Mammoth Cave National Park presents annual Cave Sing celebration on December 1

News Release Date:
November 21, 2024

Contact: Molly Schroer, 270-758-2192

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. - Mammoth Cave National Park will host the 45th annual Cave Sing celebration on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at 2 p.m. CST. The free holiday event will feature musical performances in the cave by the Lindsey Wilson College Singers, The Heart of Kentucky Chorus, and trumpetist, Hillary Sward.

"The tradition of playing music within Mammoth Cave dates back well over a century when local residents of the Mammoth Cave community planned a Christmas celebration inside the cave," said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. "The event has gained a lot of positive interest over the last several years as word of the event continues to spread. It is an honor for us to host this special musical event that has grown into a cherished holiday tradition for many in the local community and beyond."

This year's Cave Sing event is expected to be extremely busy due to the increased popularity of the annual holiday event. Attendees should be prepared for large crowds at the visitor center and inside the cave. No tickets or advanced reservations are required to attend, but participants must meet the event guide behind the park visitor center at 2 p.m. to depart for the Historic Entrance. The group will then walk approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) round trip, to reach the performance area. The access trail to the cave includes a steep outdoor hillside to and from the entrance with a total of 130 stairs.

Participants will travel along broad passageways and walkways inside the cave. The trail is mostly level, but some hilly and uneven areas exist. The performance area is a natural environment with low lighting and a temperature of around 54ºF (12ºC). Even though the cave air stays near a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit, wind chills near the entrance may be much cooler. There are no seating options at the performance area, and the estimated performance time is around 1 hour.

Light refreshments will be served immediately after the performance in the lobby of The Lodge at Mammoth Cave where there will also be a visit from Santa Claus.

2024 Performers
The Lindsey Wilson College Singers from Columbia, Ky. are returning for their 6th performance at Cave Sing. The group, led by Dr. Gerald L. Chafin, is a performing arts ensemble which has toured extensively in over forty states and seven countries. The mixed choir performs repertoire from all eras, specializing in sacred a cappella anthem literature.

The Heart of Kentucky Chorus from Elizabethtown, Ky. will make their debut appearance at Cave Sing in 2024. The group is a barbershop mixed ensemble of over 40 members and is directed by Aaron Dale. Since forming in 2003, the group has entertained tens of thousands of people at hundreds of public performances.

In addition to the two a cappella groups, Mammoth Cave's very own cave guide and trumpetist, Hillary Sward, will play for event guests as they travel through the cave to the performance area. Sward holds degrees in Music Education and Performance and taught music before she joined the National Park Service. She has played for both national and international audiences including performances at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a presidential inauguration parade, and on tours through Europe and China.

Cave Sing events are made possible by donations from the park's official philanthropic partner, The Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park, and from the park's concessioner, ExplorUS. Visit the park website for more information about Cave Sing and other Special Park Events at Mammoth Cave

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