Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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The words "Back to School" has a different meaning to just about everyone who hears them and most of the time the parents are happy and the kids.... well, not so much.

But Wilderness Road State Park is looking to make the final few days before classes begin a little more enjoyable with our Back to School Bash as part of our Community Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ranger Parker Redfox is a hit with the kids at Wilderness Road State Park, Virginia

Ranger Parker Redfox is a hit with the kids at Wilderness Road State Park

A hotdog lunch kicks off the event at 12 noon. Bouncy houses and historical programming highlight this event which offers fun for all ages witch activities such as: kids train rides, emergency vehicles, frontier demonstrations at Martin’s Station, a hot dog lunch and a Backyard BBQ Battle.

Admission is just half the normal parking fee at just $2 per vehicle and the fun begins at noon on Saturday August 8, 2015 so everyone can come out and enjoy Wilderness Road State Park.

Bouncy castles and inflatables will be set up for the kids at the Community Appreciation Day at Wilderness Road State Park, Virginia

Bouncy castles and inflatables will be set up for the kids

Family fun

Wilderness Road State Park has ordered several inflatable bouncy houses and obstacle courses to keep the kids busy and entertained throughout the day. There will also be train rides and an opportunity to see and ride in emergency vehicles such as the park’s own police trucks, and more.

History comes alive

Those interested in history will be in for a treat as the folks at Martin’s Station will perform various 18th century demonstrations throughout the day, as well as a special Split and Hued program at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The evening wraps up with a special evening program, The Beloved Woman, which showcases the important role women played on the early frontier and how they helped establish the gateway to the west. Perhaps the most influential woman of the Cherokee people, Nancy Ward saves her friend, Lydia Bean, from an early demise at the hands of the Cherokee. This program begins at 7 p.m.

Backyard BBQ battle

Following the success from last year’s Chili Cookoff, the park will be conducting their first ever Backyard BBQ Battle during the event.

Teams, or individuals, must prepare their backyard barbecue creation onsite. The item entered for judging is at the discretion of the team or individual. Each person should present their best barbecue item for judging, and If you think your grilled chicken breast can beat out a hamburger, steak, hotdog or pulled pork, then by all means enter it.

Whatever you grill the best, that’s what you should present

The Backyard BBQ Battle is a new addition to this year's event at Wilderness Road State Park, VirginiaThe Backyard BBQ Battle is a new addition to this year's event

The item must be cooked and presented for judging by 5 p.m. Setup and cooking may begin as early as 9 a.m. The park will provide the electricity, but persons or teams must provide their own extension cords, ingredients and cooking utensils.

Each team’s barbecued item will be judged by a panel of three, two park representatives as well as a third designated judge. A cash prize will be awarded to the winning team, along with the title, Wilderness Road Backyard BBQ Battle champion.

A second cash prize will be awarded to the People’s Choice winning team. This added twist to the BBQ Battle allows park visitors to pay $1 to sample each team’s item and cast one vote for their favorite.

There is a $10 entry fee per team, or individual, and they will be permitted to offer one item for judging per $10 entry fee. Deadline registration is 9 a.m. the morning of the event.

For more information about the event please call the park office at (276) 445-3065. For directions to Wilderness Road State Park, click here.

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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