McKenzie River Bicentennial Spring Day
Sunday, May 20th, 2012  

 

Two hundred years ago this week a young Scot named Donald Mackenzie traveled north through the Willamette Valley with a small group of fellow explorers after being the first Europeans to see the trails and waterways of the south Willamette Valley. Six weeks after leaving Fort Astoria they were returning with stories of the Kalapuya people and of lands abundant with "innumerable herds of elk and deer".  Twelve years later, the most beautiful river in the area would be given the name "Mackenzie's Branch" after this explorer.

In just twelve days on Sunday, May 20th we will gather to recognize the Bicentennial of Mackenzie's exploration of this area and the naming of the river.

The Spring Day event will be a fun educational day for all ages. Music, exhibits, and booths can be found at  three locations near Blue River beginning at 10 a.m.   Find the Fur Traders Encampment  at the USCAAI Museum one mile east of Blue River on Hwy 126;  the Trading Post  at Reservoir Dawgs in "downtown" Blue River; and the Scottish Camp  at the Track and Field, one mile west of Blue River on Blue River Drive.

Join in the Commemoration of the Naming of the River, at noon,  at the Scottish Camp. Gather with your neighbors for a few minutes to recognize this unique time in our lives. A few words of perspective will be provided by Bob Hart of Lane County Historical Society, and some of your local leaders. 

Hear Native American story-teller Esther Stuzman at 2:30 p.m. at the Fur Traders Camp.  Throughout the day you can see and hear the Eugene Highlanders Bagpipe band and dancers, Highland Games demonstration, Oregon pre-history exhibit; wooden boats, gold-panning, Model A cars, explore with map and compass and GPS find, food, beer, wine, crafts; read and hear the story of Donald Mackenzie at the Mobile Museum. Family fun for all ages, and free! 

For more information and to download a brochure see www.mckenziechamber.com/Bicentennial,
and  Facebook.com/McKenzieRiverBicentennial
E-mail 200mckenzie@gmail.com for more information.