A host of special activities Saturday, June 23, will mark Shades’ 65th anniversary of becoming an Indiana state park.
The fun includes a Chautauqua, which is a cultural learning event; late-night stargazing under what’s been called Indiana’s darkest sky; and many hands-on activities. Chautauqua activities start at 2 p.m. with a welcome and introductions of the events. At 2:10 p.m. a program called “Shades of the Past” will document the park’s early days, including its pre-state park history. Native American flute music follows. Chautauqua activities culminate with a Miami Nation Drum Circle at 4:45 p.m.
A traditional bean dinner will be provided by the Waveland & Alamo Volunteer Fire Departments for a free-will donation to the departments from 5-7 p.m.
Various hands-on activities will be offered until 8 p.m., then it’s time for the four-hour star-gazing party. After a twilight hike, guests can enjoy doing star crafts, telescope gazing and naked-eye astronomy. Participants will be able to use large telescopes to see deep space objects, and will be able to interact with astronomers.
The event itself is free. The usual daily gate fee of $5 per in-state vehicle and $7 per out-of-state vehicle will be charged.
The full schedule:
2 p.m. Welcome & Introductions
2:10 p.m. Shades of the Past program with Troy McCormick
and members of the American Legion
2:50 p.m. Native American Flute Music with Mike Mycroft
3:20 p.m. Take a Break: Hands-on Chautauqua Activities
3:50 p.m. Magic Show with Marc Lehmann
4:15 p.m. Then & Now postcard program with Greg Redding
4:45 p.m. Miami Nation Drum Circle
5-7 p.m. Traditional Bean Dinner provided by the Waveland & Alamo
Volunteer Fire Departments: freewill donation for meals
8-9 p.m. Twilight Hike: Dell Shelter
9 p.m.-1 a.m. Star Party with The Wabash Valley Astronomical Society: New Road
Shades State Park is at 7751 S. 890 W, Waveland, Ind.
