Saturday October 9 was the 27th annual celebration of Heritage Day at McArthur-Burney Falls Park. As part of the celebration, Catherine Campbell, Chairperson of the McArthur-Burney Falls Interpretive Society, and Brett Mizeur, Supervising Ranger, honored four local volunteers for their valuable assistance to the park and the event.
Catherine Camp and Ranger Mizeur recognize awardees
Melissa Madden teaches English and leadership and serves as the youth activities director for Burney High School. She helps to organize and co-ordinate student service organizations, such as the Leos, to assist at Heritage Day and other local events. The teaching and assistance by Leos and Scouts under the supervision of Ms. Madden and the Scout leaders at the activity and craft stations has been essential to the success of these events. Because Melissa Madden is a good leader, she can help her students to become good leaders.
Supervising Ranger Brett Mizeur presents Melissa Madden with a certificate of appreciation
The second awardee Stan Vigolo is a member of the Pit River Pioneers. He came to the first Heritage Day 27 years ago and has come every year since helping to set up a display showing how the pioneers to this area lived, hunted, camped, fished, etc. A picture of him at the first Heritage Day in full Buckskins appeared on a flier for the Park for several years.
Stan Vigolo receiving his award
At 6′ 5″ Stan is a mountain of a mountain man. He is an avid enthusiast of pioneer sports and has participated in many competitions such as tomahawk throwing and sawbucking. Here’s a tip from past champion Stan on sawbucking. If you want to get a good, clean, quick cut, have a left-hand and a right hand man as a team. That will equalize the pressure on the saw to keep it from bowing.
The third recipient was Chuck Evans. 89 year-old Chuck has also participated in every Heritage Day. One of the things he has done is to help organize and direct the parking. Lion Chuck was in the hamburger line when his name was called but Ranger Brett caught up with him afterwards to present his certificate.
Chuck Evans receiving and award from Rangers Brett Mizeur and Dan Toth
The final awardee was Craig Harrington, publisher of the Intermountain News. Every year Craig donates his time and labor for the layout and graphic design for the Burney Falls Park publication that is given to thousands of visitors. This provides a lot of interesting information and a great souvenir. He also assists the park and the interpretive association with other work on publications and publicity.
As Catherine Camp said, Heritage Day would not be a success each year without the help of scores of volunteers. Thanks to these four noble souls and to all the others who have donated their time, talents, and resources.
Pit River Country 