AT Museum
Trail Days 2010
Trail Days 2010 - May 14, 15, 16.
Celebrating the June 5 opening of the Appalachian Trail Museum in Gardners, Pennsylvania.

Schedule
2010 SCHEDULE
OF EVENTS

24th Annual
Appalachian Trail Days

Link to Damascus website


Click on a specific day, or just scroll down: 5-12 | 5-13 | Fri. 5-14 | Sat. 5-15 | Sun. 5-16

   
 
Check back to see the updated versions of this schedule.
This version updated April 24, 2010.



 
Saturday, May 8
 

 

7am

 

Justin Foundation 5K Race; Registration at the Caboose; certified course of the Virginia Creeper Trail; part of the State of Franklin Track Club Queen & King Series; Race starts at 8am.  All proceeds go to support the youth of Damascus, VA. Questions about the race call David Matlock 276 475 6043; about Justin Foundation www.justinfoundation.com.

 

 
 

8am-2pm

Town-wide Yard Sale. Bargains on every street.

 

 
 

4pm

“Miss Appalachian Trail Days” Pageant at Rhea Valley Elementary School. Girls ages 0-18yrs may enter. For more info. during the day contact Cathy or Darlene at 276-628-6043; (in the evening) Cathy at 276-475-5302 or Darlene at 276-356-6983.

       
 
9am
Campground open for registered volunteers. We will accept 20 hard-working volunteers to help us clear new camping areas. Call 276-492-8103 to register. Leave your name and a contact number if there is no answer.
 
 
 
Wednesday, May 12

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9:30am
-return

Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club will lead a 2.5mile AT wildflower stroll. Bring camera, walking sticks, your own lunch, water and rain gear. Register by 6pm Tuesday, May 12, jf@netscape.com or 276 623 2048.

     
 
12noon

Manufacturer's reps set up in the campground. In his 24rd year at Trail Days, Allyn Morton will greet other Manufacturers’ Representatives from Big Agnes, Etowah Outfitters, Granite Gear, LEKI trekking poles, Superfeet, Mountain Hardware, Osprey, Thermarest pads, Princeton Tec, and Big Sky International as they set up in Campground.  (There is no fee for approved representatives.)

 

 
 
4:30 pm
Free Grillin’ - We’ll be grilling at the back of First Baptist Church.
       
 
7:00 pm

Hiker Service under the tents in First Baptist Church parking lot.

       
 
7-8pm

Film: "Lords of Nature/Life in the Land of Great Predators" - Taken in Yellowstone National Park, revealing the relationships between predators, prey, and the effects on the local environment. Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. At the Laurel Bldg.

     
 
8-8:30pm

Film: "Yellowstone National Park/Land to Live" (the thermal activity of the park (geysers, etc.) and the life in them). Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. At the Laurel Bldg.

     
 
Thursday, May 13

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9am
Campground open for all campers. In this transitional year there is no fee for camping.
 

 
 
9am-5pm
Free Gear Repairs at Manufacturer's booths in Campground.
     
 
10am

Free shuttles at Adkins/Groseclose where the AT crosses under I-81 near exit 54 – signup is required – office@reachdamascusfbc.org  or http://reachdamascusfbc.org

       
 
12 noon-8pm
Crafters, Vendors, Outfitters set up at Town Park.
 

 
 
1-2pm

Film: "In the Company of Moose" - the world's top moose biologist, and the moose in Denali National Park, Alaska. Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. In the First Baptist Church sanctuary

       
 
2-2:30pm

Film: "Mosaic of Diversity/Olympic National Park" - outstanding computer-driven images showcase the complex ecology of this Park against the backdrop of the local Native American culture. Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. In the First Baptist Church sanctuary.

       
 
2:30 pm

Free Eating Contests – under tents in First Baptist Church parking lot. Sign up starting 2pm. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each contest - awesome prizes!

 

 
 
 2:30-3pm

Film: "At The Forefront of Conservation/Fish & Wildlife Services" - a film about the history and the mission of the U.S. Dept. of the Interior/Fish & Wildlife Services. Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. In the First Baptist Church sanctuary.

