to 12. Prizes will be awarded and lunch will be provided. $3 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Siege Yargo Trailblazer Race
Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder
Join us for this adventure race with teams of three people. Racers will paddle, run, mountain bike and face other challenges through this scenic park. Race fee plus $3 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Senior Citizen Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park - Summerville Ladies and gentlemen 65 and older can try for their limit of catfish (five) while the local Veterans of Foreign Wars offers hotdogs and drinks. Bring your own bait (no minnows). $3 parking. (706) 857-0826.

Junior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 14, 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Moccasin Creek State Park - Clarkesville
All anglers 11 and younger can try their best trout teasing tactics. Bring a rod and reel, favorite bait and sense of adventure. A limited number of fishing poles and tackle will be available. Snacks will be served and prizes awarded. $3 parking. (706) 947-3194.

Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 14, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Vogel State Park - Blairsville
Join other kids 12 and younger to fish our stocked trout stream. Prizes will be given to the lucky ticket holder, and families will enjoy watching children have a blast. $3 parking. (706) 745-2628.

Maritime Festival
Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hart State Park - Hartwell
Join the Back Yard Yacht Builders Association on Lake Hartwell to see homemade yachts, ask questions about construction, and maybe even ride in a sailboat. Crafts will be available for kids. $3 parking. (706) 376-8756.

Youth Fishing Days
Saturday, June 21, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen Children and their special “big person” can fish in one of two ponds stocked with catfish, bass and bream. Fish caught in the ponds can be kept, and staff are available to assist. Bring your own bait and rods. Use the Hwy. 75 entrance to the park. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Cherokee Way of Life
Saturday, June 21, 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia
Listen to a short talk with Native American Russ Bradley about Cherokee Indian history and the ways of the modern Cherokees. Program will be held at the park amphitheater. $3 parking. (706) 356-4362.

Women in the Outdoors
Saturday, June 28, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, June 29, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen In this event co-sponsored with the National Wild Turkey Federation, women can learn outdoor skills including fly-fishing technique, shooting, spin-fishing and archery, and enjoy classes about the natural environment. Register by June 20. Fee. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

Junior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 7, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park - Crawfordville Children younger than 16 are invited to compete for prizes in several categories. Register by 8 a.m. $3 parking. (706) 456-2602.

An Evening of Astronomy
Saturday, June 7, 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain Constellations and planets have been an important part of human society and folklore since humans lived in caves. Join the Columbus Coca-Cola Space Science Center at the amphitheater for an evening that will include star talks, star maps, and viewing of the night sky. $3 parking. 706-663-4858.

Alligator Day
Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park - Omaha
See live alligators and take guided boat tours to view these reptiles in their natural habitat. Lake Walter F. George is a beautiful location to view wildlife and birds. $3 plus $3 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Observatory Open House
Saturday, June 7, 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge
Hard Labor Creek Observatory will be open to the public one Saturday per month from March until October. (706) 557-3001.

Jeff Davis Birthday Celebration
Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site - Fitzgerald This program starts with a 21-gun salute to Jefferson Davis and ends with a small re-enactment. Vendors and re-enactors will be on hand, along with blacksmiths, weavers, and other demonstrators. A guest speaker will honor Jefferson Davis’ birthday. $1.75-$3. (229) 831-2335.

Fish and Boat Blast
Saturday, June 7, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge - McRae Try your hand at fishing, steering a canoe, meeting water creatures, making fishy crafts, and playing fishy games. $3 parking. (229) 868-7474.

Rosie the Riveter and D-Day Observance
Saturday, June 7, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site - Warm Springs During the 1940s, an unprecedented number of women responded to government encouragement to fill factory jobs left vacant by men during World War II. Join actress and teacher Carol Cain as she portrays these women collectively known as “Rosie The Riveter.” Kelly’s Zeroes will provide displays and hands-on activities. $4-$7. (706) 655-5870.

Family Fun Day
Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gordonia Alatamaha State Park - Reidsville Families are encouraged to bring their bikes to participate in a Bike Safety Program (free helmet giveaways) and Car Seat Belt Safety Program. The day will also be filled with mini-golf, pedal boat races, volleyball, water balloon games, family team games, children craft programs, food and drink. $1 - $2.50 $3 parking. (912) 557-7744.

Georgia Flag Day
Saturday, June 14, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Indian Springs State Park - Flovilla
Create your own flag while learning Georgia’s state symbols. $3 parking. (770) 504-2277.

Senior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 21, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park - Crawfordville Anglers 55 and older can compete for prizes in several categories. A Georgia fishing license and advance registration is required. $3 parking. (706) 456-2602.

Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 21, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Indian Springs State Park - Flovilla
Throw it out and reel it in — catch the biggest fish and you will win. Begin a new family tradition by taking your dad fishing. $3 parking. (770) 504-2277.

METRO ATLANTA

Summer Fly Fishing Clinic
Tuesdays, June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge This clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety and other tricks of the trade. If time permits, participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Instructors suggest wearing long pants and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license and park fishing permit required. $10 or $7 with own gear. $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Party with the Possums
Fridays, June 6, June 13, June 20 and June 27 Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge - Cartersville Be a part of the Red Top Mountain “night life” and join a ranger for a guided hike to learn about nocturnal animals. Hike starts at “dark:30” so call to check start time. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. $3 parking. (770) 975-4226.

Discovery Day
Saturday, June 7, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville Recent findings at Etowah, including January’s remote sensing project, will be discussed by archaeologists Dr. Adam King and Dr. Kent Reilly. $2.50 - $4. (770) 387-3747.

Bees and Beekeeping
Saturday, June 7, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
P.N. Williams, founder of Tara Beekeepers Association, will give this presentation on the craft of beekeeping. Learn all about the fascinating honeybee and the tools of the trade. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Tree Top Excursions: Open Climb
Saturday, June 7, 1p.m. - 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. We will be climbing near Lake Alexander. $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Music Series
Saturdays, June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge - Cartersville Enjoy a summer evening at the Vaughn Cabin, listening to the sounds of live mountain and bluegrass music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and have fun with the whole family. Call the park for the band of the week. $3 parking. (770) 975-4226.

New Manchester History Hike
Saturdays, June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us to the ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek valley. Highlights of this tour will include going inside the impressive mill ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). $1-$2 plus $3 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Snakes of Georgia
Sunday, June 8, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Jason Clark of Southeast Reptile Rescue will give an educational presentation with live snakes, including rattlesnakes and cottonmouths. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, June 14, 9:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Our local instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. $7 - $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Canoe Clinic
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Join a certified park ranger and learn how to safely use a canoe. Enjoy a nice paddle on scenic Alexander Lake. Register in advance. $20 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Life on the Southern Home Front
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site - Dallas Gather the family and join us at our 1850s log cabin. Learn the ways pioneers settled this region and the lifelong struggles and hardships they had to endure. See open hearth cooking, farming practices and clothing styles. $1.75 - $3. (770) 443-7850.

Indian Flute and Dancing
Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville Visit these ancient mounds to learn about Native American flute music and dancing. $2.50-$4. (770) 387-3747.

Advanced Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
This clinic is for graduates of our Basic Fly Fishing Clinic and Experienced Fly Fisherman call (prerequisite) and will focus on “On the Water Techniques.” We begin at the Rockdale River Trail parking and then head to the lake for instruction in advanced casting technique (Steeple Caste, Roll Cast, and Double-haul Casting), line mending, reading the water and entomology. $12-$15, plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

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