Rocky Mountain National Park’s Centennial Year Programs Continue In June

Date: June 3, 2015
Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

The year-long celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park's 100th Anniversary continues as we head into June. Join us for one of these fun events!

· June 5: Wild Inspirations – Art and artists throughout American history have found inspiration in wild places and played important roles in informing the public about the wonders of public lands. Come join local artists and hear how Rocky Mountain National Park inspires their art. Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and live music! A percentage of sales will benefit the park. 5 to 8 p.m. Aspen and Evergreen Gallery.

· June 6 and June 13: Rocky Mountain Molecules: Chemical Storylines of Wonder Why do Ponderosa Pines smell like cheap ice cream? Why in some years do autumn aspens turn red instead of gold? Look beyond what you see into the wonder filled world of atoms and molecules and explore the often overlooked chemical storylines found in the Colorado high country. Both nights are at 7:30 p.m. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.

· June 6: Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Class –Technology of Your Ancestors - $70/person. Limited to 14 participants. Explore how the three innovations of creating fire, a sharp edge, and cordage from plan fibers changed the world forever. You'll learn how these innovations look in the archaeological record of Colorado. Visit www.rmconservancy.org for details.

· June 6: Celebrating Rocky Invitational Art Show Opening Reception –This invitational show highlights the work of former Arts for the Parks Top 100 artists and area artists who have participated in wildlife and landscape art shows. New work, celebrating the park's past and present will also be displayed. Join us for the opening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Council in Estes Park (423 W. Elkhorn Ave.). The exhibit continues through July 27 (Monday –Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.)

· June 6-14: Rocky Mountain National Park Student Art Celebration Exhibition – Celebrate art from students throughout the state of Colorado honoring Rocky's 100th Anniversary. Top entries in each of the categories will be exhibited and winners will be honored at a reception on Saturday. On display daily at Fall River Visitor Center.

· June 12 and June 13: The Oratorio Society of Estes Park presents a Centennial Celebration Concert –This concert is devoted to celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park. Two new works have been commissioned: an opening fanfare by noted local composer Jerry Brubaker and a 25-minute cantata for soloists, chorus, and orchestra by St. Louis composer and poet Robert Charles Howard entitled Wilderness Reflections. The text for this piece is comprised of the wonderful words of poet Wendell Berry. The program will also include the Spring section of Haydn's The Seasons. Two performances - June 12 at 7 p.m. and June 13 at 2 p.m. Estes Park High School Auditorium (1600 Manford Ave).

· June 12-14: FACE of Fiber in the Rockies 2015 – This special exhibition will highlight fiber arts that celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park and represent wilderness, wildlife, and wonder found there. Fiber arts include weaving, spinning, quilting, knitting, basketry, lacemaking, needlepoint, and much more! Drop by the Village Playhouse (900 Moraine Ave., Estes Park). Hours are June 12 (12 to 5 p.m.), June 13 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and June 14 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

· June 12-14: Rocky Mountain High Golf: Celebrate the Centennial with Park Views Celebrate the amazing views of Rocky as you play a round of golf with discounted green fees ($100 for 2 players and a golf cart) and 100th Anniversary memorabilia. Grand Lake Golf Course, Grand Lake, CO.

· June 13-14: The Wonder of Local Crafts: A 100th Anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park Craft Fair Series – Join us for the Grand Lake Chamber's Arts and Crafts Festivals through the summer of 2015. Browse various local and national wares in the scenic beauty of Grand Lake's Town Square Park on Grand Avenue.

There are also special on-going events that celebrate Rocky's Centennial year.

· We Love Rocky Mountain National Park (through September 4): This special Centennial exhibit at History Colorado in Denver, explores the many ways that people have connected with the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park over time. Come see how your experiences fit into history of people in the park.

· Kauffman House Museum Centennial Exhibit (May 23 –September 4): This exhibit highlights the history of the development of the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and the related changes in Grand Lake. Come browse historic narratives, memoirs, photographs, and artifacts that will take you back over the past 100 years.

· Hot Sulphur Creative Arts Council Celebration of Rocky Mountain National Park –The Creative Arts Council celebrates the 100th Anniversary with an Historic Arts Show at the Hot Sulphur Springs Town Hall featuring photography of the park by local artists.

· Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Classes and ranger-led interpretive programs celebrate the park all year long!

This is just a snapshot of the numerous events that are taking place.Check the park website regularly, www.nps.gov/romo or follow us on social media @Rockynps for updates on 100th Anniversary events and programs! For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park's Information Office at [phone].