Mammoth Cave To Host Annual Cave Sing

Mammoth Cave National Park Superintendent Sarah Craighead invites all area residents to the 36th annual Cave Sing, Sunday, December 6, 2015.  Participants will depart from the visitor center at 2:00 p.m. for this free event. 

“Our annual Cave Sing is a bit different this year,” said Craighead.  “Because of the cave trail construction project we will present the musical program in the Rotunda and Rafinesque Hall.  Some of our rangers will be in period dress representing different eras in Mammoth Cave’s 200-year history.  Coming back to the surface, and after the sun sets, the WKU Hilltopper Astromony Club will hold a star party adjacent to the visitor center.”

The idea for the Cave Sing dates back 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.

The schedule follows:

• 2:00 p.m., depart for cave from the visitor center.  Inside the cave at the Rotunda, visitors will hear Pianist Dr. Janet Bass Smith & Violinist Joy Fan; and at Rafinesque Hall From the Barn, a local three-piece band, and the Bowling Green Jr. High Orchestra, directed by Patrick O'Rourke.
• 4:00 p.m., complimentary refreshments, courtesy of the Friends of Mammoth Cave, are served on the back porch of the visitor center.
• 5:00 p.m., the WKU Hilltopper Astromony Club will set up telescopes in the bus loop adjacent to the visitor center and share their knowledge of the night sky.

Please remember, 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 Fahrenheit, wind chills in the entrance are much cooler.

For further information, call 270-758-2180.

---