Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 12, 2013
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Chippokes Plantation State Park to kick off Historic Garden Week with dedication ceremony
(SURRY) - Chippokes Plantation State Park will kick off Historic Garden Week with a dedication ceremony and garden reception at the antebellum Jones-Stewart Mansion on Sunday, April 21.
At 2 p.m., the Friends of Chippokes Plantation State Park, the park's nonprofit citizen support organization, will dedicate a brick pedestal and plaque to honor Evelyn Stewart who donated the property to the Commonwealth of Virginia in the 1960s. Donated in honor of Victor Stewart's memory with the caveat that the property be continuously farmed, Chippokes Plantation State Park is now one of the oldest continuously farmed plantations in Virginia.
"After the short dedication ceremony, refreshments, including some of Mrs. Evelyn Stewart's favorites, will be served in the formal gardens," said Nathan Younger, acting park manager.
Tours of the historic Jones-Stewart Mansion will be available, and hearth cooking demonstrations will be given throughout the day in the Brick Kitchen. Parking fees apply, but there is no extra charge for this event.
Chippokes Plantation State Park is on the south side of the James River. The park features a campground, four historic cabins, a swimming complex, visitor center, historic area, and the Farm and Forestry Museum.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and offer dozens of festivals and concerts and thousands of educational programs across the state.
For more information about state park activities and amenities, or to make reservations in one of the 25 parks with camping facilities or 18 parks with cabins or family lodges, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.