1st annual LBL photo contest

“Friends of LBL” formerly known as The Land Between The Lakes Association, announces The 2008 Land Between The Lakes Photo Competition. This contest has been inspired by Gene Boaz, a friend to LBL and local artist (1946-1999) whose love of LBL and photography left a legacy encouraging today’s wildlife photographers and fostering greater appreciation of the Land Between The Lakes wildlife and its natural resources.
The 2008 Land Between The Lakes Photo Competition is open to all photographers, of any age, who submit a complete registration form and entrance fee. If under 18, a signed permission form from a parent or legal guardian must be included. Members of the contest committee, contest judges and their immediate families including children, siblings and spouses are excluded.
All photographs MUST have been taken in or of the Land Between The Lakes and will be judged in the following six categories:
1. Mammals - Portraits and Behavior
2. Birds - Portraits and Behavior
3. Small World – Tight Close Up and Macro
4. Connecting People and Nature - People enjoying the LBL
5. Habitat - Landscapes and plant life from wild areas
6. Digitally Enhanced *
*Double exposures, digitally stitched photos (More)

Kentucky state park campgrounds among “Top 100 family campgrounds”

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Five Kentucky State park campgrounds have been listed as among America’s “Top 100 Family Campgrounds” by ReserveAmerica for 2008.
The campgrounds on the Top 100 list are: Barren River Lake State Resort Park near Glasgow, Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park near Burkesville, Green River Lake State Park near Campbellsville, John James Audubon State Park at Henderson and Nolin Lake State Park near Mammoth Cave.
The Top 100 Family Campgrounds were selected based on testimonials, campground ratings and feedback provided by park rangers, regional park management and campers throughout the year. Nearly 4,000 parks were reviewed and the final 100 campgrounds were determined based on specific family-friendly criteria ranging from educational programs and visitor centers to camping amenities and overall beauty and scenery. Factors including the quality and availability of hot showers, laundry facilities, hiking trails, family beaches, radio-free zones, visitor centers, educational programs, children’s events and location were also considered. (for more information, visit www.ReserveAmerica.com) ReserveAmerica is North America's leading camping reservation and campground management solutions provider.
Several other Kentucky State Park campgrounds were selected as the best places in other categories including best fishing spots and best tours and events.
“The Kentucky State Park campgrounds offer excellent services and great camping experiences,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “We’re looking forward to another great camping season in 2008 with all 31 of our campgrounds.”For more information about state parks and campgrounds, visit www.parks.ky.gov. (more)

Bluegrass providing relief

by Teri Davis
Editor - Advance Yeoman

The Blue Grass Restaurant in LaCenter is making summer a little easier for 8 people every month with two drawings.
On the first and 15th of each month, they draw 4 names from those who enter: 3 adults and one child
The four prizes are a child’s gift, a gas card, and two gift certificates to the restaurant.
Not a bad deal with the price of gas and food going up.
Thank-you Bob and Litsa for your continued support of the commumity.

Livingston County sees rise in tourism revenue for 2007

Statistics released by the Kentucky Department of Travel this week show that tourism in Livingston County was up by  6 percent in 2007, according to an annual report compiled by the Travel Industry Association (TIA) in Washington D.C.  The figures indicate a 6.5 percent increase statewide which added $ 10.7 billion to the state’s economy.
“We know that travel and tourism are an essential part of Kentucky’s economy,” said Mike Cooper, commissioner for the department.  “Money spent on tourism throughout the commonwealth circulates several times into the economy benefiting Kentucky communities through direct travel and in the service and retail sectors.”
“Attracting tourists to Livingston County is an on-going process and local leaders have worked diligently to expand the number of visitors to the area,” said Kim Kraemer, local tourism representative.  “This report is good news for the area and an indication that our efforts are paying off.”
Nearly $7.25 billion was spent directly by domestic travelers in Kentucky in 2007.  Combined with indirect spending, the total value of the tourism industry totals $10.72 billion. These amounts generate just over $1 billion dollars in local, state and federal taxes.

Fulton’s Railroad Heritage Days Festival scheduled for September 18th-20th

Preparation for the first Fulton Railroad Heritage Days Festival is under way. The new festival replaces Pontotoc Days that had been held for a few years in downtown Fulton. Interest in the previous festival had waned until the volunteer organizers decided to disband the prior years event.
Earlier this year, concerned citizens explored the possibility of organizing a new festival that would be tied to Fulton’s railroad heritage and also to reflect the former banana festival of years gone by.
Some of this years activities were finalized at a meeting, of festival officials, on May 15th. The activities will begin with a “Little Mister And Miss Railroad Heritage Days Pageant” on Sunday, September 14th, at the Fulton High School. On Thursday, September 18th, vendors will set up in downtown. There will be a Senior’s Bake-Off at the senior citizen’s center. A photography contest and children’s art exhibit will be on tap along with a railroad themed kiddie parade. (more)

~ Summer Music Festival ~
features a little bit of everything

As the days of summer begin to lengthen, and the gas prices continue to rise, everyone’s looking for something to do that won’t cost a lot of money. The City of Mayfield has just the thing in its annual Summer Music Festival held every Saturday night during June and July. One big change this year is the location of the concerts – a stage will be set up in Harmon Park and each Saturday night concert will be there, with rain location being at the adjacent Farmer’s Market on James Street.

