Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will be celebrating the deeply rooted tradition of Decoration Day on the Cumberland Plateau with its fourth annual Cemetery Quest event. The event takes place during the month of May and takes participants to different cemeteries located throughout the region in search of site-specific information.
And new for this year, there will be a virtual experience on the Big South Fork website for people who are unable visit the cemeteries in person. All participants who complete the Cemetery Quest by 4 p.m. on May 31 will receive a unique 50th anniversary challenge coin.
Pick up your Decoration Day Cemetery Quest booklet at Bandy Creek Visitor Center the morning of the event. To download it from the website or to access the Cemetery Quest Virtual Experience, visit www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/decoration-day-cemetery-quest.htm.
The Decoration Day Cemetery Quest is one of the many ways to join the Big South Fork throughout 2024 in a year-long celebration for its 50th anniversary. From new park waysides and interpretive programs to special events and nights under the stars, there’s an activity for everyone. Visit the Bandy Creek Visitor Center for a copy of this year’s Go BIG Challenge booklet, information on upcoming programs and annual photo contest, and a great selection of limited-edition anniversary items. This event is free and open to the public. For more information call the park at 423-286-7275.