Shortcuts August 08 2001
Asheville, N.C.
Swedish woodworker Jogge Sundqvist is the highlight of the fourth annual Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Wood Day celebration Aug. 11. Sundqvist will demonstrate his skills on a rustic stool made from wood gathered in nearby Madison County. More than a dozen professional woodworkers will be featured. A carving contest, in which participants are given a wooden “blank” and must use their own knives to carve a specific figure, will be held 1-3 p.m. A children’s area offers projects for those little hands not quite ready to use adult tools yet. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828-298-7928.
Anniston, Ala.
The Anniston Museum of Natural History celebrates its 71st birthday on Museum Day with a Victorian Fair. On Aug. 11 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., visitors can play ring toss in the Safe Safari shooting gallery, visit the boa constrictors and bunnies in Dr. Doolittle’s Back Yard and hear Queen Boof and King Dee spin yarns. Visitors also are encouraged to see the nation’s oldest ornithological collections in the Victorian-themed “Designs for Living” permanent exhibit hall. More than 400 specimens of birds, their eggs or hatchlings and their nests were collected during the Victorian era by William Werner, a Pennsylvania naturalist and taxidermist. Hours are Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 1-5 p.m. (through August). $2.50-$3.50. 800 Museum Drive. 256-237-6766.
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
For the second year, the home of Dollywood hosts Celebrate Freedom! Pigeon Forge Salutes America’s Veterans with a 15-day event. Operation Liberty, a land and air parade on the Pigeon Forge Parkway, kicks off the event Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. Forum topics during the celebration include “POWs Tell Their Story,” “Native American Veterans,” “M*A*S*H — the Myth and Reality.” Former Secretary of State Gen. Alexander Haig and former Mercury Seven astronaut Wally Schirra, both Korean War veterans, are keynote speakers. Other events include a military book fair, canteen dances and workshops. Through Aug. 25. Times and prices for events vary. Headquarters is Heartlander Country Star Resort, 2385 Parkway (light no. 1). 1-800-365-6993.??