The Edgar Evins State Park will sell a seasonal cookbook this month, raising funds for park events and projects throughout the year.
Park Ranger Justin Vaughn said the park created the cookbook to raise funds for the Friends of Edgar Evans State Park, a non-profit that funds park events and projects like program materials and educational signage. Vaughn said this assistance helps offset the cost of items the park needs on the budget. Vaughn said the cookbook includes wild game and cast iron recipes, among many other traditional recipes volunteered by community members.
“It’s really a community cookbook, where the local community from around this area have put in their recipes and have shared, you know, some recipes that have been handed down in their family for years,” Vaughn said. “So it’s really important, community-wise.”
Vaughn said Friends group members, park rangers, park employees and local boy scout groups volunteer recipes for the cookbook. Vaughn said the cookbook benefits the park, as it brings both attention and financial support to the park through the non-profit. Vaughn said the proceeds from book sales support the park throughout the year, allowing the park to purchase any necessary items.
“They purchased a signage for a life jacket loners station, one of our boat ramps, and they’re fixing to build another one,” Vaughn said. “So it just helps support the park, is what this does.”
Vaughn said the cookbook includes cooking tips and tricks portions defining terms, giving hints and ingredient substitutions.
“If you need baking powder and you don’t have baking powder, there’s a substitute for that, and gives you the corresponding measurements for herbs, spices and different things like that,” Vaughn said.
The cookbook will be available for $10 in the Edgar Evins State Park Office.
