Events take place in seven state parks and nearby communities
OLYMPIA – June 3, 2016– The New Old Time Chautauqua (NOTC), America’s only traveling or circuit Chautauqua, is joining forces with Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission for a 2016 summer tour of seven state parks and nearby communities.
Chautauquas were based on the idea that learning continued throughout life. The Chautauqua Movement began in 1874, bringing a mix of education and entertainment to communities throughout the nation. When a Chautauqua came to town, all normal activity stopped as citizens dedicated a week of their lives to learn, be entertained and join with their community.
“The idea of the Chautauqua-Parks partnership is to renew ties and to foster goodwill between the towns and their local state parks,” said Paul Magid, founding member of the NOTC and The Flying Karamazov Brothers. “Chautauquas and Washington Parks share common goals: to promote community through education and experience by being a catalyst for cultural and creative exchange surrounded by the beauty of nature."
“Chautauquas were always held in an idyllic setting—among the trees, by a shore, or in a park—which is why this partnership is such a natural fit,” said Debbie Fant, Coordinator for the State Parks Folk & Traditional Arts Program. “And each park on the tour can tell its own story in workshops led by local experts.”
Each Chautauqua takes place over several days, with events occurring one day in the nearby town and another day in the state park. Each Chautauqua includes entertaining and educational workshops in parks and towns, a community potluck in each state park, live music, speakers and a grand parade—community participation encouraged—through the town. Each Chautauqua comes to a close with a family-friendly finale featuring Broadway stars, a big band, aerialists, comedians, jugglers and more.
The 2016 New Old Time Chautauqua-Washington State Parks Tour schedule:
- July 14 – 16
Fields Spring State Park, Anatone | Lapwai, ID (near Lewiston)
- July 18 - 19
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park | Dayton
- July 22 - 23
Fort Simcoe State Park, White Swan | Toppenish
- July 25 - 26
Bogachiel State Park | Forks
- July 29 - 30
Larrabee State Park, Bellingham | Mount Vernon
- Aug. 1 - 2
Conconully State Park, Conconully | Tonasket
- Aug. 5 - 6
Curlew Lake State Park | Republic
For more information about the NOTC-State Parks summer tour, contact Paul Magid, NOTC organizer, (917) 754-2191, paulmagid@gmail.com or Debbie Fant, State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Coordinator, (360) 902-8635, deborah.fant@parks.wa.gov. More details about the events, history and biographies of performers and presenters are here: http://www.chautauqua.org/
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About New Old Time Chautauqua
NOTC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization of 60-plus volunteer performers, educators and staff whose mission is to travel throughout the Greater Northwest to small towns and Native Nations to promote community through education, entertainment and laughter. The NOTC was founded in 1981 by the Flying Karamazov Brothers and Dr. Patch Adams. For the last 35 years the NOTC has brought the Chautauqua concept to towns in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Northern California, British Columbia and Alaska. The NOTC is part of great Chautauqua movement that began in 1874 and continues on to this day.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
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.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Paul Magid, NOTC, (917) 754-2191
Debbie Fant, (360) 902-8635
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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