One River, Many Voices Now Playing
David Walsh
05/08/2014
The launch of the One River, Many Voices has left a lasting impression on visitors, residents, and employees at the dam since its premiere showing over Memorial Day Weekend.
The show was developed by Luma Laser, Inc. of Eugene, Oregon, and features high resolution graphics along with information on the geology, native inhabitants, and the dam’s impact on the region.
A partnership of 14 stakeholders was convened to develop the new script and graphics. They included representatives from the tribes, local governments, the Chamber of Commerce, irrigators, and three federal agencies.
"Grand Coulee really represents something different to all of us. We think this show reflects a broad perspective—besides being a tremendous entertainment value," says Lynne Brougher, public affairs officer for the Grand Coulee Power Office.
Often seen as one of Grand Coulee’s unique attractions, the previous version of the laser light show had been playing at the dam since 1989. It ran continuously for 25 years until old age and expensive replacement parts forced the show’s retirement.
The laser show has always been popular for visitors each summer season. It was a huge improvement over the original bank of flood lights used to illuminate nighttime spillway releases in the 1950s. The bank of lights still remain, poised downstream of the Left Power House.
