Founders Day 2012

Date: August 21, 2012
Contact: Eileen Andes, 701-623-4466

Native American Flutist to Headline Founders Day Activities at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The National Park Service will celebrate its 96^th birthday on Saturday.As part of the festivities, Matt Schanandore, an internationally known flutist and storyteller, will present an evening of music and interpretive storytelling at the Cottonwood Campground amphitheater in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park on Saturday, August 25, at 8:30 p.m. MDT.Special ranger-led programs will be presented as well.

A North Dakota native, Schanandore is of European, Native American and Hispanic ancestry. His native heritage originates from the Mandan-Hidatsa tribes of North Dakota and the Oneida tribe of Wisconsin. Matt learned to play the piano at an early age from his grandmother who was an accomplished pianist. She was also a well known Native American storyteller. Through her stories Matt learned about his native heritage. 

"We are pleased to have Matt return to present a program to help us celebrate Founders Day," said Superintendent Valerie Naylor."Matt's flute music and stories will be a special treat for park visitors.We encourage people from the local communities to attend any of our programs."

"Calling All Rangers", a family-oriented program focusing on our national parks, will be presented in the South Unit Visitor Center auditorium at 2:00 p.m. MDT. Lemonade and cookies will be served in the visitor center prior to the program.

Visitors to the North Unit are invited to take an easy 1.5 mile hike to a prairie dog town to discover some of the wildlife found in the park.This is a great activity for families to enjoy together.Hikers should meet at the Caprock Coulee Trailhead at 10:30 a.m. CDT and bring water, sunscreen and wear strudy shoes.Cookies and lemonade will be served at the North Unit Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m.

All programs are free and open to the public.For further information about the park's interpretive programs please call the South Unit Visitor Center 701-623-4730 x3417 or the North Unit Visitor Center at 701-842-2333.

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