High Altitude Society

Carolyn Pope, VailCarolyn@comcast.net
July 16, 2008

On June 30, the road that passes by Ford Park and the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens was renamed in honor of the lady who will always be a part of our valley, Betty Ford. The event celebrated the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens first 20 years and Mrs. Ford’s 90th birthday.

After a beautiful day of “Bells and Butterflies,” a day filled with activities for children and adults, supporters of the Gardens enjoyed an official ribbon cutting ceremony from Deane Hall, Vail Mayor Dick Cleveland and Gardens Executive Director Ann Kurronen. The day included an introduction of the ninth annual summer outdoor sculpture exhibition with five bronze bells sculpted by artist James G. Moore, a Plein Air competition, a release of Painted Lady butterflies hatched at the garden, and Bravo’s Petting Zoo.

Guests gathered in the gardens for a reception and to toast the newly named path—“Betty Ford Way”—and wander the beautiful gardens that have become a pride for residents of the valley. The brainchild of locals Marty Jones and Helen Fritch, the idea for the gardens was hatched in 1983. Currently, volunteers and docents support a five-member staff with more than 3,500 hours annually maintaining the garden, giving educational tours, running the gift shops and working at promotional and educational events.

The annual gala celebrating 20 years and Mrs. Ford’s 90th birthday is set for Aug.13 at Donovan Pavilion in Vail. The evening will also honor another elegant Vail lady, Martha Head. Reservations are still available, so call their offices to reserve your table.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer for the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, visit their Web site at www.bettyfordalpinegardens.org. They also have two gift shops: a year round shop located at 183 Gore Creek Drive and one in the Old Schoolhouse next to the garden. You may contact their offices at 970-476-0103 for more information.

» To help us publicize your event, e-mail VailCarolyn@comcast.net or call
(970) 748-2989.

Click on photo galleries at www.vailtrail.com to see more photos from this event.