Pomme de Terre to celebrate 50th anniversary

Photo By Diana McCoy | People celebrate Oct. 29, 1961, as the outlet gates at Pomme de Terre Dam were closed for the first time. Approximately 1,700 people attended the event.  

HERMITAGE, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES

09.07.2011

Story by Diana McCoy 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District

HERMITAGE, Mo.— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Pomme de Terre Lake invites the public to a celebration in the Outlet Park directly below the dam, Sept. 17, which marks the lake’s 50th year of operation.

This day-long event kicks off with a 50th Anniversary Fishing Tournament at the Hermitage State Park Boat Ramp at 6 a.m.

Local non-profit organizations will be selling food and providing fun and games for kids from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Outlet Park. A parade is scheduled for 1 p.m., and the American Legion will post the Colors at 1:30. After the flags are raised, special entertainment will be provided by a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District employee, Don Gillett, who plays the hammered dulcimer. Gillett comes from a family that has played the hammered dulcimer for generations.

The main ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. During the ceremony, a time capsule will be filled with items commemorating the event. The capsule will be buried and then opened at the 100th Anniversary of the lake.

After the ceremony, free cake and ice cream will be provide to the first 1,000 participants. At 3 p.m., live music will be provided by the band Branded.

T-shirts and autographed 50th Anniversary Special Editions of the Lightnin’ Ridge Outdoor Journal will be on sale throughout the day, and recognition will be given to any individuals attending the ceremony who helped with the construction of Pomme de Terre Dam and Lake. The Corps is asking that these individuals who will be attending the celebration contact the Pomme de Terre Project Office at [phone] prior to Sept. 17.

Applications are being accepted for small items to be placed in the Time Capsule. If you have an appropriate item to place in the capsule, please contact the project office prior to Sept. 17.

Pomme de Terre Lake was put into operation, Oct. 29, 1961, as the outlet gates were closed for the first time. On that day, a celebration was held to commemorate the birth of the lake. It was attended by a crowd of approximate 1,700 people and featured local school bands, speeches by local dignitaries and special entertainment by the Ozark Mountain Boys.

The lake has had a major impact on Hickory County and the state of Missouri. It has prevented millions of dollars in flood damages and has served millions of visitors who enjoy the recreational opportunities which abound at the lake.

For more information, please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Pomme de Terre Lake at [phone]. The registration form can be downloaded on our website at www.nwk.usace.army.mil/lakes/news.cfm#L530.

• Date Taken: 09.07.2011
• Date Posted: 09.07.2011 09:32
• Story ID: 76567
• Location: HERMITAGE, MISSOURI, US