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Show Stage All Set For Zion Easter Pageant Accommodations Made for 25,000 Spectators Show Promises To Be The Greatest Ever Held Iff. ' ' ' i. l ..-H" . - - i I v.' ' -n-t - ; - . -y .-. t I , I r. ' " .. ft: . ' T , I " r 4' ' '"'r i U , rTW-iiYWi-ihyt-rtii.iiNrtiW Photo by the late diaries G. Plumiucr, M. S. i : :f sunset in zion national park Chances for favorable weather conditions this year are greatly enrihanced ly the fact that Easter will be on April 17 this year instead in-stead of the latter part of March as was the case in 1936. April is generally a very pleasant month in Zion Park, and it will be very en-tising en-tising to residents of more northern north-ern localities where the flowers and green foliage of spring will not yet have appeared. At this time of the year Zion Park presents a delightful contrast with the immense im-mense towering reddish hued walls surrounding the winding floor of the' 'canyon covered with trees, grass and bushes of verdant green and intermingled with flowers of many, colors. v There is undoubtedly no setting in the world to compare with this for the reenactment of the scenes depicting the life and crucifixion of Him who has been called the Savior. Superintendent P. P. Patraw of Zion National Parle is firm in his belief that the Zion Easter Pageant will continue to grow each year and eventually become a shrine for all western Christians. It was realized in 1937 that the site which had been chosen did not provide adequate space for seating or the parking " of cars of those who ; wished to attend. A new and Dormanent site has been chosen f or the presentation this year which will accomodate between 25,000 and 50,000 spectators. It is significant that of the entire en-tire cast of over 500 persons and the committees of at least 50, there is not one who receives any financial renumeration for his efforts. ef-forts. The spirit of the occasion seems to permeate this gi'oup and they very willingly give of their time and in many cases of their own money for incidental expenses in order that the pageant may be a success. Those participating in the .vocal and instrumental ac-compianment ac-compianment have been training since last fall. In fact, the pageant is so fast assuming such mam-mouth mam-mouth proportions that immediately immedi-ately after the presentation, plans are laid for the next one a year hence. Nothing is being left undone to make these Easter services outstanding out-standing from every angle. The services will be held at sunset. Several rehearsals will be held on the site, directly under the massive Bridge Mountain and across the canyon from the Altar of Sacrifice, to work out details in connection with the mob scene and to determine deter-mine the proper time to commence in order that the depiction of the resurrection may occur just after dusk. This will allow the use of powerful spotlights to intensify this scene and will make it much more realisitic and awe inspiring. All who can attend should plan now to do so as it will be an experience ex-perience not soon to be forgotten. All reports indicate that the Zion National Park Easter pageant, presented annually through the cooperative co-operative efforts of civic church organizations and schools of Southern South-ern Utah, this year will exceed even the expectations of the general gen-eral committee from the standpoint of attendance. Indications from all surrounding towns are that the population for miles surrounding will be in Zion National Park on that day. In addition to the expected ex-pected crowdr. from Southern Utah it is thought that there will be many visitors from all of Northern North-ern Utah and the surrounding states of Arizona and Nevada. Many people missed the pageant last year because of inclement weather. Reports at that time that the pageant had been postponed on account of storms caused many to miss the pageant 'Who would have otherwise attended in spite of bad weather. |