— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Anne Blankenship
The Red Barn Shelter at Briggs Woods Park. The Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend with activities planned Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

A celebration is planned in honor of the 100th birthday of Briggs Woods Park this weekend, with special events planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The park, which was donated to Hamilton County on April 17, 1919 by Thirza Briggs Aldrich in honor of her parents, has the distinction of being the state’s first county park. Since that initial donation, the park has grown to include a large lake, 18-hole golf course, campgrounds and camping cabins, a walking trail and a brand-new conference center.

Activities get under way Friday night with a movie on the beach. “Open Season” will be shown at about 9:45 p.m. Popcorn will be served.

Before the movie, Boy Scout Troop 17 will serve hot dogs.

Saturday morning activities begin bright and early with a 5K Nature Run. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Conservation Office. Cost is $25 for those not registered in advance. The race begins at 8 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. there will be a historical display with actors in the Barn Shelter. There will also be cabin tours, crafts, archery and tomahawks from 10 a.m. to noon. Nature and historical hikes will be held throughout the day.

At noon, a welcome and rededication ceremony will be held at Shelter 2. The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors and the Hamilton County Conservation Board will be on hand for the ceremony. Lunch will be served with freewill donations going toward the barn renovation.

Activities will wrap up Sunday morning with breakfast at 8 a.m. in the new shelter on the Beach. Free-will donations will be accepted.

A church service on the beach will follow at 10 a.m.