The concert schedule for the remainder of this summer is as follows:

July 19 – Blend – A capella music from the 50’s and 60’s
July 26 – Hee Haw’s Lulu Roman

Summer Fun calendar of events

JUNE 12-JULY 2
The 4th Annual Southern Illinois Music Festival
Classical Music, Art and Jazz in the Hills Of Southern Illinois
More than 50 performances in venues all over southern Illinois. from Mt. Vernon to Cairo and Murphysboro to Marion, including a seven-concert series at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Shryock Auditorium.

JULY 12-19
LaCenter, KY
Bring the whole family
Steeped in tradition, the Ballard County Fair represents rural Kentucky at its best. Harness Racing, Queen Pageants, Little Master and Miss, Baby Show, 4-H Exhibits, Gospel Singing, Kids Day, Parade, Horse Pulling, Mudd Bogs, Mud Racing, and returning for 2008, NAPA Sponsored Demolition Derby Saturday night July 12 at 7:00. There is something for everyone at The Ballard County Fair. Come on out and join us, have some refreshments, relax, and be part of our celebration. Go to www.ballardcountyfair.com for more information. (more)

Eighth Grader to perform benefit concert in Shuck Recital Hall

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo  – Eighth grade student Matthew Thompson will perform a special benefit concert July 16 for the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming tour to China in May of 2009.
The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Robert F. and Gertrude L. Shuck Music Recital Hall located in the Seminary Building at Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus.
Matthew will perform a short program of music for flute, accompanied on the piano by his father, Paul Thompson, who is a faculty member in Southeast’s Department of Music. The program will include a number of expressive and characteristic pieces for flute and piano. The audience will hear a diversity of compositions, such as Mozart’s ethereal “Andante in C Major,” the jazz-inspired “Out of the Cool” by contemporary composer David Heath and the impressionistic “Sicilienne” by Gabriel Faure. Also on the program will be chamber music featuring flute duos and a special trio for two flutes and cello.
Matthew was inspired to prepare a special benefit concert as a result of hearing about the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming China tour. Both of his parents areinvolved in the tour; Dr. Sara Edgerton is the orchestra’s conductor, and Paul Thompson will perform as a member of the orchestra. Matthew felt this would be an exciting summer project for himself in sharing his love of music with others, while raising funds for the orchestra’s travels.
Matthew has been playing the flute for three years. He regularly performs with his school band at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School in Cape Girardeau. As a sixth grader, he placed fifth in the flute section in the Southeast Missouri All-District Junior High Band, and last year he placed second in the flute section. He frequently performs solo works and accompanies his school in school masses, along with performing for St. Vincent de Paul Church in Cape Girardeau. Matthew also has performed flute solos in New York. He studies flute through the Music Academy of Southeast Missouri State University, where he is a student of Candice Summers.
The concert is open to anyone who would like to enjoy the beautiful sounds of the flute. There is no admission charge; however, donations to the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra China tour will be gratefully accepted. Further information about the tour and the orchestra’s upcoming 2008-2009 concert season also will be available. For more information, contact the Department of Music at (573) 651-2141.

Patti’s in Grand Rivers now offers “patio dining”

by Todd Hansen
Editor--Livingston Ledger

Short of table space for the summer season because of the lost of the Iron Kettle due to a tragic fire just a few days after opening for the season the Tullars now present “patio dining at Patti’s”. In speaking with Mike I though this was something that had been in the works for a few weeks but wife Lawana told me that they came up with the plan on Friday afternoon before Memorial Day and began to implement it immediately.
That quick implementation may be why this is the first you are hearing about it but it was instantly a hit with both longtime Patti’s goers and first-timers as well. First of all you can expect the same great food and service on the patio as inside, but with no need for reservations as the seating is first come first served. The seating policy is because of the many returning visitor who came expecting to just walk in and eat at the Iron Kettle. Lawana Tullar said “so many regular visitors are coming and haven’t heard the Kettle was destroyed by fire and we hope this will enable us to serve them”. While the actual paper menu may look a little different on the patio the selection is the same. (more)

Wranglers Campground to host 12th Annual Grand Jubilee & Primitive Rodeo

Join Wranglers Campground at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area July 18-19, for the 12th Annual Grand Jubilee and Primitive Rodeo. 
The Jubilee is a celebration for all horse lovers and trail riders who have made Wranglers Campground such a success during the past year.  Activities include half-price camping, a watermelon feast, exhibits, children’s activities, and a visit from Smokey Bear.  Half-price camping will be offered Friday and Saturday. 
Also, J-N Rodeo Company returns to Wranglers Campground with events beginning at 8 p.m.  Enjoy exciting real life rodeo events such as saddle-bronc and bareback riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing, break-away roping, and bull riding.  “Primitive” refers to the informal atmosphere--Wranglers Campground does not have a permanent arena, so visitors are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.  Rodeo admission is $8 ages 13 and up; $5 ages 12 and under. 
“It will be a big weekend for us,” commented Randall Mitchell, Wranglers Campground Manager.  “If you are a regular user of Wranglers Campground, or just looking for something different to do with the family, come on out and enjoy the activities and events taking place.”
Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Friends of LBL, to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education.  We encourage visitors to review our website at  www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures.  Additional LBL information is also available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.  You can find out more about Friends of LBL at   www.friendsoflbl.org.