News Release

Cape Cod National Seashore Marks 60th Anniversary on August 7

Date: July 26, 2021
Contact: Sue Moynihan

WELLFLEET, Mass –On August 7, 1961, President Kennedy signed legislation authorizing Cape Cod National Seashore. Established out of concern that the Outer Cape would be developed and commercialized as was occurring elsewhere along the Eastern seaboard, this legislation was considered a milestone in conservation history. Sixty years later, forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse plant and animal species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life. Millions of people flock to the national seashore each year to explore its resources and stories and participate in its abundant recreational activities.

To celebrate the seashore’s 60^th birthday, the National Park Service will host a free encore performance of Payomet Performing Arts Center’s professional circus show, “Saddle-Up!” The show will be held on Saturday, August 7 from 6 to 7 pm at the outdoor amphitheater on the shores of Salt Pond in Eastham. The show tells the story of an aspiring cowgirl who dreams of working on a ranch that has a “men only” policy. It’s a rooting good time until the prospector smells something fishy. This wild west adventure has juggling, aerials, acrobatics, and live music. Families are invited to stay after for photos with the stage props.

Bench and lawn seating are available, with plenty of room to spread out. Picnicking is welcome. Bug spray is suggested. Per CDC guidance, those not fully vaccinated must wear masks outdoors where 6’ of social distance cannot be maintained. In the event of rain, the performance will be canceled.

Several ranger-guided programs are scheduled for August 7, including a shark and seal walk in Truro, a walk along Nauset Marsh in Eastham, and an outdoor talk at Salt Pond Visitor Center about Henry Beston and the Outermost House. The programs will include reflections on the national seashore over the past sixty years. Check the online calendar for program details Calendar - Cape Cod National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). There may be additional pop-up activities at the two seashore visitor centers on this day.