North Shore decorations canceled through June
North Shore Cemetery Association announced the cancellation of all North Shore Cemetery Decorations through June 15. At present, all group activities within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are suspended through June 15 and this may change in the future given the complexity and unknown factors concerning the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many people look forward to getting together and celebrating the lives of those buried in the many cemeteries, but the association feels it is better to err on the side of caution, rather than risk the lives and well-being of those they love and care about in becoming infected with this devastating virus.
Currently, this will impact the decorations for Woody, Hoyle, Cable, Payne, Orr, Lauada, Pilkey, Posey, Wike, Walker, and Calhoun cemeteries. At present, decorations for Branton and Lower Noland have been rescheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11, along with the decorations for Wiggins, Stiles, and Conner cemeteries. The association will be working with National Park Service staff in rescheduling the impacted decorations as able to accommodate given the complexity in moving vehicles, people, and providing safe access. Regardless, all cemeteries will be cleaned and maintained, even though public decorations may not occur.
For the most recent information, contact the association through either of the Facebook pages: North Shore Cemetery Decorations or North Shore Cemetery Historical Association, or the website: www.northshorecemeteries.com.
