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

Remember that National Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 7. Build memories togetherby taking your grandchildren to one of these family-oriented events.

September 2008 Events – Divided By Region

NORTHERN GEORGIA

Saturday Evening Music Concert Series
Saturdays, September 6, 13, 20 and 27, 8 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Regional musicians perform a variety of music from Appalachian Mountain, Bluegrass, and Southern Gospel music. The series lasts from June through mid-November. “Pass-the-hat” donations for musicians. $3 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.

Tugaloo Triathalon
Saturday, September 13, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia
Watch or participate in this invigorating event that includes a 1.5k swim, 42k bike ride and 10k run. www.triatlanta.org. $3 parking. (706) 356-4362.

Mountain Music and Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
This popular event includes Appalachian, bluegrass and gospel music; arts and crafts booths; demonstrations on spinning, blacksmithing and bowl carving; and food concessions provided by Vogel Volunteers. $2-$5 plus $3 parking. (706) 745-2628.

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Sunday, September 14 and Monday, September 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase of about 325 steps to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, consisting of approximately 700 steps. Register in advance. $4 parking. (706) 754-7981.

Amicalola Through the Ages
Saturday, September 20 through Sunday, September 21
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge -Dawsonville
Learn about the history of the land that became Amicalola Falls State Park and about the culture of the people that have always treasured this area. See how we have grown and developed over the years. $3 parking. (706) 265-1969.

Nature Photography Workshop
Saturday, September 20, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen
Get the shot you want with guidance from nature photographer Joel Blacher. A working knowledge of your camera is required. Register by September 12. $55 plus $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Pioneer Days
Saturday, September 27, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Travelers Rest Historic Site – Toccoa
Watch traditional pioneer skills demonstrations while enjoying music, dancing and treats from the early 1800s. $2.50-$4. (706) 886-2256.

Outdoor Adventure Day
Saturday, September 27
Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen
Learn how to catch a trout, paddle a canoe, and shoot a shotgun. Try activities like fly tying and casting, bass fishing basics, trout fishing, archery, and BB gun and skeet shooting. There will also be wildlife shows with live snakes and hawks, crossbow demonstrations, hunting dog demonstrations, and hayrides. $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

A Dip into The Past
Labor Day Monday, September 1, 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
Swim in the historic pools originally built by Franklin D. Roosevelt as a place for therapy. Normally kept empty for preservation, the pools will be filled with naturally warm spring water. Four 2-hour swim sessions beginning at 9:30 a.m. Ages 6 and older. Reservations suggested but not required. $15 adults; $10 ages 6 to 17. (706) 655-5870.

Labor Day Weekend on the Lake
Monday, September 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park — Omaha
This holiday weekend features reptile programs, boat rides, fun and games. $3 plus $3 parking. (229) 838-4706.

A Very Unlabor Day
Monday, September 1, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge – McRae
Enjoy a relaxing country music concert in our lovely lakeside amphitheater. Race in some relays, touch a live animal or two, make some decorative crafts and go on a nature hike. $3 parking. (229) 868-7474.

Labor Day Activities
Monday, September 1, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Park – Lumpkin
Come to the park for a fact-filled hike followed by activities for all ages, including a water balloon toss. $1 plus $3 parking. 229-838-6202.

Wilderness Survivor
Saturday, September 6 through Sunday, September 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
If you found yourself in a wilderness survival situation, would you be strong enough? Learn how to build shelters and find water, and also discover new ways to start fire. Many survival topics will be introduced during this workshop. Register in advance. $75 includes group camp lodging. 706-663-4858.

Observatory Open House
Saturday, September 6, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 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.

Grandparent – Child Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Celebrate National Grandparents Day weekend with this fun contest. Together you’ll look for items in nature, sharing stories about what you find. Prizes will be awarded to the team(s) with the most items. $3 parking. (706) 541-0321.

Edible and Medicinal Plants
Saturday, September 13, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
A.H. Stephens State Park – Crawfordville
Learn how our ancestors used nature to survive as park rangers discuss wild plants used as food and medicine. $3 parking. (706) 456-2221.

Georgia Junior Golf Tour – Brazell’s Creek
Saturday, September 13 through Sunday, September 14, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Gordonia-Alatamaha Park– Reidsville
The eighth in a series of eight golf tournaments for junior boys and girls, ages 6 to 18, based on 18 to 36 holes of play. Registration required and can be done online. Parents can serve as caddies. Qualifying Event for Champion’s Cup Golf Tournament to be held at Wallace Adams Golf Course at Little Ocmulgee State Park on October 11-12, 2008. $75 - $125. (866) 317-7789.

Tour de Mistletoe
Saturday, September 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Get the whole family involved — moms, dads and kids from tricycle-age through middle school. There’ll be prizes for everyone who completes the course, with special awards for individuals and teams who finish in the best time. $3 parking. (706) 541-0321.

World WarII – Operation Market Garden
Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
In September 1944, thousands of paratroopers descended from the sky to secure to bridges in Holland so that the Allied army could advance into Germany. Kelly’s Zeroes’ living history program will feature displays and lectures regarding the 63rd anniversary of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history. $4-$7. (706) 655-5870.

Eighth Annual Elijah Clark Bluegrass Festival
Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21, 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Elijah Clark State Park – Lincolnton
Bring your lawn chairs and affection for bluegrass music. $3 parking. 800-864-7275.

Falconry
Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge – Fort Gaines
Steve Sanders, President of Falconers and Austringers of Alabama, will give a presentation about the sport of falconry with a live flight demonstration. Meet at the picnic shelter. $3 parking. 229-768-2571.

An Evening of Astronomy
Saturday, September 27, 8 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.

COASTAL GEORGIA

Garrison Dinner
Saturday, September 20, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien
Join the Garrison as our British officers dispute with Spanish emissaries sent to protest the presence of Fort King George on the Altamaha River. An evening dinner and debate will take place. RSVP by September 16. $30. (912) 437-4770.

METRO ATLANTA

Tree Top Excursions:Open Climb
Saturday, September 6, 1 p.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. Registration required. $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

New Manchester History Hike
Saturdays, September 5, 13, 20 and 27, 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.

Georgia’s Indian Heritage
Saturday, September 13, 2:30 p.m.– 4 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville
Learn about pre-historic, Creek and Cherokee Indians of north Georgia. $2.50-$4. (770) 387-3747.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, September 13, 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.

Nocturnal Treetop Excursion
September 13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us aloft in “Naomi Ruth,” a wonderful 90-foot Southern Red Oak, which is our living classroom. This nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, stargazing and night climbing activities. We may even have a barred owl join us. Register in advance. $20 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Life on the Southern Home Front
Saturday, September 13, 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.

Harvest at the Homestead
Saturday, September 20 and Sunday September 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge - Cartersville
Step back in time to the 1800s as demonstrators present harvest activities at the Vaughan Cabin. Experience the evolution of early American life as interpreters and skilled crafts people bring the past to life. Try your hand at many pioneer skills through hands-on activities. $3 parking. 770-975-4226.

Fall Wildflower Hike
Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Take this guided hike up Panola Mountain during the time of year when yellow daisies are in their full glory and the colors of fall are everywhere. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 770-389-7801.

Advanced Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, September 27, 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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