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Show r ! Clemma Arthur, resplendent in pioneer apparel, exhibits a radiant smile as she "pushes" her plow past the spectators. Entry of Pioneers Into Town of Bluff Celebrated in Ceremonies May 22nd C " HJi&v ' W - Merlin Morgan, winner of the equestrian events, displays his superior ability as he turns the corner and heads for the finish By Alvin Reiner The southeastern Utah community com-munity of Bluff celebrated their Homecoming Day on May 22. The event commemorates commemo-rates the arrival of the handy band of pioneers, who made the hazardous and almost fatal trek and established the first Mormon Community in the region. The Hole in the Rock party, as they are known, arrived at the desert oasis in the spring of 1880. From Bluff the settlers spread out and founded other settlements such as Verdure and Monticel-lo. Monticel-lo. A parade featuring everything every-thing from old-fashioned plows to modern mini-tractors, and local citizens in pioneer and native American dress, wound ' its way x for a mile through the scenic community. At the end of the parade, Bluff L.D.S. Branch President Scott Harst shot things up by firing his cannon. When the reverbration off the cliff walls had subsided, it was time to partake in the epicurian delights being served at the rodeo arena. I The afternoon's activities included a variety of races and other tests of physical prowess. prow-ess. Second-grader, Jeff Roch proved to be the top competitor competi-tor among the youngsters as he garnered several first place awards, while Merlin Morgan showed his finesse among the men by winning the arm-wrestling, arm-wrestling, barrel and horse racing events. Mike Herring placed a close second in both equestrian contests. Other events included a tug-o-war in which some fifty persons participated, and a water dunk where one could drench his or her neighbor for a price. The days festivities concluded conclu-ded with a talent show at the L.D.S. Chapel. Citizens from Bluff and Blanding pariticpa-ted pariticpa-ted in front of a near-capacity crowd. On June 12 an Indian All Tribes Day will be held in Bluff. The activities will commence with a parade at 10 a.m. Other events scheduled throughout the day will include in-clude native American dances and rodeo events. |