Landmark Park for a summer of fun!

Landmark Park has reopened! Please remember to maintain social distancing, frequently wash your hands with soap and water, and stay home if you feel sick. Visit www.landmarkparkdothan.com for more info or to register for a program. 

Landmark Park is a Blue Star Museum! Thanks to the generous support of All In Credit Union, Landmark Park will offer free admission to active and retired military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day as part of the nationwide Blue Star Museums Initiative. The Blue Star Museum initiative is a partnership between Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across the country. 

Music By Moonlight

Free concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. on the Gazebo Lawn. Bring your picnic and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening under the stars. No pets or alcohol, please. Sponsored by WOOF Radio. The Martin Drugstore and Shelley General Store will be open selling ice cream and drinks. 

JULY 9: The Byrd Family 

Performing traditional bluegrass favorites 

JULY 23: Mama Try'ed 

Enjoy variety of rock and country tunes. 

Wacky Wednesdays

On Wednesdays during July at 10 a.m., anything goes! Wacky Wednesdays are programs on a variety of topics suitable for families with kids. These activities are free with paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members and children 2 and under). Seating is limited and registration is required. Visit www.landmarkparkdothan.com to register. No program July 1.

JULY 8: GNOME HOMES

Indulge in a morning of imagination as we create gnome homes and fairy houses!

JULY 15: EDIBLE SCIENCE

Come enjoy some science living in your own kitchen! Participants can learn how to do different experiments made with ingredients found in their home such as edible slime, making your own orange soda, and much more!

JULY 22: I SURVIVED (NATURAL DISASTER SAFETY)

Disasters can hit at any time. Whether a wild fire or hurricane, survival is top on the “To Do List”. Join Landmark Park and WTVY’s Meteorology team as we look into the world of Natural Disasters. Learn the best ways to hunker down and keep your family safe so you can say… “I survived.”)

JULY 29: BEGINNING YOGA

Our friends from the Nature Gallery Yoga Studio will lead park visitors in a beginner yoga class. 

Animal Adventures

Every Thursday and Friday in July, Landmark Park will present Animal Adventures, a special one-hour educational program which provides a unique opportunity to learn about our natural world. Families and kids are invited to see first-hand the wonder of native and exotic animals. Programs begin at 10 a.m. in the Park’s Interpretive Center Auditorium. Free with paid gate admission; online registration is required. Visit landmarkparkdothan.com to register. If a program fills a second session may be offered. 

JULY 3: AMPHIBIANS

Amphibians can be slimy and lay eggs, but they also have a lot of other interesting characteristics. Join Jimmy Stiles as he talks about various amphibians including frogs, salamanders, and one big amphiuma. Stiles has been involved in herpetology for over 25 years and is currently working on his PhD in Wildlife Sciences through Auburn University. This session will take place outdoors in the Amphitheater.

JULY 9: LIFE OF A HONEYBEE

Wiregrass Beekeeper Rosalyn Horton will teach us all about the life of a honeybee. Learn the “waggle dance,” taste a honey stick and hear why these animals are so important to us.

JULY 10: TORTOISES

Big Bend Wildlife Refuge will teach us all about the wonderful world of tortoises. Feeding and nesting habits will be discussed, as well as what you should do if you find an orphaned or injured wildlife. 

JULY 16: CHICKENS 

What came first, the chicken or the egg? While we may not crack that riddle, you will have a chance to learn all about chickens and see some of these beautiful animals up closes.

JULY 17: DOG TRAINING BASICS

Our four legged furry friends will be the star of this program as local canine specialist Renee Jones-Lewis, along with her canine teaching assistant, show visitors the correct way to interact with dogs. Park visitors will learn training tips they can easily use with their own family pets. 

JULY 23: FANTASTIC FISH

Ken Weathers, of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Department will present a program about common fish. Not only will you get to see the fish that are naturally found in our local lakes and rivers, you will also be able to brush up on your fishing and casting techniques.

JULY 24: HOMING PIGEONS

Join John Ross Helms for a fascinating look at homing pigeons. These amazing birds are able to find their way home from great distances. Helms will discuss these birds, their historic uses, and then will release some of his own homing pigeons so they can fly home. No second session will be available.

JULY 30: ALLIGATORS

Tim Ward, with the Alabama Department of Conservation, will present a program on one of South Alabama’s most misunderstood creatures, the American Alligator. A combination of slides, skins, and skulls--as well as a live alligator--will be used to illustrate and teach participants about the lifestyle and habitats of this unique animal.

JULY 31: SNAKES AND REPTILES

Come learn from Page Whatley about these cold-blooded animals and why some of them are endangered. Visitors will have the opportunity to see different reptiles up-close, all representing the species native to the Wiregrass region. 

Heritage Forums

On Sundays in July, guest speakers will present programs on state and local history. These presentations take place at 3 p.m. in the Interpretive Center Auditorium. Free with paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members). 

JULY 5: JEWISH ROOTS

Cantor Neil Schwartz with Temple Emanu-el will share stories and customs from the Jewish Congregation throughout the history of the Wiregrass.

