It Was a Remarkable Day!

Thank you to all the participants and volunteers who made our Open House an overwhelming success. Over 1,000 people visited the Historic Barns Park and Garden on September 17th. We were encouraged and heartened by the outpouring of public support for the Botanic Garden project. People came all day long, lining up in droves to take golf cart tours of the park.  Amazement and delight were in the air as people experienced the size and beauty of the Park.

A big thank you to the members of Cherry Capital Rose Society who raised over $1,400 for the Botanic Garden with their plant and "garden art" sales. They worked all day at their tent sale and helping out as volunteers for the event.

More than 80 other volunteers assisted in a wide range of jobs, including shuttle drivers, welcome table, docents and tour guides, set-up and take-down crews, security, technology, etc. etc.  The retired teachers from Old Mission Elementary School ran childrens' events all day long. Kudos to all!

At Saturday's Open House the Historic Barns Park and Garden was alive in the way it will be in the future . . . a sneak peek of coming attractions and an inspiration for all of us who are working so hard to make it a reality! An inspiring keynote address by Warren Byrd, Landscape Architect of the Park and the Garden, had folks buzzing about the future. Seminars and educational workshops were going on with hundreds of people attending and learning. Historic preservation of the Cathedral Barn was highlighted through tours and displays. The meadows with their sweeping vistas were enjoyed with hikes, picnics, and tours. Smiling children took part in nature crafts and lawn games. There was music and plants and laughter and learning and sheer enjoyment. And that is what public parks and gardens are all about. That is what WE are all about.

Thank you, everyone, for helping to make this such a special day.  There is a heightened awareness, excitement and commitment to Historic Barns Park and Botanic Garden because of you and because of this remarkable day.