October 13, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
What could be more fun on a fall day than a hayride coupled with a little history, mystery, and theater?
That’s what audiences were treated to Saturday during the 14th annual History Hayride at Edgar Evins State Park.
After boarding the hay wagons, riders were taken on a two and a half hour journey throughout the park where along the way stops were made for costumed characters to share a story about a person or event of historical significance to the park or the community.
(In the brief video clip below the character Elizabeth Dale, Black Widow of Hazel Green is a serial widow and daughter of Adam Dale, portrayed by Lori Christensen, retired Warren County High School Teacher. She talks about how the men she met and married all died. The story goes that she kept a hat from each husband after his death and she continues to look for husbands on the hay wagons)
History Hayride at Edgar Evins State Park from dwayne page on Vimeo.
Among the characters was Elizabeth Dale, Black Widow of Hazel Green. A serial widow and daughter of Adam Dale, portrayed by Lori Christensen, retired Warren County High School Teacher.
Several other characters were portrayed including James Edgar Evins, the man for whom the state park is named and Luke Denny, illegal moonshine hauler, who was never caught by law enforcement.
In addition to the hayride, refreshments were offered for sale at the park office and there was a campfire in front of the office for roasting marshmallows.
The annual Hayride serves as a major fundraiser for the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park.