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Show Opinions and Comments from our readers . . . To The Editor: This is in reply to the disgruntled A. N. of Marvs- ville, Utah and H. V. W. of Provo. Utah, regarding Bluff s Indian Day. Since they are apparently readers of your paper, the advance copy sent from Bluff surely told it like it was - "strictly non-professional. ..slow paced, local celebration." cele-bration." A. N. has it somewhat backwards in his her interpretation of the development of the day. Originated by the white merchants about 12 years ago, it was too much for the small business people to handle with the few who would participate in the work involved, and it was announced that it would be discontinued. A group of the local Navajos, including David and Ben Yanito, the present chairmen of the day, came to the Indian Day Committee and said they would put it on because they wanted it to continue. That was in 1969, and from that time, with the help of one or two of the white Bluff residents, the event has taken place. The admittance pays for the day's prizes and for the fees for the dancers, a total of about S750.00 (No federal, state, county or agency aid is involved, which, in itself is enough of a reason for supporting the little celebration.) celebra-tion.) If the local businesses do some business; ie. the two motels fill up, eight units and sixteen units, respectively, and if the three local restaurants restau-rants do have a big day, that hardly constitutes highway robbery. If either A. N. or H. V. W. had stayed with us at Recapture Lodge, we'd be happy to refund their $12.00 or $15.00 if that would make them feel a bit better. Unfortunately, we cannot change their feelings about a wasted day. Re the parade that was scheduled. John Bill Mary-boy's Mary-boy's death on Sunday, June 5, a man who was related to all the Navajo participants in the management of the event, prevented some of the local dancers from performing and was a factor in the lack of a parade. We feel it was remarkable that they carried on at all. To everyone we spoke to prior to the event, we advised that it was slow and local and if they didn't enjoy participation in an event of another culture which moved at a different pace from theirs, they should not go. We also advised taking breaks, walking across the footbridge, exploring the near- by scenic attractions, taking a swim, or strolling in the shady nooks of Cottonwood Canyon. We make no pretense of presenting an affair comparable compar-able to the Gallup Ceremonial or Window Rock's fair. Bluff does have a low-key, slow-paced slow-paced Navajo field day in a setting of great charm and beauty. For those who are keyed to more commercial enterprises, Bluff is not for them. Bluff has many problems, from absentee property owners own-ers who permit the destruction of lovely and historic buildings, build-ings, to fearful residents who find the thought of doubling the population menacing (that would be 500 people). On the plus side, we have a gorgeous river valley, a historic village, delicious soft water in a city system, and a few folks who appreciate the qualities of life here and enjoy sharing them. One final word, If A. N. and H. V. W. were disappointed in Indian Day, would they ever have been disappointed in Bluffs "riot!" Sincerely, MF also known as Mary Foushee Recapture Lodge Bluff, Utah Dear Sam, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you, Moab, for your support in the March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon. The local businesses of Moab Mo-ab donated for the purchase of the Drizes that were given away. Then, they turne, . around and sponsor Q Robert Dalton. of t- flOl Security Bank, de special thanks. For ye JV1 wi Dalton has handled reports and made the C U button of all funds, radio gave the walk U attention, with proraotC on-the-spot interviews V the participants of the if c And thanks to Us Err , his great news covert & help. You folks at thel were fantastic, as always in depth stories Md tion of the project are Z fit much appreciated. ,t:t It is a pleasure to live it community where the ne!' ! reaUy get out and supporTtk 1 project every year for J r kids that have birth def j With this kind of help, someday whip this tragic I & sease and we will all C. ifi better lives. ri Again, thanks to the peo-j. P of Moab for making this'' great place to live. ' (id Ron Tun- y Grand County Chains : March of Di is-; MoabJayeea |