The best deal of the year is at hand if you are 62 years old or older. The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass is currently $10 and has been so since 1994. However, this fee will increase to $80 on Aug. 28.

Yes, this is correct. The senior pass will increase by $70. If you currently have a senior lifetime pass, it will continue to be a valid pass. U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older are eligible for the Senior Pass.

There is also an annual senior pass for $20, which is valid for one year from issuance. Plus, four annual senior passes purchased in prior years can be traded for a lifetime pass.

There are several other national parks passes, such as the disabled veteran pass, so go online and research which one is best for you.

I have the disabled veteran pass, but we stopped at Bonneville Dam during a return trip from Oregon, and Garnet and my sister, Denise, bought a senior pass.

Google National Park Pass and you will find a way to purchase the pass online, but this will cost you an additional $10. I can’t find a local place to buy one. If you are headed for Wenatchee, check with the forest service office, but call ahead.

Annual and lifetime Senior Passes provide access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies: National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers.

The passes cover entrance and standard amenity recreation fees and provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees.

The pass will allow the driver and passengers of a noncommercial vehicle entry into national parks.

Senior Passes can be purchased at any federal recreation site, including national parks, that charges an entrance or standard amenity fee. Proof of age and residency is required. A driver’s license did the trick for Garnet.

Still seeking history barn volunteers

When the call went out last year for history barn volunteers, Karen and Clay Crook answered and so did one other person, but I can’t remember who it was. After last week’s column, Peggy and Dennis Skinner called and offered their services.

Denise Keegan has been helping with the barn for years. Denise will stay in the barn for most of the fair, but she needs a break now and then. She actually travels the fairgrounds recording history by taking photos.

Judy Warnick, Denise and I have been the loosely-formed Grant County History Committee for the barn.

The volunteers will be asked to stay at the barn for an hour or two on as many days as they want to volunteer.

Contact me again at dclay@atnet.net or 762-5158 if you are willing to answer the call.