Stephen Foster State Park: Ranger Brownie's Campfire Program

Among my favorite memories of state and national parks are the ranger programs. 

Campfire Program!

The team at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park has a rather full schedule of programs for which I am glad.  Yes, you may recall that we have hosted a few of the programs sharing Florida Songs and Stories.  

Ranger Pete (foreground)
Bob Ellis & Ranger Brownie (rear)

This Saturday evening it was Ranger Brownie Akers turn to host the campfire program.  Lo and behold it was about the Different Faces of Florida Music.  Brownie covered a wide range of artists from the traditional fiddle tunes brought by the Crackers to the recent past with songs from Arlo Guthrie and Jimmy Buffet.  I write the recent past because he didn't include any rap...

Bob Ellis fiddling while
Ranger Brownie sings Stephen Foster

Shortly after arriving in White Springs, Ranger Brownie met Bob Ellis who plays both fiddle and whistle.  They formed a band and began providing entertainment for local events.  Together they treated the audience to many traditional tunes from the 1850s to the 1970s. 

Ranger Brownie treating us to a Stephen C Foster song

Being a resourceful man and knowing there were several talented volunteers and park rangers,  Brownie found a way to include Florida folk artists (volunteers Marg and Bill, and Ranger Kim), Canadian Bluegrass pickers (volunteers Margo and Robert), and budding musicians (volunteer Alan).  He spun magic throughout the program by weaving an interesting story of Florida music to invite others up for a cameo appearance to illustrate his points..

Ranger Brownie accompanied by
Ranger Kim, on harmonica.

Bill and I were delighted to share a couple of Florida Folk songs composed by contemporary Florida folk artists.  We considered using our originally songs but friends have written songs of this area that were more appropriate. (Sorry, no pictures of our long set)

Ranger Brownie and Ranger Kim

Not only did Ranger Brownie think of music and history, he asked Ranger Pete to provide insect control.  Now Ranger Pete is a back to nature type of person, thus insect control must be natural and what is better than smoke.  The solution more than chemical.

Ranger Pete
Providing mosquito control!

Ranger Pete's solution was to find a somewhat dry log, cut an X in center of one cut end and start a file.  This scheme creates a smoke stream that repels most insects.  The fire starts on the top and then moves down into the green center creating a wall of smoke that did the job.

The ultimate Pest Control

Yes, it was a fun program that ran a bit overtime; however, no one seemed to care and many felt the show could have gone longer.  But as every artist knows the secret is to "Leave them wanting more."  So, when you enter a park, inquire at the ranger station about programs and events.