Lewis and Clark come alive this summer

Volunteers with an interest in the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition are invited to help out at a living-history event scheduled at Cape Disappointment State Park near Ilwaco this July.

The event, called “Clark’s Campsite,” is scheduled for July 20 through 22, on Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment State Park. Costumed characters of the Lewis and Clark Expedition will portray the events of November 18, 1805, when Captain William Clark and 11 men camped near Waikiki Beach.

Volunteers are needed to greet visitors to explain they are about to step back in time to 1805 and to coach them on how to “play along.” Visitors will then walk to the beach where they can interact with Expedition members. The members of the Expedition will set up camp, make maps and study plants and animals, while trading with visitors, repairing clothing and undertaking other activities appropriate to the time and the Expedition. The free event will run day and night from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, July 20-22.

Volunteers are invited to call the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park, (360) 642–3029 or email lcic@parks.wa.gov to sign up and learn about training for the event.

The event is co-sponsored by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the National Park Service, local non-profit groups and Destination: The Pacific. The soldiers of the Expedition will be portrayed by members of the Pacific Northwest Living Historians who have conducted events at Fort Clatsop and Seaside, Ore.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages a diverse system of more than 120 parks and several recreation programs, including trails, boating safety, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The 94-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.