Mesa Verde National Park kcikced off the National Park Service Centennial with the illumination of Cliff Palace Wednesday night. The annual holiday open house from 4 to 9 p.m. today, in the Chapin Mesa headquarters area.
Both events are free and open to the public.
This will be the first time Cliff Palace has been lighted since 2006. At Sun Temple, visitors can view Cliff Palace illuminated from across the narrow canyon. Rangers will be present to answer questions.
The annual holiday celebration will feature musical entertainment and refreshments. Farolitos will glow along the pathways throughout the headquarters area and around Sun Temple Overlook. Both Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree House will be illuminated, and can be viewed from Sun Temple Overlook and the rim of Spruce Tree Canyon, respectively. Visitors should plan to park at the old Far View Visitor Center parking lot. Free shuttle buses will take visitors from the Far View area to Chapin Mesa Museum and Sun Temple Overlook. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Visitors are discouraged from bringing camera stabilization devices to Sun Temple Overlook on Dec. 10.
The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum will remain open until 9 p.m. There will be musical entertainment as follows:
Entertainment schedule
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum Auditorium 5 to 5:30 p.m., The Blue Jazz Band, Mancos School District
5:45 to 6:15 p.m., Yvonne Bilinski, Storyteller, Fort Lewis College
6:15 to 7 p.m., The Southwest Singers, Cortez.
7:10 to 8:15 p.m. Lee Bartley, Pianist, Mancos.
Chief Ranger’s Office back porch 6-6:15 p.m., 6:30-6:45 p.m., 7-7:15 p.m. and 7:30-7:45 p.m. David Nighteagle, flute, Cortez.
A night sky program will be offered from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., dependent on clear skies. Learn about the celestial bodies and the importance of astronomy in Native American agriculture.
The nonprofit Mesa Verde Museum Association Museum bookstore will highlight the sale of books, posters, puppets, historic photographs, and great holiday gifts as well as in-store specials.
Bring your gift list along to take advantage of this special occasion. Proceeds benefit Mesa Verde National Park.
Chili, hot chocolate and holiday cookies will be provided at the Spruce Tree Terrace.
Cortez City Market and Aramark Sports and Entertainment will provide refreshments.
No park entrance fee will be charged after 4 p.m. today.
For more information, call 529-4465.
