Dawn Wall climber Jorgeson to speak at Yosemite Festival

A man who made history just five months ago in Yosemite National Park will help celebrate 125 years of history there later this month.

Kevin Jorgeson, who along with partner Tommy Caldwell free-climbed El Capitan over 19 days in December and January, will speak at the Yosemite Festival on June 27. The celebration marks the second consecutive year for the festival at Oakhurst Community Park, near Yosemite’s south entrance.

Jorgeson and Caldwell became the first to free-climb the El Cap’s Dawn Wall. They used ropes and safety harnesses in case of a fall, but relied on their hands, feet and strength to reach the 3,000-foot summit. The trek began Dec. 27 and was completed on Jan. 14.

The two Americans captured the nation’s attention by scaling the sheer granite expanse. Over the long course of the climb, the two lived on the wall, eating and sleeping in tents fastened to the rock.

Jorgeson told The Associated Press in January that the climb should illustrate the value of teamwork and teach people not to give up on their dreams. He said the experience “recalibrates your perception of what you can do and what’s possible. Now that we’ve done this, who knows what comes. I have a whole new bar for what’s possible and what I’m capable of personally.”

Also appearing at the Yosemite celebration will be stand-ins for Smokey Bear, John Muir and Abraham Lincoln, according to a press release. Park Ranger Scott Gediman will be on hand with junior rangers.

All special guests will join the festivities via a Wagon Parade at 1 p.m. Following the parade, Jorgeson will speak briefly about his efforts on the Dawn Wall and will sign posters.

The park will be sectioned in to six regions for the festival:

▪  The Yosemite Valley Center Stage will feature live music and mini melodramas.

▪  Mariposa Grove Adventure Land will offer a rock climbing wall sponsored by The Redwoods in Yosemite.

▪  Yosemite Falls History Center provides a chance to experience the area’s rich history.

▪  Half Dome Art Pavilion celebrates the beauty of Yosemite with art from regional artists.

▪  Merced River Vendor Trail offers local treats, homemade jewelry, T-shirts and more.

▪  El Capitan Food and Beverage Garden will feature food provided by the Oakhurst Rotary Club.

The festival’s inaugural event in 2014 honored the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant. This year marks 125th anniversary of Yosemite, as well as Sequoia National Park.

This story was originally published June 17, 2015 at 11:41 AM with the headline "Dawn Wall climber Jorgeson to speak at Yosemite Festival."