OLYMPIA – Sept. 8, 2016 – The Friends of Sacajawea State Park and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Folk & Traditional Arts Program invite the public to experience living history at Heritage Days in Sacajawea State Park, near Pasco.
The Heritage Days celebration takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Sacajawea Historical State Park 2503 Sacajawea Park Rd., Pasco. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/ujz0E)
This event features re-enactments covering the history of the area from the Ice Age Floods through 1927, when the park was established by the Daughters of the Pioneers. Local organizations will demonstrate the skills early American pioneers needed to survive. Participants will get a first-hand glimpse of what pioneers wore and the shelters they lived in. Other activities will include demonstrations by Native Americans, mountain-men encampments, music, depictions of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition, as well as arts and crafts demonstrations.
Also on the days’ events: Five authors who wrote books about Lewis and Clark’s journey on the Snake and Columbia rivers will discuss the expedition, their guide Sacajawea and her influence, the early riverboats and Captain John Ainsworth, who lent his name to an early settlement in the park. Participants can also learn about the local mammoth dig and view a steam engine on display.
A new feature this year will be a focus on children’s safety with the Pasco Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Operation Lifesaver (rail safety education) and Washington State Poison Control Center.
Admission to Heritage Days is free. On Sept. 23, visitors will need an annual $30 Discover Pass or a $10 daily pass for vehicle access. Sept. 24 is a ‘free day’ in all Washington State Parks, in recognition of National Public Lands Day—no Discover Pass or daily pass will be needed.
For more information about Heritage Days, contact Sharon Stewart, Friends of Sacajawea State Park, (509) 366-1272, events@friendsofsacajaweastatepark.org or visit http://www.friendsofsacajaweastatepark.org/wp/?page_id=12.
About the Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program
The Native American demonstrations at the Heritage Days celebration is part of a broader series of events celebrating Washington’s diverse cultures and presented by the Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program, with funding provided by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Washington State Parks Foundation.
For more information about the Folks and Traditional Arts in the Parks program, including upcoming events, visit:
http://parks.state.wa.us/folkarts or contact Debbie Fant, Program Coordinator, at Deborah.Fant@parks.wa.gov or 360-902-8635.
About Washington State ParksThe 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:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Srey Ryser, (360) 902-8626
Debbie Fant, (360) 902-8635
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
-30-