Easter Service features spectacular scenery, inspiring message and bagpipes

CHIMNEY ROCK, NC (March 23, 2015) – Few sights in the Blue Ridge Mountains are as spectacular as watching the sunrise over Lake Lure from Chimney Rock. Some visitors call it a spiritual experience. This year Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is hosting its 60th Annual Easter Sunrise Service, which attracts more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. The interdenominational community celebration on April 5 includes live spiritual music by local musicians, an inspirational message and – with some cooperation from above – a beautiful sunrise with 75-mile views.

The public and media are invited to attend with free admission for the 6:30 to 7 a.m. Easter service, held rain or shine. The Park gate opens 5 to 6 a.m. for the service on the top parking lot below the Chimney. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as no admittance to the Park can be allowed past 6 a.m. Stay to enjoy the Park all day, or drop in for a breakfast buffet at the Old Rock Café and return for free readmission with both your receipt and Easter program. The Park is open for its regular hours, which began March 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the Ticket Plaza closing at 5:30 p.m.

“If you’re looking for powerful inspiration and a sense of community, this is it. Our annual Easter Sunrise Service is a special tradition for our guests… a memorable event for the entire family,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

Rev. David MacEachern, pastor of Bat Cave Baptist Church, is coordinating the music and service. Several other pastors from area churches are participating. The Easter service will feature bagpipes and special live music sung by local musicians, Park staff and their family members. It will air live on 1450 WHKP-AM Radio and be rebroadcast at noon for those unable to attend. Attendees are invited to a breakfast buffet at the Old Rock Café from 7-11 a.m. for only $9.99 for adults and $6.29 for children ages 10 and under, including beverages (with the exception of alcohol).

Limited parking is available in the top lot with additional parking on the Meadows. Shuttle buses will transport guests between the Meadows and top lot. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

About Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a developing international outdoor destination located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. It is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic sites and popular travel destinations. The Park’s 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock can be accessed via a 491-step Outcroppings Trail or a 26-story elevator and offers guests 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The Park features one of the highest waterfalls of its kind east of the Mississippi River, Hickory Nut Falls, at 404 feet. Hickory Nut Gorge, one of the state’s most significant centers of biodiversity, is home to 36 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species. The Rumbling Bald section of the greater State Park off of Boys Camp Road in Chimney Rock is the only other area of the Park that is currently open to the public. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Chimney Rock section of the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for schools, homeschoolers, scouts and summer camps. Visit Chimney Rock’s website at chimneyrockpark.com.

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Media Contact:Chimney Rock Logo
Shannon Quinn-Tucker
828-625-9611 ext. *814
prandevents@chimneyrockpark.com