OLYMPIA – September 25, 2014 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program invites the public to a live music performance and two family dances—with Northwest themes—at Cama Beach State Park in October.
The free events are scheduled for October 10, 11, and 25 at the Cama Center at Cama Beach State Park, 1880 SW Camano Drive on Camano Island.
Friday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m.—“Fiddling Down the Oregon Trail,” with Vivian and Phil Williams
Vivian and Phil Williams, owners of Voyager Records, will entertain the public with a free concert featuring tunes and songs that made their way to Washington State via travelers on the Oregon Trail. The Williamses are well-known musicians and collectors of Northwest traditional music. Vivian Williams performs on fiddle, and Phil Williams is a guitarist. In addition, the pair will show and play vintage musical instruments that date from the mid-1800s.
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2 to 4 p.m.—Family Square Dance
The Williamses will be joined by their friend Terry Wergeland, who will accompany them on accordion for a family dance from 2 to 4 p.m., Oct. 11. The dance will include mixers, round dances, square dances and other traditional community dances that once took place at grange halls across Washington state. Amy Carroll will call the dances and will walk participants through each dance before the music begins. All ages are welcome, and no dance experience is required.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 3 to 5:30 p.m.—Family Square Dance
The band Rabbit Stew plays for a square dance as part of Cama Beach State Park’s annual Harvest Festival from 3 to 5 p.m., Oct. 25. Rabbit Stew includes Alex McLeod on fiddle, Beth Clemetson on guitar, and Tom Collicott on banjo. Veteran square dance caller Tony Mates will lead the dances and provide instruction. All ages are welcome, and no prior square dance experience is required.
A Discover Pass is required for parking at Cama Beach, but there is no additional admission charge for the programs. All concerts are accessible to persons with disabilities. For special accommodations, please call the park at (360) 387-1550 or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service (800) 833-6388. Requests must be made in advance.
The events at Cama Beach State Park are part of a broader series of events celebrating Washington’s diverse cultures. The Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program is a partnership between the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and Northwest Heritage Resources, with funding provided by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Washington State Parks Foundation. For a full schedule of Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program events, visit www.parks.wa.gov/calendar.aspx.
About Cama Beach State Park
Cama Beach State Park is a 433-acre forested park on Saratoga Passage in Puget Sound on the southwest shore of Camano Island. Cama Beach offers visitors a chance to step back in time to a 1930s-era Puget Sound fishing resort, complete with waterfront cedar cabins and bungalows. The park is connected by a mile-long trail to Camano Island State Park, a 134-acre camping park. Both parks are open for day use or overnight stays year-round. For more information about Cama Beach State Park, visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/483/Cama-Beach.
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:
Debbie Fant: (360) 902-8635
Toni Droscher: (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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