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Show I t t ! ' ' - " "' : . L - ' T ' '".'," . . --J . ' - - . ..- r - V "V .. r ' - - - '' " 4 Pioneer Day tfo be bigger and bevver Utahns have a unique opportunity to enjoy a three-day weekend just two weeks after the Independence Day celebration. And for Vernal area residents, at least, Saturday's celebration should be a bigger and better one. The state holiday, known as Pioneer Day, commemorating the first settlement of the Utah territory by Mormon pioneers. The celebration in Vernal is steeped in tradition that's why it overshadows the July 4 celebration, said Bryant Brady, the unofficial chairman of events. But another reason, said Brady, is the importance attached to the Boy Scout program. The Scouts get the proceeds from the annual Pioneer Day breakfast, which runs for four hours at the city park. Wallv Goddard, an activities coin co-in handcart and pioneer dress, the Jolley kids, Cameron, Tyler, Monica, Shara and Brittian visit the first Post Office in the Ashley Valley. For a pioneer history of the valley see this week's Expressions, page 15. organizer, said the event drew "thousands" last year. The holiday observance begins Friday, the official holiday as pronounced by Gov. Scott M. Matheson. All state agencies as well as the Uintah County and Vernal City offices will be closed. Federal offices will remain . open. Some businesses and firms will give their employees the day off. Because Friday was legally declared a state holiday, banks may elect to close. For those planning camping trips, the U.S. Forest Service urges caution because the fire danger is high throughout the Ashley National Forest, and especially in adjacent Bureau of Land Management lands at lower eleveations. The Utah Department of Transportation urges caution on highways because of extra traffic. Though construction work will not be done Friday, motorists should be wary of warning signs. Saturday's celebration in Vernal begins at 6 a.m. at the Bicentennial Pavilion in the city park at the corner of 500 North and 900 West. Cub Scouts will perform a flag-raising ceremony there, and then the breakfast begins, continuing until 10 a.m. The proceeds will allow the Ashlev Valley troops to (Continued on page 6) July 24th - - - pay their annual dues to Boy Scouts of America. A group of sky-divers from Salt Lake City will attempt landings in the park three different times throughout the morning, with the first scheduled for 7 a.m. Entries for the annual parade will assemble in the parking lot of the Uintah County Courthouse, at the comer of East Main Street and 100 East, at 8:30 for judging. The theme is "Steps of Americans," according to Brady. Beginning at 10 a.m., the parade will move west on 100 North to Uintah High School at 900 West. Prizes will be awarded in three categories. Parade "chariman Bill Caldwell said over 20 entries were counted this week. The Grand Marshalls are former Uintah County Commissioner Warren D. Richardson and his wife, Evlyn. They were chosen by the Ashley LDS Stake High Council. A pair of races for runners covering five and a half and two-mile courses will be held in the morning. Another favorite event is the demolition derby at the Maeser Speedway, at about 3000 North 2500 West. Activities continue at the city park during the afternoon with booths and concession stands set up. A performance of the musical, "My Turn On Earth," at Vernal Junior High School, 738 West 100 South, climaxes the day's activities. |