The party is 'on' at Crater Lake

Herald and News
Klamath Falls, Oregon
July 18, 2002
By LEE JUILLERAT

CRATER LAKE — The party is on at Crater Lake National Park, and the people are coming.

Although the park's centennial celebration doesn't hit high gear until next month, visitors are already streaming into the park. On July 5, a record 2,400 vehicles — which translates to more than 5,000 people — passed though the park's two entrance stations.

 
Sales of books, tapes, posters and other items at the two Crater Lake Natural History Association outlets have been extremely high with records also set over the extended Fourth of July weekend.

Media coverage has been extensive, including spots on the "Today Show" and the Weather Channel, and in Northwest Travel, Sunset and newspapers along the West Coast. Upcoming is a possible segment on "Good Morning America" and stories in the Alaska/Horizon airlines in-flight magazine and Oregon tourism magazine.

The centennial celebration, originally scheduled Saturday, Aug. 24 through Monday, Aug. 26, has been extended by two days and will now begin Thursday, Aug. 22.

"We expanded the celebration to five days to give visitors more time to enjoy the celebration," said park Superintendent Chuck Lundy.

Park officials are expecting the biggest influx of visitors on Sunday, Aug. 25, when park rededication ceremonies will be held in the Rim Village cafeteria/gift shop parking lot. Because of the expected turnout, access that day to Rim Village will be limited to shuttle service from the park headquarters area.

Lundy, who was in Washington, D.C., earlier this week to discuss centennial plans with Interior Department officials, said several national officials may attend some of the festivities. Possible notables include Interior Secretary Gale Norton, Oregon Sens. Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden, Rep. Greg Walden, Gov. John Kitzhaber and Mark Hatfield, a former governor and U.S. senator who is serving as the centennial's honorary chairman.

Opened earlier this month is an exhibit of art by 19 of the 48 artists who participated in the artists in residence program from October 2000 through October 2001. Works by two Klamath Basin artists, Sharon Rajnus and Janet Sullivan, are among the offerings.

The Sinnott Memorial, another Rim Village structure that was renovated last summer, has reopened. Interactive exhibits valued at about $500,000 will be installed within coming weeks.

The extended centennial festivities will begin Aug. 22 with dedication of the park's future Science and Learning Center. Despite the attention given to other activities, park spokesman Michael Justin said the center represents the park's commitment to its future.

 
"This represents an opportunity to focus on what the park is all about," said Justin. "To us, it's important we stay focused on the Science and Learning Center and what it can mean to us and the world in the study of clean water and air."

Join the party!

Public activities, with some times and locations still subject to change, include the following:

Thursday, Aug. 22

Dedication of the Science and Learning Center.

Friday, Aug. 23

Interpretive opportunities, possibly including ranger-led hikes to Mount Scott, The Watchman, Garfield Peak, Annie Creek and Cleetwood Cove, to be offered through the day.

11 a.m. — Reception for artists who participated in last year's artist in residence program.

1 p.m. — Public reception at Rim Village, including a presentation of the William Steel drama.

Saturday, Aug. 24

Interpretive opportunities, including ranger-led hike.

1 p.m. — Public walking tour of Rim Village rehabilitation projects. The tour will start at the Crater Lake Lodge and include stops along the rim, culminating with dedication of a new exhibit at the Sinnott Memorial at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 25

9 a.m. — Rim Village activities for pedestrians. Booths and displays are planned along with a special postage stamp cancellation.

1 p.m. — Park rededication ceremonies at Rim Village with special guests and speaking arriving in antique cars, singing of the National Anthem, Native American dancers and drummers. Brief speeches will be followed by presentation of a time capsule and unveiling of a bronze plaque commemorating the centennial.

Monday, Aug. 26

10 a.m. — Open house of facilities for employee reunion.

Noon — Alumni luncheon at Picnic Hill behind Community Building followed by talk and presentation of Will Steel drama. Afternoon interpretive programs will include boat tours and interpretive hikes.