50th luncheon speakers: Grafton Historian- Anne Kiely, Grafton Town Supervisor- Ingrid Gundrum, 50th Anniversary Event Coordinator- Tamara Beal, Rensselaer County Executive- Steven McLaughlin, Grafton Lakes Park Manager- Melissa Miller, Saratoga/Capital District Parks Regional Director- Alane Ball Chinian
Fifty years ago, Grafton Lakes State Park opened its doors on July 1st, 1971. In honor of the anniversary, efforts were made to design a celebration that would build community by highlighting the beauty and history of the park as a part of the surrounding town of Grafton. The main two projects were an art gallery that was displayed in the Welcome Center over the 4th of July weekend and an oral history movie that compiled stories told by 15 different people.
Grafton Historian Anne Kiely Speaking at 50th celebration
Environmental Educator, Tamara Beal, worked tirelessly with Grafton Historian, Anne Kiely, to coordinate the Beauty of Grafton art gallery. The art gallery included quilts, paintings, wood sculptures, and even a fly tie display. All pieces represented in some fashion or another the beauty of the park and the surrounding community.
Various Beauty of Grafton art gallery pieces
Grafton Bicentennial Quilt made by Sheryl Sawyer
The other major
project was the oral history movie. In April and May, interviews were conducted
from individuals whose stories dated back 30, 40, 50, and even 60 years. Some
of those interviewed were past employees, others were long-time visitors, and
some used to own land where the park is today. All of their stories were
stitched together to make an hour long documentary film that is now available
on youtube.
The bulk of the
anniversary celebrations took place on this past Thursday, July 1st.
Entrance per car was $0.25 cents, same as it was back in 1971. Anne, the
Grafton Historian led a cemetery walk and a photo flashback program. However,
the day culminated around a 50th luncheon. Invited to the luncheon
were the oral history participants, the Beauty of Grafton artists, town
representatives, and park representatives. Six speakers kicked off the event
including, Rensselaer County Executive: Steven Mclaughlin, Park Manager:
Melissa Miller, Saratoga/Capitol Parks Regional Director: Alane Ball Chinian,
Grafton Historian: Anne Kiely, and Environmental Educator: Tamara Beal.
Including public, around 60 people were in attendance. A video of the 50th
anniversary speeches is also available on youtube.
50th luncheon guests listening to speakers
Enough thanks cannot go out to the many staff and volunteers who were instrumental in making the 50th anniversary celebrations happen with such success. Here’s to another 50 years!
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