Destination: The Pacific

Nov. 11 to 15, 2005Destination: The Pacific has been sanctioned by the National Council for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial as one of only 15 Signature Events taking place along the Lewis and Clark trail. It is the Signature Event for Oregon and Washington that commemorates the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. Signature Event activities take place Nov. 11 through 15, with a special commemoration of “The Vote at Station Camp,” Nov. 24. The bi-state collaboration features an assortment of programs and activities that commemorate the historical significance of the Corps of Discovery’s exploration of the Lower Columbia River region, the Native Americans who resided here and the bountiful opportunities that continue today. Visit the Web site: (www.destinationthepacific.com)

Cast Your VoteWould you vote if your life depended on it? Find out how your vote could have changed the course of history. In the winter of 1805, the Corps of Discovery gathered at Station Camp near Chinook, Wash., to vote on where to spend the winter. The Corps of Discovery invites you to cast your vote on the Internet. After learning about the options the Corps faced for a possible winter camp, you can cast your vote. Once you vote, you’ll learn how other members of the Corps voted and how that choice may have changed the course of history for the lower Columbia River region. Instructions: Visit www.destinationthepacific.com; Click on “The Vote” link in the upper right-hand corner; Follow the chapters of the story; Vote. Online votes will be tallied at the end of the year and incorporated in the commemoration of “The Vote at Station Camp,” Nov. 24, as part of Signature Event Activities.

Opening ceremony

10 a.m. Nov. 11

Fort Stevens State Park, WarrentonThe opening ceremony for Destination: The Pacific will feature an impressive pageantry of tribal flags from along the Lewis and Clark Trail set against the backdrop of Fort Stevens State Park, a Civil War fort built on an ancient Clatsop Indian village site. A Native American Veteran’s honor dance and the National Anthem sung by Katie Harmon, former Miss America and wife of a National Guard member, will be part of this Veterans Day commemoration.

‘Ocian in View’

Nov. 11, 12, 13 and 14

Hilltop Auditorium, Ilwaco (Wash.), Clatsop Community College, Astoria,

Liberty Theater, Astoria”Ocian in View” offers a robust series of lectures, presentations and a live debate focusing on themes that explore the Columbia River, regional Native American tribal culture and the mythology of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Eight presentations provide an opportunity to immerse attendees in the rich history of the region with thought-provoking discussions and presentations designed to leave an impact.

Festival of the Pacific: Lewis and Clark Remembered

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13

Clatsop County Fairgrounds, AstoriaTowering trees set within a botanical garden showcasing regional plants will be the first thing to greet visitors as they enter Festival of the Pacific. This centerpiece attraction sets the tone for a festival designed to delight the youngest to the oldest festival-goers. A children’s area offers kids a chance to trade beads, earn their Junior Corps of Discovery badges and experience story-telling and other entertainment.

There will be tribal music performances, dancing and demonstrations, speakers and an opportunity to explore the 33 plants recorded by Lewis and Clark in their journals.

The festival also offers Bicentennial fans a place to shop for Lewis and Clark-era gifts and commemorative souvenirs. A “Then and Now” theme threads the past to the present with vendor booths featuring regional products, including wine, food and gifts.

Consider the Columbia: Hands Across the Water

Nov. 13

Astoria BridgeA billowing ribbon of color will be spread across the Columbia River as more than 4,000 people hold hands across the water, symbolizing the connection between Oregon and Washington, Native American tribes and the common culture. The event offers a singular moment of shared reflection providing a life-long memory for those who participate.

Corps of Discovery II: 200 Years to the Future

Nov. 7 to 15

Long Beach, Wash.

Nov. 19 to 22

SeasideCreated and staffed by the National Park Service with numerous federal partners, Corps of Discovery II travels the Lewis and Clark Trail in conjunction with the national Bicentennial commemoration. This unique interactive traveling exhibit offers visitors a chance to learn about the expedition and its significance in American history through two constituent parts: An exhibition tent and the Tent of Many Voices, a multimedia-ready auditorium that seats 250 people. In addition, Corps of Discovery II includes a half-scale replica keelboat and a full-scale Plains Indian teepee. Several federal and state partners will mount exhibits adjacent to the Corps’ exhibit.

‘Painless Lewis and Clark’

8 p.m. Nov. 11

2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 12

8 p.m. Nov. 13

Liberty Theater, Astoria”Painless Lewis and Clark” is a folk music revue of the expedition’s journey across America and their encounters with tribal groups along the way. This family event offers a snappy lesson in Lewis and Clark history, with music written and performed by Randy Sparks, founder of the New Christy Minstrels. Performers from local and regional musical groups will provide backup.

Dedication of Station Camp and the new National Park

1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 15

Station Camp, Wash.Washington State Historical Society is developing a program for the formal dedication of Station Camp, Lewis and Clark’s camp near Chinook, Wash., as part of the new National Lewis and Clark Historical Park, which encompasses sites in Oregon and Washington.

Dedication of the Confluence Project

Nov. 18

Cape Disappointment State Park, Wash.Artist Maya Lin dedicates the first installation of her “Confluence of Cultures” serial art project. The first in the series includes three pieces at Cape Disappointment State Park. The Confluence Project works, which may include both building and landscape designs as well as integrated artwork, will be located at key confluences of the Columbia River and its tributaries. Through place and art, the project’s goal is to reflect a consciousness of the tremendous changes set in motion by the Corps of Discovery in the Northwest, its native people and environment.

The Vote at Station Camp

Nov. 24

Station Camp, Wash.Campfires along the Columbia River at the new Station Camp park will provide an inviting ambiance for commemorating the historic vote where the Corps of Discovery polled the party, including York and Sacagawea, about where to winter over. Participants will cast their own votes, which will be counted with the online tally for a final count to be announced as part of the activities. Newfoundland dogs, re-enactors and vendor booths will be part of the event.

Wintering Over Events”Wintering Over” activities are scheduled each month through March 2006. The activities will commemorate key historic activities of the Corps of Discovery’s exploration of the Oregon Coast and their interaction with the Native Americans residing in the area.

Wintering Over ‘Snuggly Fixed in their Huts’

Dec. 25

Fort ClatsopA Bicentennial Christmas is planned at Fort Clatsop. Re-enactors portray members of the Corps of Discovery party, wear buckskins, demonstrate frontier skills, trade goods with visitors and camp in the cold.

Ecola Crossing: A Whale of an Event!

January 2006

Cannon BeachA hike across Tillamook Head near Cannon Beach will commemorate the historic hike Capt. Clark, Sacagawea and other members of the Corps of Discovery made to see a whale that had washed ashore.

Salt Makers Return

Feb. 17, 18. 19, 2006

SeasideMembers of Fort Clatsop’s Living History Corps build an ocean-side camp where they boil salt, trade with visitors and talk about their journey West.

The Return Home

March 23, 2006

Fort ClatsopFort Clatsop National Memorial hosts a ceremony that commemorates the departure of the Corps from their winter camp and the Native Americans who remained.

Other Significant Lewis and Clark related eventsLewis and Clark: The National Bicentennial Exhibition

Nov. 11, 2005 to March 11, 2006

Oregon Historical Society, Portland

The Oregon Historical Society in Portland is the only West Coast host of the national exhibit, which features artifacts from the Corps of Discovery and compelling interpretation of its historic journey.