In 1960, the organizers of the Squaw Winter Olympic games were nervous, as the world was about to
show up at their doorsteps during an unusually dry December and January. But the weather changed
in early February bringing the much-needed snow, allowing the games to go on. The organizers of
Olympic Heritage Celebration a week-long series of skiing and historic commemorations that honor
the games 54 years ago-may not be so lucky. But there is a plan.
 
Worried about the lack of snow in 1960 Walt Disney, who orchestrated the ceremonies, brought
in tribal dancers to coach the snow to fall. The Olympic Heritage Celebration committee followed
Disney’s lead in 2012 when the same weather pattern emerged as the long-planned festivities were
about the begin. “We have invited the Eagle Wing Dancers back to our opening ceremonies at Sugar
Pine Point State Park on January 11th front of the iconic Tower of Nations at the park entrance”, said Heidi Doyle Executive Director of the Sierra State Parks Foundation, one of the program sponsors. “We encourage the community to join us as we honor our Olympic Heritage and dance for snow”, she continued.
The lack of snow has been a concern in the native community as well, says Lois Kane the Language
and Cultural Coordinator for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. The Eagle Wing Dance group will
conclude with a round dance in which all are invited to participate. “We could end up with one large
round dance with all of the people dancing and praying for snow”, said Kane.
In addition to the tribal dancers, former winter Olympic athletes and dignitaries will be on hand to
light the caldron and take a guided tour of the Olympic Trails at the state park where the Olympic
Nordic events took place 64 years ago.
 
Beginning on Saturday, January 11, even with little snow on the ground, the events will go on. “We
have planned for this scenario and have made modifications to make sure everyone will have a great
time experiencing our local Olympic Heritage, ” said Rob Weston, a park volunteer whose business,
West Shore Sports, is a partner for the events. This entire week of events will be an opportunity to
meet with former winter Olympians and to try out something new. We have a full state of events and
invite the public to join us, said Weston.
 
Olympic Heritage Week consists of a series of programs designed to highlight the North Tahoe
Olympic cultural history as well as recreational events to promote the spirit of fair play and fitness.
to perform, among other ceremonial dances, a snow dance in In addition, a fundraiser is planned at Granibakknen Resort on January 17th of the snow trails at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Squaw Valley Day will conclude the week with races, music and closing ceremonies. The full schedule of events can be found on: www.squaw.com/OHC or calling the Sierra State Parks Foundation office at 530-583-9911.
 
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