Park Holds Annual Haunting In The Hills Event

The public could not have asked for better weather for the park’s annual “Haunting in the Hills” event on October 8th and 9th. The smell of fall was in the air, with smoke from campfires and blacksmiths and the smells of apple butter and cider-making adding to the atmosphere. 

Ozark folkway demonstrations, living history encampments portraying the fur trading era and Civil War, music, dance, food, and nighttime storytelling overtook the grounds about Alley Mill, part of Ozark National Scenic Riverways.  Park visitors were able to take a bit of Ozark culture home with them by purchasing artisan made baskets, lye soap, weavings, turkey calls, powder horns, pottery, gigs, or brooms.

Music was provided by the Second Time Around Band on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors tried out square dancing and clogging steps with the Grant Western Squares or Fire Side Cloggers.  Lanterns and luminaries lit up the grounds for good old fashioned storytelling Saturday night.

Over 7,300 people attended the two day event.  The success of the event can be contributed to the many demonstrators and youth who volunteered their time and skills.