The world waited anxiously in early February 1925 to learn the fate of a man trapped fifty-five feet below the surface in what is now known as Sand Cave.  That man was Floyd Collins, believed to be one of the greatest cave explorers to ever live.  The attempts to save him and his ultimate death created a world-wide media sensation that through the generations has inspired books, songs, plays, documentaries and movies. The Hart County Chamber of Commerce, Horse Cave Development Corporation, and Horse Cave Rotary Club are sponsoring an event on April 16 – 18th in tribute to this celebrated caver and to raise funds for the American Cave Museum located in historic downtown Horse Cave.

“We are pleased to assist with this fundraiser for the American Cave Museum because of the important work they continue to do both locally and regionally,” explained Virginia Davis, Chamber Executive Director. “At the same time, we are helping to create awareness about our local history. Nearly 85 years after his death, the story of Floyd Collins’ life is still a gripping tale that evokes an array of emotions from those that hear it.”    

This year’s Floyd Collins Fest will begin on April 16th with morning and afternoon school group tours geared toward 4th through 8th grade students. Admission is $5 per student and includes a tour of Hidden River Cave, a journey through a Speleo-Box, a presentation about Floyd Collins by a professional storyteller, and a sampling of music and dance from the 1920s.  That evening a reception will be held at the American Cave Museum from 5 to 7 PM, followed by a presentation by famed author Roger Brucker.

Activities begin on Saturday, April 17th at 8:30 AM with a presentation by cave historians  Stan Sides and John Denton. Afterwards, attendees can take a bus tour that includes visits to Sand Cave, Floyd Collins Homestead, and to the cemetery where Floyd is buried; tour Hidden River Cave; listen to folk music from the 1920s, watch Peridot Picture’s “The Floyd Collins Story” a documentary about his life, or see a  large exhibit of Floyd Collins memorabilia.  These activities will be scheduled at different times throughout the day.  

That evening a special “Old Time Radio Show’ will be held at Kentucky Repertory Theatre featuring John Gage, an established Louisville based, folk singer/song-writer who also hosts and emcees the Kentucky Homefront, a radio show that preserves Kentucky’s cultural heritage through storytelling and traditional music.   He will be joined by several musicians to recreate a truly memorable journey back to the Floyd Collins era.

Admission to this year’s Floyd Collins Fest, which includes the Friday evening activities and all of those scheduled for Saturday – including the Radio Show – is $25 for adults with reduced rates for children.  Two cave trips, including one to Floyd Collins Crystal Cave, will take place on April 18th.  There is an additional fee for these tours. Anyone wanting to attend the Old Time Radio Show only can do so for just $10.  For reservations or more information, call the American Cave Museum at (270) 786-1466.  

Segments of the Floyd Collins Fest are sponsored by the Horse Cave Development Corporation with state tax dollars from The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.