KANOPOLIS: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The first state park, Kanopolis celebrates anniversary May 7
KANOPOLISSTATE PARK -- The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is celebrating 100 years of protecting Kansas resources throughout 2005. During the year, celebrations will be held at parks across the state. Most celebrations will coincide with free park entrance days at the park hosting the celebration.
May 7 and 8 have been designated free park entrance days for KanopolisState Park, so visitors will not have to purchase a daily vehicle permit on these days. (Camping fees still apply.)
KanopolisState Park will host an anniversary event on May 7, celebrating the fact that this was the first official state park in Kansas, established 50 years ago. This celebration will kick off the park visitation season, joining other celebrations throughout the summer.
The following schedule of events will highlight the May 7 activities:
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| All day | Display, "Then-Now" | South Shore Beachhouse Shelter |
| 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Guided Hike | Buffalo Tracks Canyon Nature Trail |
| 11 a.m.-noon | Boat Parade | Starting in the Marina Cove |
| Kids Fishing Clinic | Kids Fishing Pond | |
| 1 p.m.-2 p.m. | Entertainment | |
| Horse Rides | Overland Stage Line (East Shore) | |
| Native American Dancers | South Shore Beachhouse Shelter | |
| Guided Hike | Kanopolis Wildlife Viewing Area | |
| Horse Drawn Rides | Overland Stage South Shore Ball Diamond | |
| 2 p.m.-3 p.m. | Ceremony | South Shore Beachhouse Shelter |
| Color Guard | Western Legacy Riders & | |
| Ellsworth Veterans of Foreign Wars | ||
| Master of Ceremonies | Keith Sexson | |
| Invocation | Susan Smith | |
| Welcome & | Keith Sexson | |
| Recognition of Dignitaries | ||
| Address | Secretary Mike Hayden, KDWP; | |
| Shari Wilson, Travel & Tourism and | ||
| KWP commissioner | ||
| Formal Presentation | Jerry Hover, Parks Division director | |
| 7 p.m.-11 p.m. | 1950s Dance | South Shore Beachhouse Shelter |
For more information, phone 785-546-2565, e-mail Kanopolis , or visit the KDWP website .