13th Annual Edgar Evins State Park History Hayride Offers Storytelling and Fun (VIEW VIDEO HERE)

October 13, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

What could be more fun on a cool crisp fall day than a hayride coupled with a little history, mystery, and theater?

That’s what audiences were treated to Saturday during the 13^th annual History Hayride at Edgar Evins State Park.

IMG_1905 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

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.

Among the characters was James Edgar Evins, portrayed by Tennessee State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath. Evins is the man for whom the state park is named.

This year’s hayride also featured an appearance by Charles T. Burton who lived on the Caney Fork River near Table Rock Island, which today is near the dam. He was almost 30 when he witnessed the 1872 hanging of 17-year-old John Presswood for the murder of Rachel Billings, an event that remained vivid in his mind for the rest of his life. The role of Burton was portrayed by Carl Halfacre, former park manager.

Other characters (according to the program) were:

*Luke Denny, Illegal Moonshine Hauler, who was never caught by law enforcement, portrayed by attorney Gerald Melton, active in the Cannon County Arts Center.

*Ida Hale, midwife, portrayed by Marcia Melton, member of the Cannon County Board of Education.

*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.

*Amon Pack, Grave Digger, who exhumed graves for relocation to Mt Holly Cemetery before construction of the dam, portrayed by J.R. Tinch, Assistant Chief of the Tennessee State Parks, Junior Rangers Program.

*Milton the Moonshiner, whose real name was withheld as per a family request, was a well known local distiller of illegal whiskey, portrayed by Road Supervisor Danny Hale.

*William C. “Bill” O’Neal, Manager of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who assisted with the establishment of Edgar Evins State Park, portrayed by William Freddy Curtis, Director of Cannon County Schools.

*Adam Dale, Revolutionary War soldier, early settler, and founder of the town of Liberty in the early 1800’s, portrayed by Charles Robinson, a descendant of Dale’s sister and a U.S. Postal Service employee in Liberty.

*Paleo-Indian Woman, who lived in the area long before the earliest white settlers, portrayed by Holly Taylor, wife of Park Ranger Mark Taylor.

In addition to the hayride, homemade cookies and brownies were offered for sale at the park office along with complimentary coffee and hot chocolate 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.

October 13, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

Since its beginnings in the fall of 2013, more than 50 families coping with stillbirth and infant loss have benefitted from the love and support of Paislee’s Foundation.

Established by Tyler and Jessica Cripps of Alexandria in memory of their daughter Paislee Cheyanne Cripps, who was stillborn on May 3, 2013, the foundation’s purpose is to support those whose lives have been touched tragically within the past six months due to stillbirth, infant loss, or child loss up to three years old. Through the foundation, families can receive funds to assist them with funeral costs or other expenses.

One of the annual fundraisers was held Saturday at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds in Alexandria. More than 30 vendors and a large crowd of shoppers participated in the Paislee’s Foundation Craft & Home Show.

IMG_1883 from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“We had just about anything your heart desires. We love this craft show because it offers many homemade items. Things made with a lot of heart and soul,” said Darcie Cripps, grandmother of Paislee

All proceeds from the craft show and other fundraisers, including an annual 5K and chili supper goes directly to the foundation, a 501c 3 non-profit organization.

Tyler and Jessica will soon be welcoming another child, much to the delight of a proud grandmother. “I have another grandbaby coming. Paislee would be a big sister to a little brother on the way,” said Darcie.

For more information about the Paislee story or to make a donation visit www.paisleesfoundation.org or follow on facebook for event information.

October 13, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

If you should spot low flying planes today in the Smithville area don’t be alarmed.

According to Joe Johnson, Smithville Airport Manager, a professional aerial cover crop seed sowing operation is underway today on behalf of farmers in the area.

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