Bus tours, presentations, re-dedication ceremony, barbecue to highlight event

On June 1, staff of various agencies at Lovewell Reservoir will celebrate the lake's 50th birthday at the Community Arts Center, 421 Main in Courtland. The Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District, the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), and communities surrounding the reservoir will host presentations, tours, a re-dedication ceremony, and barbecue. Events will begin at 1 p.m.

The event will kick off with a tour of the irrigation district and points of interest on the way to Lovewell Reservoir. The tour will then travel to Lovewell State Park for the re-dedication ceremony and presentations from BOR, KDWP, and others highlighting the multiple functions of the reservoir. The re-dedication ceremony will be held at the same location as the original dedication on June 5, 1958.

Immediately following the ceremony, a barbecue lunch will be served by the Lovewell Marina. Then the tour will continue to view the BOR flood control structures and more irrigation facilities on the return trip to Courtland.

For years, Lovewell Reservoir has been important to many people, including those who worked on the original construction, those who farm the land that it irrigates, those benefiting from flood control, those operating businesses that directly benefit from the lake, and those who enjoy the recreation on the lake and surrounding public lands.

The ceremony at the state park will be open to everyone; however, bus tour seats and barbecue tickets are limited. People wanting to participate in these activities should phone the Swedish American State Bank at 785-374-4231 no later than May 16 to confirm a spot.

For more information on the events at Lovewell State Park, phone 785-753-4971 or email lovewellsp@wp.state.ks.us.

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