m m m m 'mmmmmrnm Vol. Ill, No. 5
June 1977
Festivities Mark the Grand Opening of Camp Nelson’s 1977 Season . . . and the Good Times Go On From There Despite a chilly reception from the weather, a crowd of 2,200 turned out to celebrate the Grand Opening of Camp Nelson, April 2 and 3. A number of special activities, added to the natural beauty of the mountains, got the 1977 season off to an exciting start. As the days have warmed, the number of visitors to Camp Nelson has increased, making it one of Central Kentucky’s popular summer recreation areas. Bluegrass music filled the air for the Grand Opening when local bands per formed throughout the weekend. Shots rang out on Sunday, April 3, as folks gathered to watch the Camp Nelson Musket Loaders demonstrate these vintage firearms. This was the first of four musket shoots which will be presented during the season. Many other outstand ing attractions are planned as the summer progresses. By mid-afternoon, bands, singers and other performers arrived to compete in Music Hall’s talent contest. A total of 23 acts provided entertainment for Camp Nelson visitors on into the evening. Taking first prize was the “Kentucky Five Plus-One,” a band with a country flavor and a female vocalist. Of course, it wouldn’t be Gfand Opening weekend without Camp Nelson’s annual parade, and this year’s event was as colorful as ever. Clowns and more than 100 horseback riders marched to the accompaniment of high school bands. Antique cars, wagons, and young people on motorcycles also participated,
Young cyclists line up for the Grand Opening Parade
Camp Nelson visitors enjoy a country band
as well as vehicles from local fire and police departments. “Celebrity appear ances” were made by Little Miss Jessa mine and Garrard Counties. The Admiral’s Table Restaurant served up a selection of Kentucky home cooking, while hot dogs and chili were sold outdoors. The specialty of the house all season at the Admiral’s Table is a delicious whole catfish dinner. Special dishes to tempt young appetites, plus reasonable prices, make the Admiral’s Table an ideal family restaurant. A fresh popcorn machine and fresh roasted pea nuts, which made a hit with visitors during the Grand Opening, continue to delight youngsters and adults alike.
Campers take a lunch break from the day’s activities
Camp Nelson’s well-known craft guild shops opened their doors again to feature a varied array of hand-crafted merchandise. Adding to the pleasure of shopping*,, visitors may watch as our craftsmen skillfully fashion their wares. Among items available at the Rivertown Forge are fireplace tools, cooking utensils, hunting knives and custom iron work by blacksmith Preston Bates. Mike Lewis, proprietor of the The Four Winds Leather Shop, will be turning out purses, hats, belts, billfolds, and many other hand-tooled leather goods. (Continued on page 2)
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