Cocke County Historian to be Honored at Cosby in the Park

The annual Cosby in the Park festival will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the park’s Cosby campground. In its 16^th year, Cosby in the Park is presented by the Cocke County Partnership, Great Smoky Mountains Association, and the park. The event celebrates the cultural heritage of the area, the talented local craftspeople and musicians, and highlights the many recreational opportunities available in the Cosby section of the park. Music, craft demonstrations and children’s activities will be ongoing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Each year we take this opportunity to celebrate the life and culture of the people who lived in this area,” said Caitlin Worth, Park Ranger at Sugarlands Visitor Center, “We look forward to another year of music, cultural demonstrations and fellowship in Cosby during this beautiful season.” The festivities this year will all take place in and around the campground amphitheater and the group campground areas. Free parking for attendees will be provided in campground Loop B.

Families are encouraged to attend, and take some time to learn more about old time toys and traditional mountain crafts. This year children and families are invited to make their own rag doll and button whizzer to take home. In addition there will be a special Junior Ranger program in the group campground at 1 p.m.

Musicians play traditional mountain music at the 2014 Cosby in the Park event.

This year’s honoree is preeminent Cosby historian and local newspaper columnist, Duay O’Neil. “We are so excited to host an event where we can honor someone who has been such a wonderful contributor to this event over the years,” said Worth. “Duay’s work to preserve and share the history of the Cosby area, has given the stories he tells of people and places new life for visitors from near and far.”

Cosby in the Park Scheduled Activities

Amphitheater Stage

10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.   Honoring of the Duay O’Neil

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.   Lost Mill String Band

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.   Boogertown Gap Band

12:30 p.m. – 1:00p.m.   When the Men were Away: Tales of Women and Children during the War Years – with Duay O’Neil

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.   David and Sharon McClary

Other Programs

• Hike on the Cosby Nature Trail. 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meet at Cosby Nature Trail Sign.
• Junior Ranger: Web of Life 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at the Cosby Nature Trail Sign.