Mesa Verde National Park will host its 2012 Annual Holiday Open House from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Chapin Mesa headquarters area today (Dec. 6).
There will be special tours, luminaries, musical entertainment, night sky interpretation and refreshments. Ranger-guided tours of Spruce Tree House, the third largest cliff dwelling in the park, will be presented at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Spruce Tree House is also available for self-guided tours from 4 to 9 p.m. Luminaries will glow along the pathways throughout the headquarters area, a National Historic Landmark District, and along the trail to Spruce Tree House. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.
No park entrance fee will be charged after 4 p.m. today
The Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum will remain open until 9 p.m. There will be musical entertainment in the museum auditorium throughout the evening. The schedule of performances is as follows:
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum Auditorium
4:30 to 5 p.m. William Yazzie, traditional Native American flute and drum
5 to 5:45 p.m. Meadowlark, contemporary folk rock
5:50 to 6:20 p.m. Silver Echos Flute Choir, holiday music
6:25 to 7:15 p.m. Four Corners Community Band, holiday music
7:25 to 8:25 p.m. Wild Mountain Music, bluegrass
Spruce Tree Terrace Cafe
6:15 to 6:45 p.m. William Yazzie, traditional Native American flute and drum
Spruce Tree House Trail
5:30 to 6 p.m. William Yazzie, traditional Native American flute and drum
6 to 7:30 p.m. Fort Lewis College Bala Sinem Choir, traditional Native American drum and chant
The non-profit Mesa Verde Museum Association (MVMA) Museum Store will be open highlighting the sale of books, posters, puppets, historic photographs, and great holiday gifts as well as in-store specials. Proceeds benefit Mesa Verde National Park.
Attendance at the Open House is free. Refreshments will be provided by ARAMARK, Mesa Verde Company, City Market- Cortez, and the Mesa Verde Museum Association.