Olympic Heritage Celebration Week to kick off Jan. 12

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TAHOE, Calif. – During the winter of 1960, athletes from around the world came to Lake Tahoe to participate in the Winter Olympic games. Events occurred in the main venue of Squaw Valley as well as sites among Lake Tahoe’s west shore, including Sugar Pine Point State Park. In keeping with the spirit of fair play, living an active lifestyle and honoring our Olympic heritage, a group of community organizations and individuals have worked hard to create a week of fun and engaging activities. Special thanks to California State Parks, The Sierra State Parks Foundation, The Olympic Trails Organizing Committee, West Shore Sports, Granlibakken Resort, Tahoe City PUD, Squaw Valley and the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area for their support.
Join a historic guided cross-country and snowshoe tour of the 1960 Olympic Trails at Sugar Pine Point State Park, Sunday, Jan. 13 at noon, meeting at the snow trailhead on the campground side of the park. State Park volunteers, Dave Antonucci, author of “A Snowball Chance: The Story of the 1960 Winter Olympics” and Rob Weston, owner of West Shore Sports, will lead the two-hour program. Participants will enjoy an interpretive tour of the Olympic Ski Trails at Sugar Pine Point SP, ending up at the biathlon range. The event is free. Parking is $10. Wear layered clothing, take water and energy snacks.
The Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City will host the Robbie Burns Olympic Reception, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 5-7 p.m. celebrating both Olympic heritage and Scottish poet Robert Burns, whose birthday is this month. The free event will feature a Highland piper, Olympic exhibits, and Scottish-themed appetizers from North Tahoe Catering. It is rumored Scottish-themed libations will also be served. For more information call the museum at 530-583-1762 or email info@northtahoemuseums.org.
Like to eat good food and support the Olympic Heritage Celebration? Then visit The Cedar House Pub at Granlibakken for dinner on Jan. 18, 5-9 p.m. Fifty percent of all proceeds will support the Olympic Trails Restoration Committee. You never know who you might meet. Call 530-583-4242 for information.
A special return of the Eagle Wings Pageant Dancers will occur Jan. 19, 11 a.m. at the Lake Tahoe Outlet Plaza in Tahoe City next to the Visitor Center at the Truckee River Outlet. The dancers are descendents of the Paiute, Shoshone and Wahoe Tribes. Traditional sacred songs and dances will give thanks to the Creator-God for the bounty of Lake Tahoe’s natural gifts. The program will conclude with a round dance where all will be invited to participate and be thankful for bountiful snowfall. This event is free.
A walking tour of the Olympic history found at Squaw Valley will be held on Jan. 20 at noon. Meet in front of the tram building for this fun and fascinating walk around the village area. This event is free.
The Citizens Against the Clock event will be held on Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-noon at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park (Golf Course). The event pits Nordic skiers of all ages and abilities on a short cross-county ski course followed by an electronic rifle shooting range, providing a safe and family friendly way to experience this Olympic sport. Take your cameras, skis and be prepared to have a blast! The event is free.
A complete listing of events is found at http://www.SierraStateParks.org.
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