Kershaw-Ryan State Park is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy a series of fall-themed events throughout October and early November, offering a mix of history, art and seasonal fun for all ages.
The lineup begins on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a History Walk with Barbara Rhode. Participants will meet at the Delamar turnoff on Highway 93 at 12:30 p.m., where park staff will lead a caravan out to the historic Delamar townsite. Along the way, the group will stop at the old cemetery before continuing to the mine site for a 1 p.m. presentation. Rhode will share stories about the history of the Delamar Mine and the people who once lived and worked there, offering an educational and scenic outdoor experience.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, Kershaw-Ryan will team up with the Slop Shop and the Caliente United Methodist Church for a family event called “Painting in the Pumpkin Patch.” The event will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the church and will feature fall-themed painting projects for children and families. The Imagination Library of Lincoln County will also host a pumpkin painting station for children. Families are encouraged to buy their own pumpkins from the patch to decorate.
The celebration continues into November with the park’s annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie potluck, bringing a favorite treat to share while learning about the history and traditions of the Mexican holiday. Activities and storytelling will lead up to a movie screening at 6 p.m. on the outdoor big screen.
The event will highlight traditional foods and customs associated with Día de los Muertos, including pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sugar skulls, tamales and hot chocolate or atole, a warm, corn-based drink. The ofrenda, or altar, will display offerings for loved ones who have passed, celebrating their memory in the spirit of family and tradition.
With events that mix history, art and cultural learning, Kershaw-Ryan State Park continues to bring the community together through creative and educational experiences. All park programs are free with park admission, and families are encouraged to dress for the weather and enjoy a beautiful fall season in and around one of Lincoln County’s most scenic parks.