 

 
 
3-3:30pm
Film: "Great Smoky Mountains National Park"  Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. In the First Baptist Church sanctuary.
       
 
5:30pm

Dog show conducted by VCA Highlands Animal Hospital. Bring your favorite dog to the southern end of the park, near the old shelter.

 

 
 
6pm

Free - Famous Home-cooked Meal till food is gone for the Hikers! Tickets are free, but are required – get them at First Baptist Church, Thursday morning, starting 8:30 am.

 

 
 
6pm

Free - Grilled hotdogs, chips, soda & homemade chili under picnic shelter in First Baptist Church yard, open to everyone while they last.

       
 
6pm

Open Mic Night at Mojoe’s Coffeehouse (some instruments will be available)

 

 
 
7pm

Larry and Gayleen Kelley will entertain all ages with a variety of family humor, historical folktales, and inspirational stories -- along with a little music-- at the Damascus Library. Refreshments will be served after the program.

 

 
 
7-10pm

Come hear the first play ever about the A.T. and those who walk it. North to Maine: A Journey on the Appalachian Trail is written by playwright (and Appalachian Trail 2000-Miler 06-08) Brenton Lengel AKA "Filadephia Greenberg”.  The reading will take place at the Rock School Auditorium featuring New York actors. It will be followed by a gear-raffle for those in attendance. North to Maine is a true story and has won first runner up in the James Rodgers National Playwrights Competition and is sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports, Gregory, Gear to Go Outfitters, and Superfeet. This staged reading has been made possible by producing sponsor Stuart Wright.

       
 
8-9pm

Windtalker and Mom present "Spiritual Reflections from the Appalachian Trail” based on their new book "The Walk-Reflections on Life & Faith from the Appalachian Trail," at the First Baptist Church.

 

 
 
Friday, May 14

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6:30am-6:30pm

Free Showers in Trailer behind First Baptist Church

 

 
 
9am

Food Vendors, Outfitters, Trail Organizations, Crafters, and more in the Town Park.

     
 
9am-5pm

Free Gear Repairs at Manufacturers' booths in Campground.

     
 
9am-12:15pm

Johnny Molloy will sign his guidebooks at Mt. Rogers Outfitters.

 

 
 
9am-5pm

Free medical screenings & first aid in the First Baptist Church parking lot. Porta-potty in the alley behind the church.

 

 
 
9am-6pm

Crafters, Outfitters and Trail organizations in the Town Park

 

 
 
9am-6pm

Gene Espy will be signing his book “The Trail Of My Life, The Gene Espy Story”, at Mt. Rogers Outfitters.

       
 
9am-11pm

Food Vendors in the Town Park.

       
 
9:30am
ALDHA Hiker Reception Volunteers be at the Rock School Auditorium.
 

 
 
10am

ALDHA hiker reception refreshment food donations will be accepted at the Rock School.

     
 
10am
Paralee Dawson-Hayward will be signing her book " Living a Dream" at Mt. Rogers Outfitters on May 14th, 15th, and 16th. She will be available between the hours of 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10:00 to 12:00 on Sunday.
     
 
10-3pm

Bloodmobile will be set up at the Town Park, near the caboose.

       
 
10-3pm

Stone Mtn. Health Services will be in the Park issuing FREE breathing tests and blood pressure readings.

 
 
 
10am-12noon

Health of the hiker’s dog, sponsored by VCA Highlands Animal Hospital. Free dog exams given by Dr. John Roberts, at the southern end of the park, near the old AT shelter.

     
 
10am-10pm
Free Internet Café at First Baptist Church
       
 
11am-12noon

Scot “Taba” Ward (who has been recognized by the FMST as the "First to Yo-Yo the MST”) will present his book “Thru-Hiker's Manual for the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST)” at the Laurel Bldg.

       
 
11am-noon

ALDHA Hiker Reception at the Rock School Auditorium, a social hour with refreshments and hiker camaraderie  ~ ALL WELCOME ~  long distance hikers, section hikers, weekend hikers, dreamers of hiking, hiker friends and supporters. The A.T. Museum will have a special table at the reception ! Robert "Red Wolf" Croyle, reception committtee chairman. More info at : www.aldha.org  and www.atmuseum.org.

