(TUPELO, MS)-The Natchez Trace Parkway will welcome Public Historian Brian Mast to the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center onMay 24, 2014. Mast, from the Black Belt Museum at the University of West Alabama, will present a 45-minute program at 10:00 a.m. and again at 1:00 p.m. entitled “1736 Battle for Ackia: France’s Failed Attempt to Defeat the Chickasaw in Tupelo.” In between programs, children will have the opportunity to become “French Marine recruits,” while adults may examine military equipment on display.

“The Natchez Trace Parkway experienced an increase in April recreational visits in 2014 over 2013 figures,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “This year, 512,813 people used the Parkway in April compared to 512,248 who were counted in 2013.”

Tuscumbia, AL — Earl Peanutt Montgomery will be honored with a bronze star in the Walk of Fame located in the lobby of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Immediately following the ceremony, Charlene Montgomery will host a book signing of her new book, “The Legend of George Jones His Life and Death”. The event will take place at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame on May 16th at 6pm.

TUPELO, MS – The Natchez Trace Parkway invites children and their families to “Wildland Fire” a special Junior Ranger program held at the Parkway Visitor Center on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. Junior Rangers will find out what it’s like to be a wildland firefighter. They will have the chance to see the tools and equipment that rangers use and will practice their firefighting skills.

SHEFFIELD, AL: The Muscle Shoals Music Foundation has opened 3614 Jackson Highway to the public the last four weekends and more than 1,400 people have visited the iconic studio during that time.

Join a Park Ranger for a Wildflower Walk on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at the Chickasaw Village Site (milepost 261.8 on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Tupelo, Mississippi). This one hour program will take participants on an easy walk through both prairie and forest ecosystems, and will include wildflower identification and ecology. Visitors are encouraged to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Cajunfest serves up great music, award-winning wines and authentic Cajun cuisine, such as spicy boiled crawfish, boudin, jambalaya and alligator.

HEADQUARTERS, TUPELO, MS: “The Natchez Trace Parkway experienced an increase in March recreational visits in 2014 over 2013 figures,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “This year, 491,577 people used the Parkway in March compared to 349, 273 who were counted in 2013.”

TUPELO, MS – The Natchez Trace Parkway will recognize National Park Week and National Junior Ranger Day with the annual “Celebrate Wildlife Weekend” on Saturday, April 26, at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The “Muscle Shoals” documentary will makes its debut on National Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and Alabama Public Television (APT) on Monday, April 21 at 8 p.m. On Thursday, April 24, footage from the Alabama Music Hall of Fame induction banquet will air on APT at 7 p.m. and will be followed by another showing of the documentary.

The third annual Glitz and Glam, a jewelry and accessories show, is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2014, and will be held indoors at the Lewis County Middle School gymnasium, 310 Park Ave. South, located 3 blocks south of downtown Hohenwald, Tennessee.

The Natchez Trace Parkway invites children and their families to “Nature Bingo,” a special Junior Ranger program held at the Parkway Visitor Center on Saturday, April 19, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.

Tishomingo State Park will be hosting the 36th Annual Hollis Long / Archie Lee Memorial Ole’ Tyme Music Gathering on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at the Loochapola Lodge starting at approximately 12:00 noon and concluding around 5:30 p.m.

TUPELO, MS: Weather depending, the Natchez Trace Parkway is planning to conduct a prescribed fire (controlled burn) in Lewis County, TN between April 1 and April 2.

TUPELO, MS: Weather depending, the Natchez Trace Parkway is planning to conduct a prescribed fire (controlled burn) in Lewis County, TN between March 26 and March 28. The prescribed fire is located at Milepost 386.

TUPELO, MS: Join a Park Ranger for a Wildflower Walk on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at 10:00 am at the Chickasaw Village Site (milepost 261.8 on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Tupelo, Mississippi). This one-hour program will take participants on an easy walk through both prairie and forest ecosystems, and will include wildflower identification and ecology. Visitors are encouraged to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

TUPELO, MS: Weather depending, the Natchez Trace Parkway is planning to conduct two prescribed fires (controlled burns) in Lee County, MS between March 20 and March 22.