BLACK BEAR EXPO!
On Saturday June 26, 2010, ABR hosted an outstanding and exciting FREE event at the Townsend Visitor Center in Townsend, TN. Black Bear Expo was a day full of education and fun, with emphasis on coexisting with black bears and the mission of Appalachian Bear Rescue.
As you know, education is a vital part of the mission of ABR, and Black Bear Expo helped people understand that mission. Our board members and volunteers donated their time and talents and financed this project. No monetary donations to ABR were used for this event.
Things to see and do at Black Bear Expo included an information table where visitors learned more about ABR, signed up to become members, and registered for some great door prizes. ABR board members staffed this table.
There was an educational display of bear items such as a skull, fur, track casts, claws, seasonal bear foods and scat samples. Janet Dalton, a volunteer with vast knowledge and experience concerning bears, managed this table and answered bear questions with able assistance from volunteer Betty Jones.
Another table displayed games and activities that were a fun way for children to learn about bears. Two volunteers, Malva and Rebecca Holt, who are experienced in working with children, supervised the activities at this popular table.
Photographer Chuck Cooper demonstrated the appropriate method of photographing bears and other wildlife safely.
Board member and education volunteer Joey Holt led a popular and informative hike into the national park, where he pointed out bear sign and an inactive tree den. The hike was limited to 20 hikers, and all were enthusiastic about the activity.
Two campsites were set up, demonstrating the right and wrong way to camp and picnic in bear country. Albert Earle, a volunteer with extensive camping and hiking experience, presided over this display, educating many would-be campers.
Don Taylor, well-known woodcarver from Sevierville TN, demonstrated his woodcarving skills, and a local chainsaw carver had an exhibit, as well.
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Two former park rangers shared stories of their experiences. As expected, these stories delighted listeners, as both men are talented storytellers. Joe Kelley and Dwight McCarter both enjoy telling of their adventures as rangers, some of which had listeners laughing out loud. Dwight and Joe recently co-authored a book about the search for a 200 year old, disputed boundary between the U.S. and the Cherokee Nation.
There was live music throughout the day! Pistol Creek Catch of the Day, a popular and versatile group from Maryville TN, played on the stage, performing several sets.
The multi-talented Tony Thomas and Judy Carson offered old time Appalachian music, as they spent the day “pickin’ on the porch.”
Carol Kueny, owner of Moonshine Ridge Country Store and the National Park Store, both on the Wears Valley Road between Pigeon Forge and Townsend TN, displayed many bear items for sale, and Joel Zachry and his wife, Kathy, signed copies of their newly-published book, Bears We’ve Met.
Everyone was amazed and enchanted by Lisa Stewart, ABR curator, as she spoke passionately about the current cub population at the ABR facility. Lisa’s enthusiasm and dedication are very evident as she talks.
TWRA was represented by David Whitehead, who had an exhibit of equipment used for a bear workup. His table was very popular.
Last, but certainly not least, was the food! There was mouth-watering barbecue prepared by Foothills Smokers BBQ from Maryville TN and Mac Clabo, of Mountain Star Lodge served up alternate choices. Soft drinks were available and were very popular, since it was extremely hot.
The musicians and all of the vendors donated a portion of their proceeds for the day to Appalachian Bear Rescue. We greatly appreciate their generosity and support of our work.
If you missed our Expo in 2010, there is a possibility that we will have another Expo next year. That was the sentiment expressed by many who enjoyed this year’s event. So it may, in fact, become an annual occurrence. Watch for it!