Thousands enjoy free day at High Desert Museum

January is a slow month for the High Desert Museum, but it sure didn’t feel that way Saturday.

It was the MidOregon Credit Union’s Family Free Day at the museum.

The museum was open up to everyone, and it wasn’t just crowded in the parking lot but also inside.

Museum officials predicted that more than 4,000 people came down and had fun with interpretive talks and kids’ crafts.

“Such a wonderful celebration,” said High Desert Museum President Janeanne Upp. “We are lucky that Mid Oregon Credit Union is supporting this endeavor.”

“People are from all over — they’re from Madras, La Pine and they are from Redmond and Prineville. And they are just down here having a wonderful celebration of their community.”

Visitors could also enjoy two new exhibits.

“Butterflies and Hummingbirds” features butterflies from all over the world and hummingbirds living with them for the winter.

The other exhibit, “Head to Toe,” focuses on Native American clothing and tells the whole story of artisan work that the Plateau Indians created.

If you missed out this time, there will be another free day on Feb. 23.

Info: http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/