 
 
 
12noon-1pm
ALDHA Reception Volunteer clean-up  - but we will not run you out.
     
 
Noon-5pm

Book sale by Friends of the Library: wide selection of children’s and adults’ new and used books, videos, audio books, magazines and more at Damascus Library.

       
 
12:30-2pm

Outdoor writer Johnny Mollloy, author of "A Paddlers Guide to Everglades National Park", will give a slide show and presentation at the Laurel Bldg. about exploring the Everglades by self propelled craft. Molloy will share everything you need to know, from trip planning to permits, to navigation to camping. Molloy, who has spent over 270 nights in the Everglades backcountry, also will describe route planning and paddling from the tiniest creeks to the Gulf of Mexico, from Cape Sable to Cape Romano and the world famous Wilderness Waterway.

 
 
 
1-3pm

Ray "Otto" Douglas presents "All About ALDHA"  - a brief talk, plus a showing of the 25th Anniversary Gathering DVD. Rock School.

 

 
 
2:15-5pm

Johnny Molloy will sign his guidebooks at Mt. Rogers Outfitters.

 

 
 
3-4pm

Film: "Appalachia / The Endless Mountains" - archival and current film footage of the mountains through which the A.T. passes. Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. In the First Baptist Church sanctuary.

     
 
3-4:15pm
Appalachian Trail Jeopardy: Laurie Potteiger, Master of Ceremonies, in Rock School Auditorium.
     
 
4-5pm

Film: "A Woman Among Wolves" - filmed along Canada's Pacific coast, this film shows the only wolves known to catch and eat fish. We follow a biologist's hands-on study of these wolves. Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. In the First Baptist Church sanctuary.

       
 
4-5pm

Ron Woodworth will present a power point of his IAT trip in 2009, at the Laurel Bldg.

 
 
 
4:30-6:30pm

Daniel Peddle and Chris Hoover will present their new film “Trail Angels” at the Rock School Auditorium. Trail Angels is a portrait of four legendary yet unsung heroes of the Appalachian Trail. Meet Baltimore Jack, Mala, Trail Angel Mary, and Miss Janet - four working class Americans who open their hearts to seasonal “thru-hikers” by performing random acts of kindness known as “trail magic” for the long distance hikers of the “AT”. "Trail Angels" features clips and interviews from Trail Days 2008. The filmmakers will be available for a Q&A after the screening.

     
 
5:00-?

 Damascus Volunteer Fire Department will serve a spaghetti dinner at the Bingo Hall.

     
 
5-5:30pm

Film: "Crown of the Continent / Wrangell - St. Elias National Park" - a look at this Alaskan national park and its out-standing wilderness features. Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. In the First Baptist Church sanctuary.

       
 
5-6:30

Fast Train, with Teddy Helton, will perform at the Gazebo.  Fast Train has been playing a variety of Bluegrass and Country music for the past fifteen years.

       
 
6pm
Live music at Mojoe’s Coffee House.
 
 
 
6:30pm

Feed the Hungry Hikers / 21st annual free dinner event. Sponsored by Granite Gear® and Invista® / Cordura® and Allyn Morton. Bring your own bowl and spoon to Granite Gear Trailers in the Campground.

 

 
 
7-8:30pm

Film: "Arctic Dance/The Mardy Murie Story" - the story of the pioneer American conservationists, Olaus and Mardy Murie, which includes a John Denver cameo appearance. Emphasis is on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator. In the First Baptist Church sanctuary.

     
 
7-9pm

The Skip Yowell Story - Join JanSport and Backpacker for this special presentation followed by a Q&A with the legendary Skip Yowell himself (Co-Founder of JanSport), at the Rock School Auditorium.  Complimentary refreshments will be served.  (From small-town Kansas boy, to adventure-junkie extraordinaire, to respected mountaineer, this warm-hearted and funny film tells the story of Skip Yowell’s unorthodox journey to the top of the Outdoor Industry.  Complete with footage from Skip’s adventures around the world and intimate interviews with the people that accompanied him along the way, The Skip Yowell Story offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a small-town hippie built a successful company during the Summer of Love, affecting not only his outdoor adventures, but helped pave the way to grow the outdoor industry into the mountain it is today.)

