By TRINA RUNNER
News & Journal Staff Writer

Long before the Food Network and Cooking Channel came to be, most people only knew of one “famous Chef”.

Julia Child would visit the living rooms of families across America, demonstrating the art of French cooking, complete with the goof-ups on live television during the 1970s.  Ironically, Child grew up with a cook who served her family and never took an interest in cooking until she married her husband.

Child and her husband lived in Paris after he was transferred there to work for the U.S. Information Agency.  She attended the famous Le Cordon Bleu cooking school and studied under several master chefs.  She joined a cooking club for women, where she met her co-authors for her fist cookbook.

Famed actress Karen Vuranch will be portraying Julia Child, complete with her gangly gestures and unique voice. On March 25, “Julia” will be performing as part of the West Virginia History Alive program here in the area at Prickett’s Fort.  Sponsored by the WV Humanities Council, Vuranch will take on the role of Child and charm guests will her humor and skills. The event is free of charge.

Prior to Julia Child’s appearance, Prickett’s Fort will also be celebrating the first week of spring with a delicious buckwheat breakfast catered by Linda Jack.  From 8:00 a.m. to 10:0 0a.m., tours of the Fort and breakfast will be offered for $14.50, with the History Alive presentation immediately following at 11:30.

Registration is available online with additional information at ww.prickettsfortstatepark.com.