Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

The 23rd annual Lewis & Clark Festival is underway in Great Falls in honor of the famous explorers who traveled the area more than 200 years ago.

This year's theme is "Wind, Water, Wildlife and the Way West," and it's taking place at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center located at 4201 Giant Springs Road.

The Lewis & Clark Foundation hosts the festival each year.

One of the event coordinators, Rodger McConnell, says it's a great way to honor the explorers.

McConnell noted, "We always celebrate that Lewis and Clark were here. This is where they spent the longest period of time on their expedition, except for their winter camps, of course. It took them much longer to get around the falls than they had anticipated."

Spectators were able to enjoy a special salute at Friday's kickoff and a proclamation from Great Falls Mayor Michael Winters.

Here's the schedule of events for Saturday; for more information, visit the website or call 406-791-7732.

6:30 a.m. Birding with the Best

*** Free *** Meet at Giant Springs State Park

Rise and shine with the birds for a guided walk with Missouri River Audubon members. See both neo-tropical migrating birds, as well as year-round birds of the Missouri River corridor and prairie. Learn the nesting and roosting habits of these stunning creatures. Remember, the early bird DOES get the worm. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your binoculars. Limited binoculars provided.

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m Sulphur Springs Hike
*** Free *** Caravan leaves from Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

Join a member of the Interpretive Center staff for a guided hike over the Sulphur Springs Trail. Water from Sulphur Springs proved vital in treating Sacagawea's illness during the 1805 portage at Great Falls. Hear more about this unique site and the flora and fauna of the Missouri River corridor. Come dressed for a moderately challenging four-mile walk, and remember water and protective clothing.

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Lewis & Clark Authentic Encampment
*** Free *** Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

o Flag raising and black powder salute at 10:00 a.m.
o Retiring the Colors with black powder salute at 5:00 p.m.
Roll up your sleeves; you're in the army now! Join the Lewis and Clark Honor Guard and start fire with flint and steel; roll a candy "cartridge;" touch and feel the hides of local fauna; try your hand at sign language. Learn how the canvas tipi changed a way of life on the plains or what a barber and a doctor have in common. Bring a trade good and hone your bartering skills with a seasoned trader. Discover if you have what it takes to be an explorer. Careful, you might get drafted!

11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Captain's Mess

o Prices vary with your palate!
o Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

Plan lunch or just refresh yourself with a cold drink. Oh, what the Expedition would have given for a mid-day snack!

12:00 p.m. & 3:30 - Two Medicine Lake Singers and Dancers
*** Free *** Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

Experience traditional dancing and drumming with award-winning performers and narrated by members of the Blackfeet Tribe. Learn the fancy dance, grass dance, chicken dance, jingle dance, and traditional dance. Be part of the final dance - share in the culture, all join hands for the circle dance!

3:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - Snakes Alive!
*** Free *** Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center theater

Do snakes make your skin crawl? Get over it by learning about these elusive reptiles and their habits. Mary Ellen Ergle provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about harmless and not-so harmless snakes while experienced snake handler-owner, Pete Woelkers provides the live models. See snakes in the flesh...or is that your flesh crawling?

7:00 p.m. - Neal Lewing Concert
*** Free *** Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

Outside the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Spend a relaxing evening at an outdoor concert against a breathtaking Missouri River backdrop. Bring a lawn chair and come early to take your place outdoors under a Montana Big Sky sunset. Show goes on rain or shine. If rain, concert will be inside in the theater.