Sun Road events planned June 27

June 27 is a big day of celebration in Glacier National Park, with festivities marking the 75th anniversary of the opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass.

The centerpiece will be official dedication ceremonies at Lake McDonald Lodge (the original dedication site on Logan Pass was changed this week because of continued winter weather on the pass).

Beyond the official ceremonies, the Glacier National Park Fund and other vendors and organizations plan a host of activities on June 27.

Daytime events

. A barbecue and birthday cake along with oral histories about Going-to-the-Sun Road will be at Glacier Outdoor Center from noon to 5 p.m. Barbecue tickets are $5 per person. For more information, contact Sally Thompson at 406-888-5454 or e-mail sally@glacierraftco.com

. Local wood carving artist Jim Jensen will carve and share stories of his father, a member of the road crew that built Going-to-the-Sun Road, at the Montana House from 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Monica Jungster at 406-888-5393.

. Glacier Association will host an open house at the Belton Depot from noon to 5 p.m. along with a display of photos pertaining to Going-to-the-Sun Road construction and oral histories from former road crew members. There will be book signings by Sumio Harada, Carol Guthrie and Don Jones. Food and beverages will be served. For more information, contact Wendy Hill at 406-888-5756 or e-mail whill@glacierassociation.org.

. Cruise Glacier's lakes with Glacier Park Boat Co. aboard classic boats that have been afloat in the Park since 1929. All tours include full commentary, including history and lore of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Length of the ride and prices vary by location (Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun, Many Glacier and Two Medicine) but all are $20 or less for adults, half price for children and free for toddlers. For full schedule information and reservations, contact Denise VanArtsdale at 406-257-2426 or e-mail info@glacierparkboats.com.

. Commemorative horseback rides at all three Swan Mountain Outfitters locations with interpretation focused on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. One-hour rides ($37 per person) and two-hour rides ($58 per person) are available at Apgar, Lake McDonald and Many Glacier. Half-day rides are available at Many Glacier for $97 per person. All-day rides are available at Lake McDonald and Many Glacier for $150 per person. For more information, contact Aubrie Tabor at 406-387-4405.

. Afternoon festivities from noon to 7 p.m. at St. Mary Lodge and Resort with a focus on Going-to-the-Sun Road. American Indian activities, displays and ceremonies along with oral historians and local artists. Free food samplings of American Indian dishes and refreshments. For more information, contact John Motley at 406-871-5750 or visit www.stmarylodgeandresort.com.

Evening events

. Ode to the Road Poetry Contest at Belton Chalet from 7 to 10 p.m.. The poetry contest will reflect the unique and historic character of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Music from the Belton Boys will be provided. For more information, contact Brigid Fray at 888-5000 ext. 12 or e-mail events@beltonchalet.com.

. At 8:30 p.m. the National Park Service will present Jack Gladstone at the Lake McDonald Lodge Auditorium. The proceeds from ticket sales for this event will benefit Native America Speaks.

. As part of the 75th Anniversary celebration, each vendor is participating in a mega-raffle. Pick up your raffle stamp-card at any vendor and have it "stamped" by five out of seven of these vendors.

You can leave your stamped card with any vendor. The drawing for seven prizes will take place at 8 p.m. at the Belton Chalet. You do not have to be present to win.

For more information and a complete schedule of the day's events, go to www.glacierassociation.org.

The Glacier National Park Fund is the nonprofit fundraising partner for Glacier National Park. Its mission is to preserve and protect the beauty and heritage of the park. For more information on the Fund call 406-862-6110 or go to www.glaciernationalparkfund.org.