Live Newfoundland dog, puppet shows and more at Sacajawea Historical State Park
OLYMPIA – Oct. 2, 2019 – Washington State Parks invites the public — especially youth — to meet “Sage,” a Newfoundland dog, enjoy puppet shows and watch canine skills demonstrations during Newfie Day at Sacajawea Historical State Park near Pasco.
Newfie Day celebrates the historical significance of Seaman, the Newfoundland dog who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. The family-friendly event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday Oct. 12, at Sacajawea Historical State Park, 2503 Sacajawea Park Road, Pasco. (Driving directions).
“Seaman was a devoted companion and protector for the members of the Corps of Discovery,” said Mary Keffer, interpretive specialist at Sacajawea Historical State Park. “Newfie Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions of this canine explorer and to experience Seaman’s adventures through puppetry and storytelling.”
Sage, a Newfoundland dog, demonstrates a water rescue. Photo courtesy of Erin Andersen.
Sage, a 6-year-old Newfoundland dog, lives with her owner Erin Andersen in Wenatchee. Andersen is a member of the Pacific Northwest Newfoundland Club (PNWNC). Sage is trained in water rescue and “drafting” (cart pulling), which are tasks Seaman performed during the Corps of Discovery expedition. During the event, Sage will demonstrate these same skills. Solarity Puppetry will perform several shows, including a bilingual performance that tells the stories of Native American animal tricksters.
The Newfie Day schedule of events includes:
- 10 a.m. — “Newfies” Know Puppet Show by Solarity Puppetry
- 10:45 a.m. — PNWNC Drafting Demonstration
- 11:30 a.m. — “How Clever - ¡Que Listo!” Puppet Show (bilingual performance)
- 12:45 p.m. — “Newfies Know” Puppet Show
- 1:30 p.m. — PNWNC Water Rescue Demonstration
In addition to the demonstrations and performances, kids can make their own Newfie puppet at the arts-and-crafts booth and explore the Sacajawea Interpretive Center. In between demonstrations, kids can get to know Sage and learn all about Newfoundland Dogs at the Pacific Northwest Newfoundland Club’s “Meet-the-Newfie” booth!
Admission to Newfie Day is free, but a Discover Pass is required for vehicle entrance to the park.
About Sacajawea Historical State Park
The 300-acre day-use park is located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers. The park is historically significant as a traditional gathering place for Native peoples. On Oct. 16, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery arrived at the site and traded with the Native people before paddling down the Columbia River to the Pacific Coast. The park was named for Sacagawea, the Agaiduka Shoshoni Indian woman who accompanied the expedition. The parks interpretive center, built in 1938, is a classic example from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era. For more information about the park, visit: https://parks.state.wa.us/575/Sacajawea
News media contacts:
Mary Keffer, Sacajawea Historical State Park interpretive specialist, (509) 520-4013
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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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.
News release number: 19-079