Public Invited to Park Anniversary Celebration

Joshua Tree National Park, in partnership with the communities of the Morongo Basin, is planning a public event for January 29, 2011 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the park. This event will commence a year-long series of events and activities to mark the occasion of the park’s 75th birthday. The opening event of the anniversary celebration will be held at the Bell Center on the campus of Copper Mountain College in the community of Joshua Tree. The park wishes to extend an invitation to the general public to attend the event and the planned activities for that day. California public television personality Huell Howser will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event. 

A musical prelude will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the formal event program to start promptly at 2:00 p.m. The 75th Anniversary program will include:
 * welcome by Copper Mountain College President Dr. Roger Wagner
 * remarks by Pacific West Regional Director Chris Lehnertz and the introduction of new Park Superintendent Mark Butler
 * presentation of the 2010 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award by the Joshua Tree National Park Association
 * Huell Howser reflects on his experiences at Joshua Tree and other California national parks
 * music by Gregg Hammond.
   
A birthday cake for the park and refreshments will be served following the ceremony.
Members of the public wishing to attend the festivities on January 29 are asked to R.S.V.P. to the park by calling 75th Anniversary Coordinator George Land at 760-367-5507. Please reply by January 24. Seating is limited.