Jefferson Davis Turns 205, Blue Licks Canoe Trips, Beautify Cumberland Falls, Owensboro’s International Bar-b-q Festival, And Mu

Happy 205th Jefferson Davis
The Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, Fairview, will mark the Civil War Sesquicentennial, May 31-June 2, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., with the 205th Birthday Commemoration of Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the Confederate States of America. A battle re-enactment will be on Saturday and Sunday, along with food concessions, Ladies’ Tea, Miss Confederacy Pageant, displays of Civil War flags, re-enactors, and more. Most events are free. While there, tour the monument/museum; cost is $8 adults; $7 seniors and military; $3 for ages 5-12. Call (270) 889-6100 or go online to www.parks.ky.gov (Parks/Historic Sites/Jefferson Davis) for more info.

Blue Licks Canoe Trips
Enjoy a 2-1/2 hour guided canoe trip on the Licking River at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings Memorial Day through Labor Day. For the 2013 season, beginning paddling and a daylong float are being added; check with park for details. Weather and water conditions prevail; some exclusions apply. Those under age 16 require advance approval from the park naturalist. Reservations highly encouraged; space is limited. Register at Worthington Lodge front desk by 9 a.m., $15 per person. For more information or reservations call (800) 443-7008 or go online to www.parks.ky.gov (Parks/Resort Parks/Blue Licks).

Help Beautify Cumberland Falls
Meet at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Visitor Center, Corbin, Saturday, May 18,
9 a.m., to help clean up around the falls. Wear sturdy shoes or boots; bring work gloves if you have them. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and cookout lunch. Groups of more than 15, please call ahead so there will be enough supplies. For more info, call (800) 325-0063, ask for Bret or Steve, or go online to www.parks.ky.gov (Parks/Resort Parks/Cumberland Falls).

International Bar-B-Q Festival
Follow your nose to downtown Owensboro, May 10-11, when cooking teams compete for the best chicken, mutton, and burgoo titles, and the Governor’s Cup for Best Overall Bar-B-Q Cooking Team. Chow down on it all. Also enjoy the music, classic car show, arts and crafts, beer garden, kids’ rides, eating contests, burgoo relay, 5K run/walk, and more. New this year is the BBQ Fest Friday Night Party by the park. For more info, go online to www.bbqfest.com, or call (270) 926-6938 (recorded info only) or (800) 489-1131, Owensboro Daviess Convention and Visitors Bureau.