UNTO THESE HILLS - Drama of the Cherokee Indian
This powerful outdoor drama, with a cast of 130, brings to life the tragic history of the Cherokee people. It begins with the arrival of deSoto in 1540 and builds to a stirring climax with the cruel removal of all but a remnant of the Cherokee on the infamous Trail of Tears. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, the beautiful outdoor theatre seats 2,800. For those who arrive early, the cast provides pre-show entertainment starting 40 minutes before show time.

Benson, North Carolina celebrates Benson Mule DaysŪ the 4th Saturday of September each year. The kickoff concert is held on Thursday night in the Benson Chamber Park and Arena (located on US 301 S). This festival, which draws 60-70,000 people, is filled with family fun and activities for everyone young and old. The weekend is packed with rodeos, a mule pulling contest, arts and crafts, vendors, street dances, carnival rides, camping, trail rides, parades, bluegrass shows and more. The parade alone draws about 20,000 people and is televised throughout North Carolina. This festival is considered one of the largest festivals in North Carolina and the parade has hundreds of horses, mules, buggies, and unusual entries. Visitors come from as far away as Alaska, Germany and California. Benson Mule DaysŪ was inducted into the Library of Congress in Washington, DC in May of 2000. This festival was submitted by Congressman Bob Etheridge who attended the 50th celebration and served as a parade judge. The Chamber prepared information which will be on display at the Library of Congress and on their web-site. A week prior to the beginning of this annual celebration a golf tournament is held at a local golf course, Reedy Creek. The tournament features a four man superball with prizes and a big cookout following a day of golfing. This is open to all levels of golfers except professionals. Golfers Enjoy the September Benson Mule DaysŪ Golf Tourney held annually in Benson, NC at Reedy Creek Golf Course.

For more information on Benson Mule DaysŪ, including vendor, golf and camping information, call the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce at (919) 894-3825 or email to bensonchamber@surrealnet.net.

Marion County Country, Kentucky - Ham Days
Known nation wide for its volunteers that pull the festival together! Marion County is home to one of the largest and most successful community festivals in the state. First celebrated with six hams and a handful of visitors in 1970, over 600 hams are now needed to serve the 50,000 visitors who descend on Lebanon each year during the last full weekend in September. Besides a country ham breakfast under a tent with all the 'fixins', Ham Days features parades, contests, live entertainment, carnival rides, climbing wall, Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, Arts & Crafts and flea market, 5K Pokey Pig Run, and much more. Mark your calendar now and plan to bring your entire family.

KITTY HAWK
Once a remote area, Kitty Hawk has grown into a summer resort area and provides some of the best beach recreation on the North Carolina Coast. When Orville Wright stepped ashore in Kitty Hawk Village in the fall of 1900, he probably already knew that he and his brother were destined to make history as discoverers of flight. After all, they had chosen this remote fishing village on the Outer Banks partly for privacy from prying eyes. Three years later, they would indeed break the bonds of earth for the first time in their heavier than air flying machine.

From that moment forward, Kitty Hawk would forever be associated with the Wright Brothers as the birthplace of aviation - although the actual flight took place four miles south from the base of Kill Devil Hill. Today, the once-tiny soundside village is one of the largest townships on the Outer Banks. On the oceanside, thousands of rental homes, restaurants and shops are part of the development that has characterized the northern Outer Banks from Nags Head to Corolla...But along the Albemarle Sound, the village remains a treat for those who to choose to take a drive off the beaten path. Shaded lanes wind along the marshes. Quaint clapboard cottages and fishing boats line a series of canals that lead to the open waters of the Sound. And life takes on a more leisurely pace that is reminiscent of the way Outer Bankers used to live.

Wilbur and Orville Wright's Wright Flyer was the first successful airplane. On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville Wright flew the first heavier-than-air machine in a powered, controlled, and sustained flight. The Flyer, constructed of wood, wire, and muslin, went a distance of 120 feet in 12 seconds. It was a tremendous success, coming from a long series of aeronautics experiments that the Wright Brothers started in 1899 with a kite.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - NC