Timberline marks a significant moment in time with a Tribute to Tradition.

It’s anniversary No. 75 for the Mount Hood landmark, and Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday tucks in nicely.

There will be plenty of entertainment for the Labor Day tribute, to be held at
Timberline Lodge Sept. 3.

The main attraction – Walking Woody’s Road – celebrates American
songwriter and poet Woody Guthrie.

“There are many reasons for Timberline to feature this tribute to Woody
Guthrie,” said Jon Tullis, Timberline’s public affairs director and coordinator of
the event. “Woody’s populist message would of course fit with any Labor Day
celebration, but it is really perfect for a 75th anniversary celebration of
Timberline Lodge. Celebrating the music and spirit of Woody Guthrie is a
direct tie to the democratic roots of Timberline, a place built by the people, for
the people.”

Singer songwriters Moe Dixon, Eliza Gilkyson, Slaid Cleaves, Jimmy LaFave,
Bryan Bowers, Johnny Irion, and Woody’s granddaughter Sarah Lee Guthrie
will perform in the lodge’s historic outdoor amphitheater.

All of the performers have a strong connection to Guthrie, and have been
supporting his music and carrying the torch for a long time.

“Many of Woody’s songs ... were born out of the Great Depression, but they
spoke of a better day,” Tullis said. “Those songs, like the Timberline project
itself, were an expression of the people, and they spoke of determination and
perseverance.”

Guthrie embraced the political and social ideals of Roosevelt’s New Deal
projects. The late 30s and early 40s were tough times in America, and Guthrie
was a realist, but he was also a die-hard optimist.

Guthrie spent time in the 40s working for the Bonneville Power
Administration, spent time on Mount Hood, and created a collection of
Columbia River songs during that era.

“It will be wonderful to hear these songs in their native land,” Tullis said.
The heritage fair is a free event and all are welcome. It will run from 1 p.m. to
7 p.m., Labor Day, Sept. 3, and will include numerous historic preservation
groups who will be on-site to share their efforts with the public.

At 7 p.m., Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will address the audience and
introduce the main attraction – Walking Woody’s Road – then the music takes
over.

“Timberline’s anniversary is not just about history,” Tullis said.

“It is about how a living history can give us meaning and momentum into the
future. This will be a celebration of the American spirit.”