The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

STARBUCK – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invite the public to a reopening celebration at Lyons Ferry State Park, along Highway 261 near Starbuck, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at the day-use park.

Participants are invited to bring along a lunch and make a day of it. The day will kick off with a speaker program featuring State Parks and Corps officials and tribal and community representatives, as well as remarks by special guest Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. A new sign will be unveiled as part of the festivities.

Following the speaker program, visitors can hear music provided by a local high school band and orchestra performers and also take in displays and programs offered by area historical groups and re-enactors. Tours of facilities and a walking tour to the site of the historic Lyons Ferry crossing will be available.

At 2 p.m., local community members will present a special celebration of the 155th anniversary of the first crossing of the Lyons Ferry, which occurred on June 5, 1850. Event-goers can hear a re-reading of the 100th anniversary celebration speech delivered in 1950.