An estimated 250 people went to Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park near Limestone on Saturday for the annual observance of "A Crockett Christmas."

Park Ranger Dawn Coleman said visitors to the park were welomed by 12 reenactors in period costume. Activities took place in and around the replica birthplace cabin.

At dusk, candles in handsome glass holders suspended from decorative wrought-iron spikes lit the way from the parking area to the cabin.

A fire inside warmed the cabin somewhat, but with the door propped open, most people got a hot cup of traditional (but non-alcoholic) wassail punch and headed back outside, where a larger fire was blazing.

Long benches around the fire were a good place to listen to stories about the area by storyteller Kate Agmann, of Greeneville. She also made bread in the park's outdoor Dutch "beehive" oven, and told stories about frontier women.

Ranger Coleman said several members of the park's "Pioneer Friends" group, wearing period clothing, told stories about Crockett, or about the simple ways that people on the frontier in his time would have celebrated Christmas.

Park Director Mark Halback, dressed as a settler in the early 1800s, also told stories about Crockett. The event began at 2 p.m. and continued until 9 p.m.

"It was a little too cold" for many people to brave an outdoor event during the day, Coleman said, but the weather seemed to warm up a bit after dark.

Coleman said the event experienced a small surge of visitors after the Jonesborough Christmas parade was over. The parade had begun at dusk.