Morticia says,

The Historic Cherokee Caverns announced their plans for the final Haunted Cave with showings for six nights only, October 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 30th, and 31st from 7 to 10 PM.

I received this email from Jim Whidby and reproduce it here with his permission:

Hello All,

In one week we will begin the 20th Annual Haunted Cave and our FINAL YEAR.
Many people have asked me, why is this the final year?

There are several reasons for this decision.

The purpose of the event has been to cover our many fixed expenses. We have always operated with all volunteer help. Our number of volunteers has grown to a point of almost a full time job to manage.

The event has grown to a point of requiring most of the year to plan, develop, organize and construct.

In all, it has become very expensive to make The Haunted Cave better each year.

Managing the very large number of visitors has been a challenge and I am very proud of all our volunteers who have helped with this.

Security has increased each year, and has always been a major concern.

The event has become quite stressful for many of our key volunteers.

The caverns will continue to be offered to the public by replacing the Halloween event with one day Open House events. We have "tested" four of these in the past two years, the "Warm-Up in the cave" in February, The "Cool-Down' in the cave in July, and next year we will hold a "Fall Festival".

In addition, we are considering other one day events such as "Blue-Grass" festivals.

These will be an educational opportunity for the public to see the natural beauty of the Historic Caverns, illuminated with more than 100 "Energy Saving" lights.

Of course I will continue to offer "private tours" with advance notice, to groups of twelve or more.

I hope you can come visit us during this last year of The Haunted Cave.
I would really appreciate you informing others about the caverns, and if you have the opportunity to forward this information by any email lists and newsletters, you may have access to.

And please check out our websites listed below.

I appreciate your interest in Historic Cherokee Caverns and it's preservation.

I hope to see you at the caverns,

Jim Whidby, Director
NSS 13873-F
Historic Cherokee Caverns
www.cherokeecaverns.net
www.thehauntedcave.net
www.tennesseescreams.com
865-693-7305 Home
865-982-7271 Office (Byron's Printing Inc.) Noon to 5 PM