"We didn't want to celebrate for just a day or a week, because we wanted to include as many people and communities as we could, so we're celebrating for a year," says RMNP spokeswoman Kyle Patterson. Wilderness experts will talk about the park's history at this opening ceremony, and people of all ages are encouraged to come out and learn more about the park and enjoy an afternoon of fun and games.
Throughout the year, an ice cream social, guided tours, landscape-painting sessions and more will take place both inside the park and in the surrounding communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park. The park is also currently collecting photographs and stories from visitors through Facebook, asking folks to share memories of the last 100 years to share with the public.
Rocky Mountain National Park's Centennial Celebration Kick-off Ceremony is today from 1 to 3 p.m. Buses will run from the Fairgrounds Park and Ride at 1209 Manford Avenue in Estes Park to Hidden Valley, on the east side of the park, for festivities. The event is free; for more information and a full list of events and dates, visit nps.gov or follow the park's Facebook page for updates.
Wed., Sept. 3, 1-3 p.m., 2014