2003 was 'break-out' year for 'The Wataugans'

Photo by Dave Boyd "The Wataugans," which is performed annually, had a "break-out" year in 2003. The outdoor drama is expected to become a premiere attraction in the Southeast within the next few years. A scene from last year's Silver Jubilee season shows Herb Roberts, right, former superintendent of Sycamore Shoals State Historical Area. Roberts is now East Tennessee Director of State Parks in this area.

By Rozella Hardin
STAR STAFF
rhardin@starhq.com

   Last year was a "break-out" year for Tennessee's official outdoor drama "The Wataugans," which celebrated its 25th anniversary season.
   Herb Roberts, Area Manager for East Tennessee state parks, said the performances last season drew the largest crowds ever. "I think it was a break-out year for the drama, and that future performances will draw even bigger crowds. I think it will be a defining event for Sycamore Shoals State Park and Elizabethton," Roberts speculated.
   Roberts served as manager of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area for 20 years before being promoted to his present position last summer. The new park manager is Jennifer Bauer, who served for two years as interpretative specialist at Sycamore Shoals and the Carter Mansion and prior to that as Ranger-Naturalist at Roan Mountain State Park.
   Bauer said she hopes to build on the programs Roberts began during his tenure at the park. "I follow the adage, if it isn't broke, don't fix it," Bauer said. "I have come to appreciate all that Herb managed to accomplish here."
   As manager, Bauer plans to continue the primitive arts workshops, festivals and musical events that have become a tradition at Sycamore Shoals State Park. At the same time, she said she would also like to bring more "living history" to the site, which includes the Carter Mansion.
   "Tennessee actually started here," Bauer said. "We sometimes don't realize and understand the sacrifices of the early settlers to the Watauga and Sycamore Shoals."
   A new interpretative specialist will begin work at the park this spring. The new employee, Greg Phillippi, is an accomplished blacksmith, who has some experience in living history after working at a historical site in Goodlettsville.
   Bauer said Phillippi will help her stage a new event at the park this summer. "We plan on celebrating Independence Day as they would have 200 years ago with traditional games and activities."
   Roberts said Sycamore Shoals State Park will be one of two parks in the state selected for an energy study. "It could become one of the first conservation parks in the state," he said.
   "We hope some capitol improvements can made to the park visitors center such as a new heating/air conditioning system as well as some new lighting," Roberts said.
   The Visitors Center, which houses an interpretive facility with information, historic displays and a theatre, is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   Picnicking is available at Sycamore Shoals with tables and grills provided. A two-mile fitness trail constructed jointly between the park and adjacent Sycamore Shoals Hospital is also available.
   Sycamore Shoals played a significant role in 18th century history as the setting from some of the most dramatic events to occur in the expansion of America's western boundary. Here was established the first permanent American settlement outside the original 13 colonies, and the Watauga Association -- the first majority-rule system of American democratic government - was formed in 1772.
   Sycamore Shoals became the hub of the frontier as pioneers from Virginia and North Carolina settled along the Watauga River. Trails soon connected Sycamore Shoals with Fort Robinson, Fort Patrick Henry, Sapling Grove (Bristol), Rocky Mount, the first territorial capital (Piney Flats) and settlements in northwestern North Carolina and South Carolina.
   It was the site of the Transylvania Purchase, the largest private or corporate real estate transaction in United States history, taking place March 17, 1775.
   A reconstruction of Fort Watauga, based on archeological and historical research, stands near the Sycamore Shoals river crossing. The original location was approximately 1,500 years to the southwest.
   Last Saturday concerts are scheduled the last Saturday of each month except July, November and December. The performances highlight the talents of traditional musicians, cloggers, storytellers and more. These events are held in the park theater.
   Also, Sunday Jams are held at the Carter Mansion the last Sunday of each month from June through August.
   The Native American Festival will be held June 5 and 6, and "The Wataugans" Outdoor Drama will be held June 15-17, 22-24 and 29-31.