Article by Wayne Kruse, Chairperson, Orchestra on the Oregon Trail Steering Committee
Orchestra on the Oregon Trail, the all-day event scheduled for September 6 at Alcove Spring Historic Park six miles south of Marysville, find themselves using the word “and” in conversations about the inaugural event.
“And there’s this and there’s that,” explained Barb Buck, Hanover, who is coordinating the nearly two hundred volunteers for the event. “As I’ve been talking to the volunteers to make sure they are aware of all that’s planned for the day, I find myself using ‘and’ as I add on to the explanation. I think of one more re-enactor or one more special tour. There’s a lot going on.”
Mandy Cook, Marysville, another of the organizers, agrees. “The title of the event implies that music is the main focus of the day – which it is, and there’s more,” she said. “I want to tell people about all of the activities. I don’t want to leave anything out.”
The event’s main focus features a 6:00 p.m. concert by the Topeka Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of Kyle Wiley Pickett, the nearly eighty-piece orchestra will play music by John Williams, Aaron Copland, Gioachino Rossini, John Philip Sousa, and Richard Rodgers.
“The concert’s repertoire is diverse,” Buck said. “There are songs we know, but there are some pieces that might not be as familiar. I’m looking forward to the sounds we will hear on the meadow.”
In the afternoon, Tim Strathman, a country singer, Lucas Maddy and the Kansas Cartel, a country rock band, and Susan Werner, a folk-infused jazz singer, will add to the music in the meadow. The bands start playing at 2:00 p.m. and play until the main concert. Cryin’ Heart, a blues band, will perform after the orchestra.
All afternoon historical interpreters will be in the Humanities Meadow, located west of the main stage. Re-enactors will portray Johnny Appleseed, Sarah Keyes, and Reverend Thomas and Sarah Johnson. A Tours Tent will also be located in this meadow where a variety of tours will take participants on different walks throughout the park.
Gwen Turner, Blue Rapids, will give guided tours of the nearly 250-acre park where wagon swales from the Oregon Trail remain. Dave Lickteig, a retired teacher from Hanover, will lead botany walks four times throughout the afternoon. Manhattan photographer, Scott Bean, will share photographic techniques and tips during three photo walks scheduled throughout the afternoon.
There will be displays and activities in other parts of the park, too. Members of the Oregon-California Trails Association will greet attendees close to the event’s entrance. One of the organization’s members, Cindy Weaver, will have a wagon and a team of oxen, and she will demonstrate how to drive a team of oxen. Members of the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation will be in the same area.
The Alcove Spring Society will also have exhibits and displays in this area. “Our society will exhibit a little of the site’s history and the part it has played in the saga of the Oregon Trail, which we are all dedicated to preserving and sharing,” said Duane Iles, Holton, one of the group’s dedicated volunteers. “We hope that some folks will be drawn by this rich history to join our organizations and help preserve this important part of America’s heritage.”
Iles, who has been an important liaison between the park and the organizers of the event, said the park has hosted weddings, youth groups, and historical events; he believes Orchestra on the Oregon is the largest and most ambitious. “Alcove Spring Park is an asset and treasure for our entire county to take pride in, enjoy, and share with everyone,” he said.
With the variety of performances and activities going on at the event organizers encourage people to wear comfortable walking shoes. “They should also bring their camera to participate in the photo walk,” Cook added. “There are a lot of talented individuals spending the day with us to share their expertise. We invite people to take advantage of all we have to offer.”
Gates to the park open at 1:00 p.m. and the park closes at 10:00 p.m. Meals will be served, beer and wine will be available, and a concession stand will serve drinks and snacks.
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Puffy’s Steak and Ice House, Maple Hill, is the event’s caterer. Meals will be served all day long; the menu includes beef, pork, baked beans, potato salad, and cole slaw. A vegetarian option will be available, too.
The concession stand will serve a variety of drinks: soda, bottled water, iced tea, and lemonade. Snacks include ice cream, pretzels, nachos, strawberry shortcake, cookies, and watermelon, among others.
“We are working with the best musicians, historians, vendors, and volunteers,” Buck said. “Everyone is working together to make this a success.”
Tickets are available and are $55 for adults and $15 for children twelve and under. Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.ooot.org or by calling 844-252-6830. Tickets are also available at the Chamber of Commerce office, Marysville.
