Wow, what a year for us! Looking back on 2008, we have lots to be proud of. It was a year of firsts and some seconds and thirds too.

Two big highlights of the year include the success of the 2008 Cordell Hull Folk Festival and the song release of “Cordell” by Mark Elliott. The festival was much anticipated and drew a record crowd. We had over 20 vendors set up and a complete line up of music and demonstrations throughout the day. Jim Buck’s storytelling & Mark Elliott’s evening concert wrapped up a monumental day for the park and the Friends of Cordell Hull. Mark’s Song “Cordell” is available as a single song CD and is also on his new CD “Good Life” which are both available at www.markelliottmusic.com. The park sends many, many thanks to the Friends members for their hard work in planning, executing and wrapping up the festival in high quality and style. We send special thanks to Betty Eliassen, Janice Neal, Judy Stearns, Dale Hollow Marketing Group and Lovelady Graphics for their tremendous efforts. The park certainly could not do it alone! Due to the large amount of energy needed to pull of such an event, we have decided to make the Cordell Hull Folk Festival a biennial event happening every two years. Please plan on attending the next festival in May 2010.

The coming year will provide challenges but we are excited about the future and upcoming park activities and hope to see many visitors come by to experience a part of history. We cannot express enough how much we appreciate our Friends Group! Without your involvement, passion, and assistance we would not be able to achieve many of our projects and goals. Thank you for being part of the past and the future of this park. Whether you like to hike, volunteer or become reacquainted with Cordell Hull history, we invite you to come out and visit often. Please see the accompanying schedule of events for this year’s activities. Please contact the park for any additional information at 931-864-3247 or email Robin.Peeler@state.tn.us. Have a wonderful 2009 and stay in touch.