Cypress Cove opening to public in March

By Staff
Melissa Cason
RED BAY – Imagine a place that can transport you back into time. A place where children can learn about the way life was for their grandparents and great-grandparents.
For three years, such a place has existed for the students in Franklin County. State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow has opened his farm to the city and county school systems so students can learn about the past by seeing and doing instead of just reading.
Now, Morrow is opening Cypress Cove Farm to the public for free.
"We're going into tough economic times," Morrow said. "We want to give families a place for recreation that's close to home."
Morrow has teamed up with the Red Bay Parks and Recreation Department, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Bear Creek Development Authority give local families a fun and educational look at the past.
"I can guarantee we'll have a blacksmith and gristmill, but we are asking for volunteers who want to come in and help out so we can have more activities going on," Morrow said.
The farm will be open on the first and third Saturday of each month from March to October.
Morrow said they are asking for artisans to come in and bring their craft to the farm for these events.
"We'd love to have as many artisans as we can get to come," Morrow said.
Shannon McKinney with the BCDA said they are hoping to promote different attractions in Franklin County, such as the water park in Red Bay and area lakes, so people will know they have local recreational options.
Some of the things Morrow hopes to have in the future include a butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, vegetable garden and tractor show.
For more information on the activities at Cypress Cove Farm, call 332-1760.