Sketches of Smoky Mountains Wildlife

Presented by Lane Batot

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains some of the largest tracts of wilderness in the East and serves as a sanctuary to a wide variety of wildlife. Prior to the establishment of the park, many species disappeared due to the presence of humans, over-hunting and loss of habitat during the logging era. From the vast diversity of animals living in the area, Lane selected a few to discuss with attendees. Over the course of his presentation, those gathered learned about wolves, cougars, bobcats and even bears which naturally inhabit the area. Caring passionately about the subject, Lane even wrote a script when Christy was in production, focusing on the fate of wolves in the Smoky Mountain region. [Script is available to read on the Christy Forum]. Lane also shed light on the colloquial terms for animals which dispelled some common myths. "Panthers" for example do not exist in the Smoky Mountains. Colloquially called "painters" or "panther" those animals are in fact, cougars. What is often referred to in America as a "pole cat" is a skunk [in Europe a pole cat is what Americans call ferrets]. Informative and fascinating, when finished, Lane answered questions and elaborated on many of the topics he raised during his session.

Inside the Cutter Gap Studio

Relaxing back in the Barn Even center after lunch, the Cast and Crew of Christy spent time discussing some of their other projects, on and off screen. Led by Tom Blomquist, attendees were updated on their current activities.

Cast and Crew Autograph Session

Always an attendee favorite, the Cast and Crew members sat down to spend time with attendees one-on-one. The building was filled with laughter and conversation as photos were taken, programs were signed and everyone had a chance to sit and chat.

Pickin' on the Porch - Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop

Many attendees chose to stop by Mike Clemmer's for the fantastic live music. Spread across the back lawn on a mixture of benches, chairs and blankets the crowd gathered to hear the performers. Mike, along with his wife Connie, played through several songs much to the delight of all. The evening's guest artist, Steve Eulberg, then took the stage, playing a wide variety of stringed instruments. The finale featured Mike Clemmer on dulcimer and Steve Eulberg playing a didgeridoo in an unprecedented, fascinating collaboration. After the resounding, appreciative applause attendees headed back to the Barn Event Center for the Wrap Party.

Wrap Party

As the sunk sank gently in the sky, the lights of the Barn Event Center once again beckoned to attendees. Special guest Bill Alexander was there to delight attendees with his poetry and stories of the friends he has encountered in the mountains. He spoke of the releasing of his wife's ashes into the mountains, accompanying the sweet and moving tale with a recitation of his poetry. He also explained about his passion in making mountain berry baskets, a traditional mountain skill.

After Bill spoke, the evening changed gears and involved the much-anticipated raffles and auctions as well as plentiful door prizes. Abby H was the winner of the Catherine Marshall Collection Winner, Mary Koepke won the Christy Series Scrapbook, the Dave Neamand Pendant Winner was Novelyn K and the Mountain Interlude Print winner was Debbie G. Buck and Andy auctioned off the autographed photo of Kellie Martin as Christy. After 'thank yous' were shared, the crowd spent some time mingling, eventually dispersing into the cool evening darkness.