On November 16 around 2:00p.m. the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center received three V.I.P visitors, unbeknownst to the staff on hand that day. These gentlemen toured through the center, taking their time reading about the expedition, learning new and exciting details, examining the clothing of the day and watching the movies in the theater.
They then sauntered into the Portage Cache Gift Shop. Kelly Paladino, Director of Sales and Special Events, questioned if who she saw was who she thought they were. Well, they were exactly who she thought they were…Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez and John Gries from Napoleon Dynamite fame. The three Hollywood actors were in Great Falls for the Napoleon Dynamite LIVE show at the Civic Center.
The gentleman were “very impressed” by the center and its presentation and interpretation of the expedition. The indicated that they learned a few things they didn’t know before visiting the center. They spent time in the gift shop talking about the Lewis & Clark journals, Jon Header and John Gries were very interested in the journals and especially the atlas highlighting the Lewis & Clark maps. They chatted about Sacagawea and the role she played, and how she came to be with John Baptiste Charbonneau. They loved the fact that the dog, Seaman, made the journey and wondered if he got home safe and sound. John Gries asked about the best book to read about the expedition, Kelly suggested the top three sellers in the shop Undaunted Courage, Way to the Western Sea or Going Along with Lewis & Clark. Like most they were in awe of what was accomplished back in 1805 and doubted anyone could do it today!
The gentlemen were thrilled that they had the chance to see one of the “highlights” in Great Falls as they very rarely get the chance to relax and tour the cities, they perform in. They thanked everyone for a great afternoon, posed for a picture and then went off to prepare for their show. “This place is really impressive, thank you so much!” Jon commented as he said goodbye.
In the pic: L to R: Jon Heder, Kelly Paladino, Efren Ramirez and John Gries
Photo Credit and article author – Kelly Paladino – Director Sales & Special Events – Lewis and Clark Foundation
