Department of Tourism
For Immediate Release:  July 29, 2002
Contact:  Barb Wurtz (605) 356-3336

HERITAGE DAYS REVEAL LEGACY

Lewis and Clark Heritage Days in Elk Point, Aug. 17-18 and 22, commemorates the anniversary of when Lewis and Clark ventured through Elk Point. It’s here that they made history by holding the first election by United States citizens west of the Mississippi River. 

The highlight of the festival is the re-enactment of the Lewis and Clark election of Patrick Gass on Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. and Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Eugene Gass Painter will speak about the winner of that election, his great-grandfather Patrick Gass. Painter will present, "The Lewis and Clark Journey," at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 and 1 p.m. on Aug. 18. 

The Rendezvous Traders’ Fair will be held Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hand-made clothing and wares reminiscent of the 1800s will be sold featuring items like arrowheads, beads and buckskins.

Various concerts and programs such as Native American dance and interpretation, old-time fiddle, acoustic folk music and contemporary piano will be held throughout the afternoon on both Aug. 17 and 18. 

Festival attendees can enjoy a buffalo stew and corn bread supper starting at 5 p.m. on Aug. 17 for a minimal fee.

The Heritage Days Bike Ride is Aug. 17. Registration is at 8 a.m. at the National Guard Armory. Riders begin at 9 a.m. and may chose a route stretching up to 45 miles. Registration fees start at $6. For information, call (605) 356-2571 or e-mail JGille@dtgnet.com. 

The Silas Goodrich Kids’ Fishing Derby is at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 17. All entrants must make their own fishing pole.

All events will be held at the Elk Point City Park. For information, contact Barb Wurtz at (605) 356-3336 or visit www.travelsd.com or www.elkpoint.org. For a free South Dakota travel packet, call 1-800-S-DAKOTA (1-800-782-5682) or visit www.travelsd.com.

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

-30-