Department of Tourism
For Immediate Release: Aug. 3, 2001
Contact: Carol Ryan, (402) 667-7873, ext. 3248

LEWIS AND CLARK FESTIVAL TO TAKE PLACE IN YANKTON

The annual Lewis and Clark Festival will take place in Yankton, Aug. 24-26. Visitors are invited to learn about Lewis and Clark’s historic adventures with a variety of activities.

An American Rivers Exhibit Reception kicks off the event Friday evening. Saturday begins with a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Living History Encampment. Visitors can stroll through the camp and watch demonstrations such as hide tanning, flintknapping and fire starting. At 1 p.m., the historic meeting between the Corps of Rediscovery and the Yankton Sioux will be re-enacted. At 1:30 p.m., a Native American Drum Group will perform. From noon to 3 p.m., children of all ages can enjoy Sioux stories told by Jerome Kills Small.

On Saturday and Sunday, several historical talks, sponsored by the South Dakota Humanities Council, will be presented. Speakers include Brad Tennant, who will discuss the importance of interpreters to the expedition; Tom Gasque, who will present "Lewis and Clark Place Names"; and Bev Hinds, who will talk about the Corps of Discovery’s medicines.

Most activities will be held at the Training Dike Recreation Area, below Gavins Point Dam.

For a complete schedule of events, call (402) 667-7873 ext. 3246, or visit www.travelsd.com and click on "Great Events."

The Lewis and Clark Festival in Yankton has been designated a "Great Event" by the South Dakota Department of Tourism. With that designation, the department provides assistance to event coordinators as well as creates and funds promotions for the event. The objective of the Department of Tourism’s "Great Events" program is to boost attendance at events and to increase economic impact in host communities.

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