News Release 12-092
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director
Media contact:
Reade Obern, (509) 545-2361 Reade.Obern@parks.wa.gov
Hilary Schult, (360) 902-8604 Hilary.Schult@parks.wa.gov
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
Experience 19th century living history at Sacajawea State Park
OLYMPIA –
Sept. 19, 2012 –
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to experience living history at the ninth annual Heritage Days at Sacajawea State Park in Pasco.
The event is Sept. 28 and 29 at Sacajawea State Park, 2503 Sacajawea Park Road in Pasco. Experience what life was like in the 19th century through historic reenactment demonstrations including a Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery camp, mountain man camps, a working steam engine and museum presentations. Visitors also may learn about area Native American cultural history through presentations by the Umatilla, Wanapum and Yakama nations. The two-day event features activities for school group audiences from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28 and living history activities for audiences of all ages from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29. A campfire program with music, stories and more runs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29. Everyone is welcome to both days of the event. Admission is free. The Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the event on Sept. 28. Sept. 29 is a State Parks “free day” in recognition of National Public Lands Day; visitors are not required to display a Discover Pass to access state parks on free days.
Camping is allowed during the event. Dry camping sites in the lawn area of the park are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $12 per vehicle per night. Campers may arrive after 12 p.m. Sept. 26 and must check out by 12 p.m. Oct. 1. Each additional vehicle per campsite will be required to pay an extra vehicle fee of $10. Temporary showers will be available.
Heritage Days is presented in partnership with the Mid-Columbia Traditional Arts and Music Association. The event was first presented by the local Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery. The Mid-Columbia Traditional Arts and Music Association (MCTAMA) began presenting the event in 2006. MCTAMA also plays host to the annual bluegrass music and Dutch oven cooking festival at Sacajawea State Park. For more information about Heritage Days, visit www.mctama.org.
Sacajawea State Park is a 284-acre day-use park at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers located 5 miles southeast of Pasco. The area is spacious with a wide skyline and views of the two rivers as they flow together. The park includes the Sacajawea Interpretive Center, which features interactive displays telling the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the experiences of Sacagawea, the young Shoshone Indian woman who accompanied the Expedition. The center closes for the season on Nov. 1.
Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks. Share your favorite state park adventure on the new State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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