The Natchez Trace Parkway will host the annual Meriwether Lewis Arts and Craft Festival at the Meriwether Lewis Monument Site (Mile Post 385.9). The festival is sponsored by the Maury County Arts Guild and will take place October 8 and 9, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. National Park Service staff will be on site to answer questions and present formal programs on the life of Meriwether Lewis.

Programs will be offered at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. each day. Living history demonstrations will be available throughout the day. Historic weapon firing demonstrations will take place at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. A visitor center and bookstore will be open in the newly restored cabin and offer educational materials on the Parkway and Meriwether Lewis.

Parking and admission are free. Designated areas will be flagged for parking; visitors should be alert for signs and personnel directing them to parking areas. The Maury County Arts Guild will provide shuttles to help transport visitors to and from parking areas.

For more information about the Arts and Crafts Festival, please call (931) 381-9494. The contact number for National Park Service activities is 1-800-305-7417.