     
 
7-10pm

Free Coffee House at First Baptist Church parking lot: free food and drinks.

 

 
 
7-11pm
CommonGround will perform at the Gazebo. CommonGround is an energetic variety band from Glade Spring VA that plays Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Country Music, originals and more. Make them a friend online and view upcoming shows at www.myspace.com/commongroundfound.
       
 
 
 
Saturday, May 15

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6am-6pm

Trout Rodeo: 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th. For information contact the fire chief at dvfdchief@firehousemail.com.

     
 
6:30am-6:30pm

Free Showers in trailer in First Baptist Church yard

       
 
8-9:45am

Wayne Gregory and Paul Fitzner of Etowah Outfitters will lead “Light Weight Gear Discussion and Contest” at the Rock School Auditorium.  Prizes!! For contest rules and information go to www.etowahgear.com.

       
 
8:30am
Half-Marathon begins on Laurel Ave in front of Mt. Rogers Outfitters. Registration Fee: $40.00 including day of event. Register at http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1836267 until May 10, 2010. Only pre-registered runners are guaranteed a technical Mountain Hardware Shirt. Registration packet can be picked up at MRO, May 14 from 1-5pm and May 15 from 6:30-8am.  Awards: OA Awards (Top 3 men and women) and 2 deep in 10 year age groups (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+). Race Director Nick Whited (304) 920-0339; asicsman@hotmail.com.
 

 
 
9am-return

10th Annual Creeper Trail Fun Ride conducted by Boy Scout Troop 117; pre-registration fee $12; day of ride $14. Register at First Baptist Church Parking Lot at 9am. You will receive a ticket for door prize drawings and be shuttled to White Top Station. A t-shirt will be given to each of the first 125 participants. For info google “Boy Scout Troop 117”.

 

 
 
9am

Food Vendors, Outfitters, Trail Organizations, Crafters, and more in the Town Park.

       
 
9-10am
 
"Team up with Type 1" - come meet Adam Driscoll, professional cyclist and Type 1 diabetic, at the Laurel Bldg.  Short talk on Diabetes Awareness, Control, and how to meet your personal goals in living with diabetes.
 
 
 
9am-3pm

Book Sale by Friends of the Library. Wide selection of children’s and adult’s new/used books, movies, audio books, magazines, and more at the Damascus Library.

       
 
9am-4pm
Johnny Molloy will sign his guidebooks at Mt. Rogers Outfitters.
     
 
9am-5pm

Free medical screenings & first aid in the First Baptist Church parking lot. Porta-potty in the alley behind the church.

 

 
 
9am-6pm

Gene Espy will be signing his book “The Trail Of My Life, The Gene Espy Story”, at Mt. Rogers Outfitters.

 

 
 
10-11am

Laurie Pottieger and Bob Peoples present “Giving to the Trail- the Role of the Volunteer” at the Laurel Bldg.

     
 
9:15am-10am

“Windtalker” plays Native American Flute at Mt. Rogers Outfitters Hostel.

 

 
 
9am-5pm
Free Gear Repairs at Manufacturers' booths in Campground.
     
 
10:00am-12:00pm

Alumni of Damascus High School Reunion - meet at Rock School Auditorium.

 
 
 
10am-4pm

Free Internet Café at First Baptist Church

       
 
11am-?

Chicken BBQ at Fire Hall

 
 
 
11am-12noon

“You can Thru-Hike with Your Dog” presented by Taru “True” Soilikki, at the Laurel Bldg.

       
 
12-2pm

(Music - TBA)

 
 
 
12:15pm-1pm

“Together in Time” – learn about Contra Dance and its history with Bunny Medeiros at Town Hall.  Free passes to the evening Contra Dance will be handed out to Damascus Youth during the presentation.

