Corinth Couple the 600th to Exchange Wedding Vows Underground at Howe Caverns

HOWES CAVE, N.Y. (November 29, 2008) -- Karen Rowland and Dennis Dowen of Corinth today became the 600th couple married in the underground world of Howe Caverns.
Accompanied 156-feet below the earth by more than 30 friends and family members, the couple was married on the calcite heart in the section of the caverns known as the Bridal Altar.

Officiating at the ceremony was Judge James Cummings of Providence. The bride’s best friend, Cindy Sullivan of Galway, was Matron of Honor. The bridegroom’s cousin, Don Dowen of Corinth, was best man. The bride was escorted to the Bridal Altar by her sons, Josh and Michael Rowland.

With their marriage today, they follow in the footsteps of brides and grooms dating back to 1854 when Elgiva Howe, daughter of the cave’s discoverer, Lester Howe, was married to Hiram S. Dewey -- the first Caverns’ wedding.

Among the gifts presented to them by Howe Caverns’ General Manager Robert Holt was one of Howe Caverns’ popular Sweetheart Packages that includes overnight accommodations on the on-site motel, in-room flowers and champagne and a Lantern Tour of the great cave.
Following the ceremony, the entire wedding party embarked on a Traditional Tour of Howe Caverns, with its world-famous boat ride on the underground Lake of Venus.
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Howe Caverns is New York State’s second most-visited natural attraction, located about 45 minutes southwest of Albany, off Exit 22 of I-88. Open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas days when it is closed, Howe Caverns’ winter hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For additional information, call 518-296-8900, or visit www.howecaverns.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathy Condon * Condon Communications
PHONE: (518) 436-1103
E-MAIL: kcondon@howecaverns.com        11/08