The Oregon State Capitol will be hosting a variety of events during the week of February 14, 2005 through February 18, 2005 to commemorate the 1805-2005 Lewis & Clark journey of long ago. All events are educational, free and the public is invited to attend. Events are subject to change.
Monday, February 14: 11:00 am - Happy Birthday to Oregon. A birthday reception
for the State of Oregon in the Galleria will be fun for all! Birthday cake
donated by the Oregon Wheat Growers will be served with Governor Kulongoski
having the honor of cutting the cake. Have some fun when the Oregon Old Time
Fiddlers cause everyone to stomp their feet and clap their hands to unique
fiddling music.
12:00 pm - Weapons & Tools of Lewis & Clark - A special
presentation by Michael Carrick is sure to interest both the young and old.
Mr. Carrick’s presentations are widely recognized and admired throughout
the state. Carrick is the vice president of Oregon Chapter of National Lewis & Clark
Historical Association. Featured among the many historical antiques demonstrated
will be muskets and rifles over 200 years old, making this a presentation to
not miss!
Tuesday, February 15: The day will commemorate the Native American population which assisted and met with Lewis & Clark on their historic journey through Oregon. The Grande Ronde and Warm Springs Tribes will be participating in this day of commemoration. The Tribal Color Guard including four major divisions of tribal military will perform and post the colors for the opening of House session. Basket weaving demonstrations will be stationed in the Galleria, information tables with a copy of the Tribes of Middle Oregon Treaty of 1855, excerpts from the Treaty minutes and Native language speakers will also be in the Galleria. Everyone will enjoy specialty Indian tacos on the Capitol front steps. At 11:30 am there will be a lecture on the Native American perception of Lewis and Clark with a time for questions and answers. A special performance at 1:00 pm by flutist Vernon Kennedy from the Burns-Pauite tribe will be in the Rotunda and will include his drum group for exhibition dancing. This day is filled with history and will interest all ages.
Wednesday, February 16: Experience the expedition with a special “You are There” presentation. At 1:00 pm in the Senate Gallery Botanist Ellen Norris Bishop will give a presentation from her book entitled In Search of Ancient Oregon. Bishop is highly skilled and knowledgeable in the vegetation of yesteryear.
Thursday, February 17: This eventful day will include a special forging demonstration on the Capitol front steps from 10 am - 3 pm. Ft. Vancouver will host this unique experience. An illustrated lecture by Stephen Dow Beckham on his book titled Lewis and Clark: from the Rockies to the Pacific begins at 12:00 pm in HR D. This illustrated lecture will give an overview of the Lewis & Clark journey with stunning scenes and incredible pictures. He will have his repertoire of books on hand for purchase and signing. “Cargo of Lewis & Clark,” a power point presentation by Ken Karsmizki, will begin at 1:15 in Room 50. Karsmizki represents the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center where his presentations have thrilled thousands of people.
Friday, February 18: Seaman the Dog joins the gang to wrap-up the week and leads the public on a Fun Run/Walk. All entries to the Fun Run receive a tee-shirt and specially designed water bottle to conclude the week. The Fun Run/Walk will begin on the front steps of the Capitol and go to the Willamette Riverfront Park then back to the Capitol. The fee to enter is $12 with proceeds going to the Governor’s Food Drive. An attachment is included to register for the Fun Run/Walk.
For more information, contact Debbie Lowery, Legislative Administration Project Coordinator, at 503-986-1654
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2005
Contact: Diane Norton
National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council Licensing Director
(605) 664-5920
www.lewisandclarktrail.com
From a 55-foot keelboat to a parade float -- visitors and viewers will see the major historic figures of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804/05.
"A Vision of America" selected as the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Theme, will highlight and include the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark on a mission to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. By November 1805, the explorers had reached the Pacific Ocean and held a historic vote. This was the first documented vote west of the Mississippi that recorded a Native American Indian woman (Sacagawea) and an African American man (York).
On January 20, 2005, Captain Meriwether Lewis ( portrayed by Scott Mandrell); Captain William Clark (portrayed by Craig "Rocky" Rockwell); Sacagawea (portrayed by Amy Mossett); and York (portrayed by Hassan Davis), will join in the Inaugural parade. The parade is scheduled to begin about 2:30 EST, and will be broadcast on many radio and television stations across the nation.
The National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial commemoration features on-going Events and Festivals through 2006. For Event and bio information on parade participants, log on to www.lewisandclarktrail.com
Diane Norton
National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Licensing Director
605-664-5920