The Hart County Chamber of Commerce and the Horse Cave Rotary Club will sponsor an event to remember a man who, even nearly 85 years after his death, is considered to be one of the greatest cave explorers.

“Floyd Collins’ rescue was one of the biggest stories of the 20th century. It inspired a couple of movies, music such as ‘The Ballad of Floyd Collins,’ and several books,” said David Foster, executive director of the American Cave Conservation Association. “There is a lot of interest out there.”

Floyd Fest 2009 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday will include a guided tour to Collins’ homeplace – and final resting place – Sand Cave, where gifts are still left at his gravesite; memorabilia; a viewing of Peridot Pictures’ “The Floyd Collins Story;” recollections by members of the Collins family; period music by Hazel Johnson, Dave Foster and Sunnyland Radio Show; and a guided tour through Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum in Horse Cave.

“We’ve got several collectors who are going to loan us their exhibits,” Foster said. “There are some things that haven’t been available for the public to see for a long time, if ever.”

Tickets, which are limited, are $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 14 and under and include lunch.

Proceeds will support the educational and community projects of the American Cave Conservation Association, a nonprofit national organization that operates the American Cave Museum in downtown Horse Cave. It is open daily year-round.

“We work to conserve caves all over the United States. We do a lot of educational work in schools and for the public about how to conserve the caves as well as the water,” Foster said. “Cave water pollution is big problem in cave country. We’re helping people understand why caves are important.”

According to the Cave City Convention Center and Tourism Bureau Web site, www.cavecity.com, Floyd Collins was a farmer and an avid cave explorer who, in the winter of 1925, entered what later became known as Sand Cave, which he hoped to turn into a tourist-driven goldmine. Instead he became trapped, which triggered a media frenzy as rescuers tried everything they could to free Collins. Days later, he died in the cave.

“It’s amazing how many people know the Floyd Collins story,” Foster said. “He’s probably the most famous cave explorer out there.”

Foster said while ticket prices may seem a bit steep, participants will get a lot for their dollar and help the American Cave Association.

“They’re getting a field tour, movie, lunch, exhibits and a cave tour,” he said. “Like many nonprofits, we’re struggling a bit during the recession.”

Foster said organizers hope Floyd Fest 2009 becomes an annual event.

“It’s a real exciting event,” Foster said. “People can learn a bit of history. We hope to have a good turnout.”

— For more information, call the Hart County Chamber of Commerce at (270) 524-2892 or the American Cave Museum at (270) 786-1466. To order tickets, call the museum or e-mail clark_c17@yahoo.com.