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Mammoth Cave National Park Sets 37th Annual Cave Sing For December 4

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By NPT Staff - November 28th, 2016

Head to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky on December 4 to attend the 37th annual Cave Sing. Participants will depart from the visitor center at 2 p.m. for this free event.

“Visitors and our neighbors will enjoy the performing arts at the park on December 4,” said Superintendent Sarah Craighead. “Rangers in period dress will represent different eras in Mammoth Cave’s 200-year history. The local art of basketmaking will be demonstrated in the visitor center. And music will resound in the halls of Mammoth Cave.”

The idea for the Cave Sing dates to 1883, when residents held a Christmas celebration inside Mammoth Cave. An article about the event stated, "the halls of the cave ring with joyous carols and the laughter of happy children." The park hosted the first Cave Sing in 1980.

Basketmakers in the visitor center, noon–3 p.m.

Learn about the art of basketmaking in the visitor center. White Oak basketmakers Scott Gilbert and Beth Hester learned to harvest and make baskets through their long standing apprenticeship with Ollie and Lestel Childress of Park City. Also meet Charles and Charlene Long who, along with grandson Brandon, will demonstrate the local tradition of Willow and honeysuckle basketmaking.

Cave Sing, depart from the visitor center at 2 p.m.

Meet your guide at Shelter A behind the visitor center at 2 p.m. Rangers will be dressed as historic characters from Mammoth Cave’s past, and will speak with the crowd as they walk to the cave. Once underground, the musical performances will ring out in Rafinesque Hall: the Drakes Creek Middle School 8th Grade Advanced Choir will perform, as well as From the Barn, a local three-piece band. Complimentary refreshments will be served at the Mammoth Cave Hotel upon returning to the surface.

Friends of Mammoth Cave annual meeting, 3:30 p.m.

Are you a Friend of Mammoth Cave? The Friends will hold their annual meeting at 3:30 p.m. at Mammoth Cave Hotel. Stop by to learn about the important work of the Friends as they protect, connect and inspire this and future generations of park stewards.

Cave Sing requires walking up and down a steep hill and climbing steps. Participants should dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable shoes or boots. Even though the cave air stays at a constant 54 degrees, wind chills in the entrance are much cooler.

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