Harper's Ferry ready for visit by Clinton

April 22, 1998|By CLYDE FORD

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. - President Clinton is expected to land by helicopter this morning in Harpers Ferry to kick off activities for Earth Day.

The weather is expected to hold for the visit by the president and Vice President Al Gore.

The National Weather Service is calling for mostly cloudy skies with a chance of afternoon rain or drizzle.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will remain open to visitors throughout the visit by the president and vice president, said Marsha Starkey, spokeswoman for the park.

Park visitors should park at the center parking lot and take the shuttle into Harpers Ferry. She said she expects the streets in the historic town to be blocked to vehicle traffic.

Clinton and Gore will spend part of the morning doing volunteer work on the Appalachian Trail and then speak on the point of land at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.

Clinton plans to use the opportunity to recognize the 4,800 volunteers who maintain the 2,160 miles of the 75-year-old Appalachian Trail, King said.

Trail spokesman Brian King said the president and vice president would do whatever work they want. He said no chainsaw work is needed on the trail in the area around Harpers Ferry.

A large press contingent is expected to descend on Harpers Ferry today.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park spokeswoman Marsha Starkey said Monday she had fielded numerous calls from the press about the president's planned visit.

A two-tiered press area has been set up in front of the stage where the president will be speaking.

A new set of stairs also has been constructed from the river lookout site down the steep bank to the Shenandoah River's edge.

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