Louisiana State Parks April 2014 Calendar of Events
Upon Request, Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville – Daily Demonstrations. Daily demonstrations will be conducted to show how cotton fiber was separated from seed. Site staff will use a wheel gin, a simple hand crank roller gin; a type that pre-dates the Whitney gin but still played a large role in the evolution of cotton harvesting and the fiber’s use. Mature cotton plants with open bolls will be available, as part of the exhibit/demonstration, as well as raw cotton for use in the gin. For more information call 888.677.7437 toll free or 484.2390 locally.
Daily, Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville – Musket Demonstration. The demonstration includes a brief presentation of infantry weapons used in the Civil War, a discussion of the merits of rifle muskets over smoothbore muskets and of the basic parts of the musket, a loading demonstration, and finally a firing demonstration. The presentation ends with a question and answer session and an invitation to continue the site tour with a visit into Fort Randolph. For more information call 888.677.7437 toll free or 484.2390 locally.
Daily, Rebel State Historic Site, Marthaville – Musical Petting Zoo, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors can view the collection of stringed instruments on display to touch, play, and enjoy. For more information call 888.677.3600 toll free or 472.6255 locally.
Daily, Rebel State Historic Site, Marthaville – The Listening Library, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors can listen to country recordings and access the collection of books and films that tell the story of the roots of country music. For more information call 888.677.3600 toll free or 472.6255 locally.
Saturdays, South Toledo Bend State Park, Anacoco – Eagle Walk, 9 & 11 a.m. Learn about our impressive eagles! The park interpretive ranger takes you on an easy walk with gentle slopes to the end of Eagle’s Nest Trail. Although the eagle’s nest is no longer here, eagles are still seen. Please bring anything you might need for an easy hike. For more information call 888.398.4770 toll free or 286.9075 locally.
Saturdays, Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site, Pineville – Workin’ in the Garden, 10-11 a.m. Together with the Rotary Club of Pineville, site staff cultivates a vegetable garden on site. Volunteers are welcome to help out and learn about vegetable gardening, both “then and now.” Assistance is always appreciated, as most vegetables produced go to the Main Street Mission of Pineville. For more information call 888.677.7437 toll free or 484.2390 locally.
April 5, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, Many – Herbal and Historical Medicine, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Guests are invited to learn about the early methods of medical treatment used in the 1800s. For more information call 888.677.5378 toll free or 256.4417 locally.
April 5, Hodges Gardens State Park, Florien – Painting in the Park, 1-4 p.m. Participants will be shown step-by-step how to draw and paint a picture. The gardens will be inspirational with their beauty and color. Bring your own canvas; paint, brushes and easels will be provided. For more information and to reserve a seat call 318.586.7002.
April 12, Rebel State Historic Site, Marthaville – “Mini” Introductory Mountain Dulcimer Workshop, 10 a.m.- noon. If learning the Mountain Dulcimer has been on your “to do” list, bring your instrument to Rebel SHS for a Beginner Mountain Dulcimer Workshop taught by Daryle Stephenson of Shreveport. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the park scenery. When the workshop has concluded, there will be a short session during which students can display their newly-learned skills. Pre-registration is required; the workshop fee is $2 per participant, in addition to the park admission fee. For information call 888.677.3600 toll free or 472.6255 locally.
April 12, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches – Why Only One Pot?, 10 a.m.-4p.m. Test your 18th century fire-starting and cooking skills, challenging the site staff to a cooking duel of one-pot meals. Interested parties must contact the site to register for this event. For more information call 888.677.7853 toll free or 357.3101 locally.
April 19, Fort Jesup State Historic Site, Many – Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. Children ages 12 and under are invited to enjoy a traditional Easter Egg Hunt. For more information call 888.677.5378 toll free or 256.4417 locally.
April 19, Hodges Gardens State Park, Florien – Easter Activities, 1 p.m. The annual duck races at the high waterfall will kick off the activities, followed by an Easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny. For more information call 800.354.3523 toll free or 586.3523 locally.
April 20, Hodges Gardens State Park, Florien – Sunrise Easter Service, 6 a.m. Hodges Gardens will continue a 50-year tradition, holding its annual sunrise service at 6 a.m. at the outdoor theater featuring the Centenary College Choir of Shreveport and the voices of local church choirs. Through narration and song, the Easter story climaxes with the Resurrection as the sun rises over the lake. The service is free to the public and the gates will open at 4:30 a.m. Following the service, the gardens will be cleared and general admission will go into effect. Please dress warmly, bring chairs and blankets. The gates will close at 5:45, as to not disturb the service. For more information call 800.354.3523 toll free or 586.4020 locally.
April 26, Marksville State Historic Site, Marksville – Prehistoric Mound Tour, 10 a.m. & noon. The site manager will conduct tours of the prehistoric mounds and demonstrations of the area and daily tasks. The Marksville mound site was an important American Indian ceremonial center over 2,000 years ago, established sometime around 100 B.C. by the Hopewell Indian culture and extended until approximately 430 A.D. For more information call 888.253.8954 toll free or 253.8954 locally.