Champoeg and Silver Falls State Parks are combining Free Fishing Weekend with the state-wide Oregon State Parks Day.
Oregon State Parks Day
The event is one of many scheduled throughout 2009 to commemorate Oregon’s sesquicentennial. Oregon became the 33rd U.S. state in 1859 on Valentine’s Day. Since then a major part of Oregon’s heritage is enjoying its tremendous natural beauty. This year also marks the 12th State Parks Day, which is celebrated on the first Saturday in June. Special events are scheduled in many State Parks to make the day more special for Oregon’s birthday.
According to Oregon.gov, there are hundreds of day-use parks across the state. Of those, around 2 dozen charge day-use fees. Normal day-use fees are $3. A complete list of State Parks Day events can be found at State Parks Day Events.
Some parks are offering free one-night camping. Camping fees in Oregon State Parks are usually around $22 per night during peak season.
Free Fishing Weekend in Oregon: Champoeg and Silver Falls State Parks
To further commemorate Oregon’s 150th birthday, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is sponsoring its first Free Fishing Weekend, coinciding with State Parks Day for the first time. A complete list of Free Fishing Weekend locations can be found at Free Fishing Weekend. Angler’s Licenses in Oregon generally cost $24.50 per season for adults.
Champoeg State Park is expected to host the biggest State Parks Day and Free Fishing Weekend event. The celebration there includes free tours, a evening history lecture, a free junior ranger program, refreshments, and free use of rods and bait on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. The event is sponsored by Sponsored by Oregon State Parks, Friends of Historic Champoeg, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
Silver Falls State Parks is also hosting a full weekend of fun events, including a footrace and free one-night camping.
Oregon Celebrates Sesquicentennial in 2009
These events are just several of dozens scheduled for 2009. Thousands of Oregonians took part in the Take Care of Oregon Days, a mass effort composed of 648 miniature environment projects designed to keep Oregon beautiful for the next 150 years. Many annual volunteer events are seeing a boost in effort from citizens, whom are pulling together to celebrate the state’s 150th birthday.
Several of Oregon’s key tourist attractions are also stepping up their calendar of events to commemorate the year as well. The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport and the Multnomah Central Library both have several upcoming lectures series devoted to Oregon’s history.
Cities and counties across the state are also ramping up their annual fairs and volunteer efforts to both celebrate Oregon’s history and to create a goal in the minds of the citizens to keep Oregon beautiful for the next 150 years.
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