The National Park Service is inviting you to “step into history” and join the celebration of Colorado National Monument’s 100 year anniversary on Saturday, May 21. A number of featured guests will be speaking, including Senator Mark Udall, Colorado State Representative Laura Bradford, Northern Ute Tribal Elder Clifford Duncan, Storyteller/re-enactor John Stansfield as John Otto, and National Park Service Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels. Joan Anzelmo, the Colorado National Monument’s Superintendent, will perform the Master of Ceremonies duties.
Senator Mark Udall will give a keynote address and other program highlights will be musical performances by the Grand Junction Symphony and Appleton Elementary School’s Choir and a reenactment of John Otto. The grand opening of the park’s new visitor center will immediately follow the program, and visitors will be able to explore the new exhibits that highlight Geology, Colorado Plateau, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Ute Indians, John Otto, and the Road Building Era.
If you are planning to attend, the Park Service encourages carpooling as parking will be limited to only the Saddlehorn Picnic Area and Saddlehorn Campground Loops, though reserved spots for disabled visitors will be available at the visitor center parking area. Shuttle buses will be available to transport visitors between the parking areas and the visitor center. Although the festivities do not kick off until 11am, visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive at the West Entrance Station beginning at 9:30am and no later than 10:15am.
More information about the event is available on the NPS website.
