Celebrate the Weekend of July 4th LBL Style GOLDEN POND, KY - Step back in time at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area; relive the patriotic spirit of the 1850s, learn about our country’s All-American animals, or join us on an outdoor adventure as we celebrate the 4th of July LBL style. Whether you play for the day or stay for the weekend, LBL programs offer fun and informative opportunities all weekend long.  The highlight of the weekend is Saturday, July 4, as The Homeplace hosts a traditional 1850’s Independence Day Celebration, complete with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, period games, and other exciting entertainment.  Kick off the day’s festivities at 1pm with the flag raising of the 1850’s USA 30 star flag and enjoy a special performance by that grand, early 19th century Kentucky Statesman Henry Clay, portrayed by George McGee and funded by the Kentucky Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.  A Reading of the Declaration of Independence begins at 3:45pm.  Spend the afternoon enjoying traditional historic games for all ages, Celtic music by Red River Breeze, and some mouth-watering, springhouse cooled watermelon.   “It’s a wonderful way for the whole family to experience and learn the history behind what was the most important holiday in the 1850s,” said Homeplace Special Events Coordinator Cindy Earls.  “We welcome everyone to bring lawn chairs or blankets and make a day of it.” All events are included with general admissions to The Homeplace (HP) and Nature Station (NS):  $4 ages 13 and up, $2 ages 5-12, and 4 and under, free.  Admission to the Golden Pond Planetarium (GPP) for the Summer Nights program is $5 ages 13 and up, and $2 ages 5-12.  **Additional fee and reservations required by calling 270-924-2020. A variety of LBL programs taking place during the weekend include:   Friday, July 3 Visit with Smokey Bear              9am-5pm        NS Wildlife Viewing Tips for LBL       11am              NS Homeplace Scavenger Hunt        1pm-3pm        HP Family Sunset Hike                    6-8:30pm        Hematite Lake Trail Saturday, July 4 Independence Day                       1pm-4pm      HP All-American Scavenger Hunt        10am-4pm     NS Creature Feature : Bald Eagle       11am             NS Creatures of the Night                  1pm              NS Summer Nights                            8pm              GPP (Doors open at 7:30pm; show starts promptly at 8pm.) Sunday, July 5 19th Century Photography            10am-12pm & 1-4pm        HP Truly American Animals                12pm          NS Let the Turtle Race Begin!             2:30pm       NS **Moonlight Canoe Trip                7-9pm         Location TBA Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with "Friends of LBL", to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education.  We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures.  Additional LBL information is also available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.  You can find out more about “Friends of LBL” at www.friendsoflbl.org.   #   #   # Media Contact: 270-924-2000 (June 17, 2009)