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Activities and tours take place June 4 at Cape Disappointment State Park
OLYMPIA – May 12, 2016– Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and Keepers of the North Head Lighthouse invite the public to help celebrate the 118th anniversary of the North Head Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco.
Numerous events will take place to celebrate the Lighthouse’s birthday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 4 at Cape Disappointment State Park, 244 Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/YNNqc9176WT2). A free shuttle to the Lighthouse will be available at the Cape D Café. Additional parking is also available at the North Head Lighthouse parking area. A Discover Pass will not be needed for vehicle access to the park that day because June 4 is a State Parks ‘Free Day,’ in recognition of National Trails Day.
The fun family event will feature an open house at the lighthouse keeper’s residence, new interpretive exhibits in a small museum, guided hikes at noon and 1 p.m., cake and refreshments and tours of the Confluence art installations.
Staff from Confluence will be on site to provide interpretation for the Confluence at Cape Disappointment installations designed by artist/architect Maya Lin. Installations include the cedar circle, the boardwalk, the viewing platform and the fish cleaning table. There will also be a Confluence information table at the shuttle stop.
The lighthouse is undergoing restoration and is closed for tours at this time. But event participants may take an easy walk to the lighthouse grounds, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the coast.
The celebration kicks off the North Head Lighthouse raffle, which will directly benefit lighthouse restoration. The prize for the raffle is a two-nights’ stay at a keeper’s residence for six, plus dinner for six at the Depot Restaurant in Seaview during their stay. This offer must be used between October 2016, and March 2017.
For more information, contact Janet Easley, easleyhj@centurytel.net, (360) 665-5580 or Lona Niemi, llniemi@yahoo.com, (360) 642-2502.
About the North Head Lighthouse
The North Head Lighthouse was commissioned on May 16, 1898 as the primary navigation aid at the mouth of the Columbia River. Today, North Head is still an active lighthouse overlooking the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” It is the most intact lighthouse reservation in the Pacific Northwest. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is on U.S. Coast Guard property and can be access from the park. For more information about visiting Cape Disappointment State Park is here: http://parks.state.wa.us/486/Cape-Disappointment
About the Keepers of the North Head Lighthouse
The Keepers is part of the Friends of the Columbia River Gateway and provides volunteer and financial assistance to Washington State Parks to maintain and enhance the North Head Lighthouse and its associated grounds and buildings, such as the lighthouse keeper’s residences. The organization generates funds through the sales of merchandise at two retail outlets within Cape Disappointment State Park. For more information, visit: http://northheadlighthouse.com/
About Confluence
Confluence is a donor-supported nonprofit that connects people to place through art and education. We work in collaboration with Northwest communities, tribes and celebrated artist Maya Lin to create reflective moments that can shape the future of the Columbia River system. We share stories of this river through six public art installations, educational programs, community engagement and a rich digital experience. For more information, visit http://www.confluenceproject.org/
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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.
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:
Stephen Wood, (360) 642-3029
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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