Historical park readies busy fall calendar; Friends group recruiting volunteers and expanding merchandise

Board members and staff reviewed a packed fall events calendar and plans for Friends-led fundraising and volunteer support.

Staff outlined upcoming activities: Kids in the Kitchen (Oct. 1), Trick-or-Treat on Oct. 17 (4–6 p.m.), Bloomin' Bluegrass on Oct. 20–21, Branch Arts Live on Oct. 22, Day of the Dead on Nov. 2 (6–9 p.m.), and Christmas exhibits and a tree-lighting event on Dec. 2 (5–9 p.m.). The Friends group will provide chair rentals during Bluegrass and run a pop-up museum store for events; chair rentals and merchandise sales will help fund grants and park programs.

Members discussed volunteer recruitment (sign-up sheets circulated), family-friendly participation policies, membership benefits and merchandise ideas including ornaments and T-shirts. Staff liaison Lauren Pringler will assist with marketing and help the Friends revamp brochures and digital collateral. Several programs, including special tea sessions, were noted as sold out and the Friends intend to explore ways to make some offerings more accessible to members.

Why it matters: These events are the primary public-facing activities that bring visitors to the park, generate fundraiser revenue for preservation efforts and involve local volunteers and partner groups.

What’s next: Staff and Friends will coordinate designs, images and marketing collateral; volunteers are asked to sign up for shifts and staff will provide assets to volunteers designing merchandise and flyers.