Yoopers Celebrate Centennial
The Fiddlin' Foresters performed two programs on Forest Service Centennial Day at the UP State Fair in Escanaba, Michigan.
August 16, 2005 – Escanaba, Michigan – The Ottawa and Hiawatha National Forests celebrated the Forest Service Centennial at the UP State Fair in the upper peninsula of Michigan. A special day was designated at the fair to recognize the contributions of national forest and the Forest Service to their community.
The day-long activities included storytelling, songs activities and a parade for youth with Smokey Bear. Forest Service employees and volunteers helped staff Pocket Park, a special area where children have the opportunity to experience all sorts of natural resource activities. Bill Jamerson, a local singer and storyteller, performed a program of stories and songs about the Upper Peninsula and the logging industry.
“It’s an opportunity for folks to celebrate the presence of national forests in their lives,” Rapid River assistant ranger Anne Okonek said of the day’s activities. “The activities educated participants about Forest Service history and also encouraged respect for forests for future generations.”
The Fiddlin Foresters performed two programs at the UP State Fair. The first communicated messages of the 100-year history of multiple uses of national forests and the second outlined the four major challenges to future management of national forests and grasslands.
During the performance dozens of children joined the Fiddlin' Foresters and Smokey Bear in singing his song, "Smokey the Bear." Jane Leche taught children the song, along with "The Habitat Song," at an activity for the youth. "The kids were eager to learn and readily embraced Smokey's message of fire prevention," said Leche.
Children at the UP State Fair help the Fiddlin' Foresters perform "The Habitat Song."
A highlight of the day's Centennial Celebration was the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua performing a story of the Forest Service in a big tent using song, light show, music, skits, and rear screen photo presentation. The inspirational performance of "Centennial Green: The Over and Under Story of the Forest Service in Song" recounts the history, culture, controversy and difficulty of national forest management.
"The presentation was fantastic," said Lynn Young. "The song writing and creative scripting of leader Warren Nelson is exceptional. And the musicians and singers were magnificent. The presentation is a great example of effectively communicating messages through story and song. All Forest Service employees should see this show."
"This special day at the fair is a result of a tremendous amount of work by employees and great partnerships with the community," said Don Howlett, forest partnership coordinator and regional conservation education specialist. Don hosted the Fiddlin' Foresters and provided outstanding support.
The Fiddlin' Foresters were hosted by Don Howlett, right, on the shore of Lake Michigan.
The Fiddlin' Foresters visited Pictured Rock National Lakeshore on Lake Superior.
