September 28-29, 2012 – Sacajawea State Park, Pasco, WA
We are now doing preliminary development of the Heritage Days schedule. Heritage days will run two days in 2012, Friday and Saturday. We know this event will be as great as it always has been.
Heritage Days 2012 will be absolutely free on Saturday, September 29, 2012. The $10 access fee, or requirement to have a Discover Pass ($30 annual fee) is being waived by all of Washington State Parks on that day. The access fee or Discover Pass requirement will be in force on Friday September 28. Official government vehicles (that means school buses) do not get charged the access fee.
ABOUT HERITAGE DAYS
The event was first presented in 2003 by the local Lewis & Clark Bicenntennial Council, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Voyage of Discovery. Mid-Columbia Traditional Arts and Music Association has presented the event since 2006, and we hope you love this event as much as we do.
Its purpose is to learn about and re-enact the life and skills of the the early American explorers, the Native American cultures they found along the way, and the lives of the early settlers.
Heritage Days runs for two days, Friday through Saturday. Friday is dedicated to receiving school children and letting them see and touch what used to be. Saturday is when most people show up to experience the past.
There are Lewis & Clark re-enactors, members of the Umatilla and Yakama Nations, and the Wanapums, along with mountain man encampments, local museums, and other people who enjoy sharing their skills and knowledge about what life was like nearly two centuries ago.
Saturday Night Campfire Program. On Saturday night there is a bonfire and many people who are encamped at the park as well as many more show up to play music, sing, tell stories, and just have a good time. The campfire program starts at around 7:30 PM
Read more about Heritage Days 2011.
In 2011, we had over 1,800 school children on Friday, which was our highest number ever. The Umatilla Nation dance troupe “Generations” were one of the most popular exhibits to see. The weather was just outstanding on Friday and Saturday, but some light and brief rain showers chased some folks away Sunday morning.
Our total attendance over the three days was just over 4,200 people, which is just great when you realize most people find out about the event “word of mouth”. The campfire program was just as fun as usual, with “Talk’n Crow” serving as the host….thank you “Talk’n Crow”!
A big thanks to the literally over a hundred volunteers who organized, presented, guided and accomplished so many visible and behind the scenes tasks. You are appreciated. See you next year!
