Picnic kicks off Glacier centennial fun

To kick off Glacier National Park's 100th anniversary commemoration, the Glacier Centennial Program will host a "Picnic in the Park" on Aug. 23.

Events run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lawns at Lake McDonald Lodge and Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, according to a news release from the park.

As part of the festivities, the centennial program will unveil the full calendar of nearly 100 centennial activities. On the day of the picnic, admission is free for all visitors to Glacier Park.

Musicians Jack Gladstone and David Walburn will provide music at the family-style picnics, while Glacier Park will provide various family activities, including Junior Ranger booklets, Leave No Trace games and a memory share board.

People can purchase picnic-style lunches and centennial products from Glacier Park Inc. at either location, or bring their own lunches. Cake will be provided free at both locations.

"The park centennial planning effort is a model of collaboration, teamwork and shared vision by many people to reach a common goal," park Superintendent Chas Cartwright said in the news release.

"Glacier's staff and the many centennial program partners and volunteers all look forward to the next 18 months of activities that we hope will involve as many park friends and neighbors as possible. We all want to share and enjoy Glacier's centennial with all who cherish this special place."

Glacier was established as a national park in 1910.

Centennial events are planned throughout the latter half of this year and during the celebration year of 2010.