Montana/Dakotas
Clark Days
Saturday and Sunday
July 23-24, 2011
Clark Days are held at Pompeys Pillar each year on the last weekend of July. The event commemorates William Clark's stop at the site on July 25, 1806, on his trip down the Yellowstone River. Activities include interpretive programs, demonstrations, nature walks, and a main presentation. The Saturday night of Clark Days is the only night of the year when overnight camping is allowed at the Pillar. The Bureau of Land Management has park rangers on duty at the visitor center to assist campers. Admission fees are waived during Clark Days which is sponsored jointly by the Bureau of Land Management and the Pompeys Pillar Historical Association. Nominal charges are made for food and refreshments. 2011 Clark Days Pompeys Pillar National Monument York’s Story Headlines Annual Clark Days Hasan Davis’s presentation about York will be given at 7 p.m. Saturday and again on Sunday at 2 p.m. “York, Explorer” is a story of brotherhood, friendship and, ultimately, disappointment. “York discovered his spirit of freedom, what it was like to walk with head held high, to be an important member of a team,” says Davis. Dedication of Riverwalk Marks 10th Anniversary of Monument Designation Dedication of the Riverwalk takes place at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The concrete Riverwalk, representing the Yellowstone River, begins in the parking lot and meanders through the interpretative center to the base of the Pillar. Signs along the path quote from Clark's journals and tell of the party’s experiences from its entry on the Yellowstone on July 15, 1806, to its encampment at the confluence of Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers on August 3. Saturday, July 23 5 p.m. Free admission begins Free overnight dry camping for tents and RV (no hookups) Park Ranger staffing all night Food available for purchase 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Nature walk 6:30 p.m. “All About Seaman, the Newfoundland Dog on the Expedition” 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. “York, Explorer” portrayed by Hasan Davis 8 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. “Whatever happened to Baby Pomp?” 8:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. “Early History of Pompeys Pillar” Sunday, July 24 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Guided bird walk 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Pancake Breakfast ($4 per plate) 10 a.m. Raising of the Colors with the Elk River Brigade 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Displays and Activities Activities for visitors of all ages are scattered throughout the 43-acre site. They can make a rubbing of Clark’s signature and taste food from the trail; learn about the dugout canoe; firearms; using a travois; blacksmithing; fire prevention programs; Lewis and Clark medical practices; Lewis and Clark maps; follow Clark's trail; learn about the trade goods used on the Expedition; earn credits and badges in Junior Ranger program; identify the animals seen along the trail at the Yellowstone River. Representatives of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the first group to place the plaque designating Clark's visit to the site, will attend to share more about their role in the history of the Pillar. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bluegrass Music with Southbound Band 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Buffalo Burger Lunch ($7 per plate) 1 p.m. Dedication of Riverwalk 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. “York, Explorer” portrayed by Hasan Davis 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Crow Dancers and Tepee Raising 5 p.m. Free Admission Ends |
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