In 2016, the National Park Service celebrates its Centennial anniversary. Voyageurs National Park Association's Centennial Celebration at Surly Brewing's Scheid Hall was an opportunity to celebrate locally during National Park Week, and for guests to learn more about and support Voyageurs.
Over 200 people attended the event on April 18th which included opportunities to interact with park rangers and historical actors (Voyageurs and Kettle Falls Hotel waitresses!), a photo booth, silent auction, and Surly pints and appetizers. Guests had access to Voyageurs National Park's talented natural resource team with interactive opportunities to learn about the aviation program, wildlife research, aquatic biology, native plants and archaeology.
“The Centennial is a chance not just to celebrate the past hundred years, but to look to the next hundred," said Voyageurs Centennial Coordinator Doug Lowthian. The National Park Service's Centennial goal is to connect and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates.
The highlight of the evening's program was the unveiling of renowned landmark artist Mark Herman’s new Voyageurs print series, the first of its kind to benefit National Parks. These five striking prints showcase the beauty of Voyageurs National Park. Numeric Press will donate 10% of the proceeds from the sales of these prints to Voyageurs National Park Association.
"The room was full of energy. It was exciting to bring together so many people that support our park in so many ways; from park staff and volunteers to visitors and business owners. There were even attendees there who had been involved in the establishment of Voyageurs! We are grateful to our sponsors, guests and National Park Service staff who helped make this event possible. And, we are beyond lucky to have Mark Herman showcase Voyageurs through his art," said Christina Hausman, VNPA executive director.
District 3A Representative Rob Ecklund and staff from both Senator Franken and Klobuchar's offices attended the event, along with National Park Service staff, outdoor enthusiasts, Voyageurs National Park Association's board of directors, business owners from the park's gateway communities, sponsors, and VNPA members.
Voyageurs National Park Association would like to thank Lisa Giebink and Roy Son for donating their time and talents to photograph the event, event sponsors and auction donors, as well as Surly Brewing Co. for donating the event space.
