Authored By Staff report

The second annual Goldenrod Gala — a fundraiser for the Friends of South Cumberland State Park — is set for Saturday, Oct. 6 at The Caverns in Monteagle. The evening will feature artisan-crafted cocktails, beers and wines; a catered dinner; and after-dinner live music and dancing in the new performance hall at The Caverns, which is also the new home of the popular PBS television series “Bluegrass Underground.” This year’s Gala will also feature the “Adventure Auction,” which offers off-trail nature expeditions led by expert guides. Proceeds from the Goldenrod Gala support a wide range of Friends’ initiatives on behalf of South Cumberland State Park. A limited number of tables and individual seats are still available. The Friends of South Cumberland are also seeking business sponsors and donors to sign-on in support of the Goldenrod Gala and its mission for the park. Those interested should email the Friends for more information. The Friends of South Cumberland is a group of volunteer citizens dedicated to supporting the South Cumberland State Park, at 30,837 acres, Tennessee's largest state park. A 1993 law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly allows state parks to contract with and receive financial assistance from a friends group organized according to the law. Now, private citizens can be involved with and support the park through both volunteer work and financial support. Join with other South Cumberland State Park trailblazers to help create a brand-new loop trail in the new Sherwood Forest area of the park. Please be prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water/snacks. If you have favorite trail-building tools or gloves, feel free to bring them. Meet at Old CCC Road, just past Coyote Cove Lane, Sherwood, TN 37376. Upcoming work dates: (Central Time) Aug 22 at 9 a.m. Aug 28 at 1:30 p.m. Sept 22 at 9 a.m. Sign up or learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities at South Cumberland State Park here.  