 

 
 
1:30pm

Form up for Parade at corner of US58/SR91 and Orchard Hill Road.  Parade Marshall Larry Luxenberg, Appalachian Trail Museum President.

 
 
 
2pm

Hiker Parade – Old 91 to Gazebo

 
 
 
3-3:30pm

Auction at Gazebo – proceeds to benefit Damascus Methodist Church hostel “The Place" - Russell McBride, Auctioneer.

 

 
 
3:30-5:30pm

Hiker Talent Show at the Gazebo.  (Talented hikers sign up there from 3-3:30)

     
 
4:30-5:45pm

“30,000 Miles of Trail Stories” by Warren Doyle at Rock School Auditorium.  Dr. Warren Doyle, ALDHA's Founder, will be coming off the trail from the Smokies where he will be leading his eighth group up the entire trail while hoping to complete his remarkable 16th traverse of the entire distance. Informative, inspiring, and entertaining.

 
 
 
5-6pm

A.T. Museum Symposium in the First Baptist Church sanctuary. Larry Luxenberg, President of the A.T. Museum, will give a brief talk about the museum, the June 5th Grand Opening Celebration, and the planned activities available to all visitors to it. There will also be shown two short films, including one of Mt. Katahdin, and one of the Museum's 1st exhibit at the ATC headquarters dedication in 2007. Robert “Red Wolf” Croyle, facilitator.

 
 
 
TBA
Billville Useless Gear Contest - Check at Billville in the campground for time.
     
 
5:30-6pm

"Wizards of the PCT" : a film by Shane "Jester" O'Donnell (AT2000). See a short 25 minute excerpt from the upcoming feature length trail documentary "Wizards of the PCT," shot during a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2008. At the Laurel Building.

     
 
6pm

Live music at Mojoe’s Coffee House.

     
 
6:15pm
Class of 2003's annual reunion at Quincy's Restaurant and Pizzeria. All 2003
hikers welcome to attend.
     
 
6-8pm

The Nomadz will perform “Electric/Eclectic Jamrock and Hollerfunk for the discriminating hillbilly” at the Gazebo. "Running wild since 1964."www.myspace.com/nomadzband  

     
 
7-7:30pm

Contra Dance - Beginners workshop by Terry and Warren Doyle at Rock School Auditorium.

 

 
 
7:30-10:30pm

Contra Dance - Music by Dot Dot Dash,General admission, $5 - Callers Terry and Warren Doyle teach each dance before the music begins [bringing a partner is not necessary], at Rock School Auditorium.

 

 
 
8:30-10:30pm

 Citizen Kane will perform at the Gazebo. Don’t miss national recording artist CITIZEN KANE –one of the best bands to come out of Northeast Tennessee! Playing the best Modern Rock and originals, featuring the hit single “Plan B” from their newly released EP “Come One Come All”.  Experience the show everyone’s talking about. www.myspace.com/kanecrew

 

Click here for the poster of the Citizen Kane concert.

       
 
Sunday, May 16

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6am-6pm
Trout Rodeo: 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th. For information contact the fire chief at dvfdchief@firehousemail.com.
     
 
6:30-8:30am

Free Showers in trailer in First Baptist Church yard

 

 
 
9am-1pm

Free Gear Repair at Manufacturer's booths in Campground

     
 
11am-noon

Hiker Worship in the Town Park Gazebo.

       
 
10am-2pm

Whittling Club – Watch, listen, and learn from local artists at the Damascus Library.

 

 
 
Noon-5pm

Food Vendors, Crafters and Outfitters in Town Park.

       
 
12:30

Living Faith Television’s “Pickin’ Time Crew with Bob Smallwood” will perform A variety of Gospel and Old Traditional Bluegrass favorites at the Gazebo.  www.myspace.com/bobsmallwood

       
 
1pm

Free Shuttles, N & S bound from First Baptist Church parking lot; because of limited seating signup is required at the church, or at any of our scheduled events,or online: reachdamascusfbc.org.

       

Schedule