We have had many special events this year celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Park and the 40th anniversary of the Anza-Borrego Foundation and Institutes partnership.
Take a peek at some of the festivities
Anza Christmas Dinner December 2007
Reenactment from Anza’s and Font’s journals brought to life by Don Garote and Fred Jee. The evening included amazing food, special beverages, and great company. This could become an annual event.
Rick Shea and the Losin’ End, “Music Under the Stars”
Saturday Evening January 19th The Anza-Borrego Foundation and Institute brought country/folk/rock singer/songwriter Rick Shea and his band to the ABDSP Visitor Center amphitheater for a benefit performance. And what a performance it was! Three hours of fabulous music for the paltry sum of $10 – an incredible bargain!
The performance included a short set with Borregan Bill Herzog, Shea and The Losin’ End (Dave Hall and John Palmer). A sold out crowd enjoyed everything from Dylan to James Taylor songs. This event will be done again in the fall of 2008.
Old Timers Reunion
About 100 people showed up for the 75th anniversary Old Timers Reunion.
Many former and current park and foundation employees and board members enjoyed a barbeque and a park history presentation by Diana Lindsay. Many of the Old Timers told stories of the early days in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Dedication Ceremony
There is a new road sign in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area off S-22 where Crossover Trail intersects the entrance to what was once known as Tectonic Gorge—the wash where the last episode of X-Files was filmed.
The wash was originally known as Gettysburg Wash, and now the name has been officially restored with an unveiling ceremony for the sign held Friday morning, February 1, 2008.
Those attending the dedication included Mike Wells, superintendent of the Colorado District and the first ranger to serve at OWSVRA in 1970s, Mark Jorgensen, superintendent of ABDSP, and Maurice “Bud” Getty, former superintendent of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the first superintendent of OWSVRA. Gettysburg Wash was named for Getty.
Getty was ABDSP superintendent – called park manager in those days – from 1972 until 1981.
When asked how he felt about having the wash officially named for him, Getty, who retired from park service in 2001 after 42 years of service, said, “I feel really great and honored.” After the unveiling, refreshments were served and old stories shared. The dedication capped off the “old-timers” reunion celebrating ABDSP’s 75th anniversary season. Many former employees of the park attended the reunion held the day before at ABDSP’s Vernon Whitaker Horse Camp at the mouth of Coyote Canyon.
