Norbert Ries
(509) 575-5848
TDD: 711
September 19, 2002

Bureau of Reclamation Hosts Centennial Open House

*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

WHO: The Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region

Upper Columbia Area Office (Yakima, Washington)

WHAT: 100TH Centennial Celebration & Open House

WHEN: Tuesday, September 24, 2002
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Sarg Hubbard Park, 105 South 18th Street (east of WalMart), Yakima, Washington

WHY: The Bureau of Reclamation is celebrating 100 years of service to the American West. Since June 1902, Reclamation has been providing water to the arid West.

ACTIVITIES:

Centennial Trailer - this museum on wheels has been on display throughout much of the West this summer. Inside, people can learn the history of how water first came to the West and the role Reclamation has played for 100 years.

Table Top Exhibit of the Centennial Quilt - the original quilt was made with the help of some 64 volunteers over the course of 4 years. It measures about 18 feet in length and 8 feet high. Presently, the quilt is on display at another location, but this table top exhibit gives an idea of the quality work that has gone into making history come alive.

Antique 1952 Corbitt Truck - old car enthusiasts will be in awe of this mint condition workhorse that has served Reclamation for some 50 years.

Informal Program at 2:30 p.m. featuring: J Eric Glover, Manager, Upper Columbia Area - Master of Ceremonies. Guest speakers: Urban Eberhart - Farmer; Tom Fitsimmons - Washington State Department of Ecology; J William Mc Donald - Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation For information call Norbert Ries at the Bureau of Reclamation (509) 575-5848, extension 203.