JULY 12: HAUNTED WIREGRASS HISTORY

Join Dale Cox of Two Egg TV and learn about our haunted heritage. Explore allegedly haunted sites around the Wiregrass and hear the ghost stories that accompany them.

JULY 19: THE CREEK POCAHONTAS

Rachael Conrad of Two Egg TV will present a program on Native American woman Milly Frances and her rescue of U.S. soldier Duncan McCrimmon.

JULY 26: WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE IN THE WIREGRASS

Dr. Hayden McDaniel explores the world of writer, newspaper editor, socialite, and suffragist, Scottie McKenzie Frasier, who did her work in Dothan.

Watermelon Tasting

Celebrate National Watermelon Month with Landmark Park during our Watermelon Harvest and Sampling on July 11 at 10 a.m. The Watermelon Sampling is free with paid gate admission. Special thanks to Master Gardener and park volunteer Tom Boyle for coordinating this event each year. Watermelon is a favorite summertime fruit throughout the South. This juicy fruit can be red, yellow, pink, or dark pink on the inside and be seeded or seedless. Watermelon is a flowering ground vine from the gourd family. A single watermelon is made up of 92% water and is packed with healthy nutrients. They are a good source of antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Visit www.alwatermelon.org for more info on watermelons. Sponsored by Wiregrass RC&D. 

**New** Horse Workshops

If you have an interest in anything equestrian, Landmark Park has got you covered! Landmark Park will be offering a series of hands-on, horse-related workshops. Prices are below. Registration and payment are required and can be made online at www.landmarkparkdothan.com. 

JULY 18: HITCHING AND DRIVING WITH IMPLEMENTS 

Meet at Crowley Field from 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Registration required. Free with paid gate admission.

AUGUST 15: FARRIER WORKSHOP

Taught by Farrier Trent Renfroe. Held in the Stokes Activity Barn from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Lunch is included. Registration required. Price is $25 for park members and $30 for nonmembers.

Education Festival

On August 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Teachers, parents, and kids of all ages are welcome to come to our 2nd annual Education Festival! Landmark Park offers many educational programming year round to thousands of students. Our Education Festival offers a unique experience for parents and teachers to come and see all the Education Department offers. There will be a variety of activities and programs around the Park for all ages. Along with all the adventure around the park, explore space with an instructor in the planetarium and get to know our reptiles at the Radical Reptiles program in the auditorium. Admission to the Education Festival is $4 for adults, $3 for kids and free for children 2 and under and for park members. Teachers: If you attend this event, you will get an automatic 10% off of your next field trip you schedule at Landmark Park! Just come visit the Information Booth for details. For more information, contact Tabitha Shumaker at 334-794-3452 or [email protected] or visit our website at www.landmarkparkdothan.com.

Low Country Boil

September 17, 6 p.m. Join us for a meal of shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes while enjoying music under the stars. Special considerations will be taken this year for maximum safety, including a special take-out only option. More details coming soon. Advance tickets required, call 334-794-3452 to reserve your ticket. 

**New**Peanut Boil

September 26, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Bring your picnic and lawn chairs for an after-hours peanut boil. Watch as peanuts are stacked the old fashioned way and listen to bluegrass music. $4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members and children 2 and under. Admission includes one free cup of boiled peanuts. 

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RECURRING EVENTS!

**New** Meet the Beekeepers

Hosted by the Wiregrass Beekeepers. Observe the beekeepers at work and learn about honeybees. Meet at the observation hive next to the Agricultural Museum. 9:30 a.m. First Saturdays. Free with paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members and Wiregrass Beekeepers members). Veil is required for your safety. While bees are generally not aggressive, please do not attend this session if you are allergic!

**New** Landmark Park Sit and Sew

Every second Saturday join the Evening Star Quilt Guild with your textile-based crafts for an informal sewing circle. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free with paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members) and Quilt Guild members. Space is limited, first come first served. Interpretive Center Auditorium.

The Wiregrass Woodturners host a club meeting and woodturning demo every first Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited to visit and learn how to make beautiful wooden items turned on a lathe. Free with your paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members).Wiregrass Woodturner members get in free. Club meets in the Interpretive Center Classroom. (NO MEETING IN JULY)

The Landmark Dulcimer Club has a jam and practice session every first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. You do not have to know how to read music! We prefer you bring your own Mountain Dulcimer but we do have a few practice dulcimers you can borrow if you want to give it a try. Free with your paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members). Show your instrument and get in for free! Club meets in the Interpretive Center.

Wiregrass Forge member Brent Clark will present a Blacksmithing Demo every first and third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. Watch as metal is heated and shaped into a variety of items. Free with your paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members).

Landmark Park hosts a public Reptile Feeding every first Sunday at 4 p.m. Meet our snakes and turtles and learn why these animals are so important to the environment. Free with paid gate admission. Interpretive Center Lobby. Free with your paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members).

Pickin in the Park takes place every second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. Join musicians for a bluegrass, country and gospel jam session. Visitors are welcome to listen or participate. Free with your paid gate admission ($4 for adults, $3 for kids, free for park members).Show your instrument at the gate to receive free admission. All ages and skill levels are welcome.