Memorial Day Honoring Family and Traditions

Memorial Day has always been a family tradition. No matter where we moved, we always went to the family cemetery to honor our family. Decorating the graves was a responsibility my father would say “someday you will take on this responsibility and teach it to your children.”

Well, here we are as grandparents taking our wonderful grandchildren to the graves of family members to honor them. What I saw this year was a wonderful example of the past and the present. Grandchildren reverently placing flowers on the graves of family members that are six and seven generations past.

This year there was more joy as we spent the day together talking to the children, telling them stories. We focused on the living and the funny family stories of the past. We still missed those who have preceded us, but it was a sweet remembering this year. What does bring tears to my eyes is the respect, reverence, and the United States flags flying high to honor our fallen military men and women.

Cadets, alumni and volunteers from St. Thomas Academy worked with Fort Snelling National Cemetery staff to put up hundreds of American flags ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 . (Pioneer Press: Scott Takushi)

There is truly something amazing beyond description that seeing lanes lined with the United States flying. I am proud to be an American, I am proud that my father was a WWII Veteran. I am proud that my husband was a Viet Nam Veteran. I am proud of all those who have offered their lives for the freedom our country represents. I am proud of those who continue to fight for our freedom, and pray that someday they will all come home. I pray that we will be able to continue to represent a land of opportunity, one where we all live in peace and in times of peril, there will continue to be brave men and women who feel as deeply as those of past days and take their ranks in the military.

I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America; and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

I am so grateful that the cemeteries in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, no matter how small that they might be, flew the United States of American Flag proudly for those who gave their lives for all that this great nation!

Bryce Canyon National Park, The Wonder of the “Hoodoos”

Bryce Canyon is another great National Park that has beauty beyond description, come experience the wonder during National Park Week.

Bryce Canyon Natural Bridge Photo Courtesy of Pam Burt and Utah.com

Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon pioneer assisted in the settlement of southwestern Utah and northern Arizona. He came to the area in 1875 to harvest timber and live. He settled behind what is now Bryce Canyon National Park, located in the southwestern part of the state of Utah. His neighbors would call the canyon behind his home “Bryce’s Canyon.” In 1928 it was given the designation of a state park. Bryce Canyon National Park is a small park, 56 square miles, by the standards of the National Parks.

What is famous about Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon, with its acclaimed geology, countless colors of varying hues, and amphitheaters shaped as horseshoes, cut out the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. With the power of nature the rainwater and the frost moisture dissolved to shape and affect the color of the limestone to create various shapes of “hoodoos,” slot canyons, windows, spires, and fins. The miraculous natural tinting of the stones and a power that is unexplanable, has colored and arranged capriciously the rocks to have created a wonderland landscape of mazes. Those that have taken a walk along this wonderland have experienced a memorable and exciting memory.

Bryce Canyon National Park Photo Courtesy of Kreig Rasmussen Photograpy

With the meadows located in the high elevations of the plateau, the foliage is abundant and the wildlife flourishes. The plateau has also been deemed as one of the world’s best air quality. The rim affords a panoramic view of approximately 200 miles in a three state radius. It is also known as one of the best stargazing locations due to a very small light sources.

Bryce Canyon Forest Photo Courtesy of Pam Burt and Utah.com

The marvel of the “hoodoos” were described by the Paiutes as the “Legend People” that were turned to stone by Coyote. The geological term for “hoodoo” is a pillar of rock, usually fantastic shape, left by erosion. It is also known that “hoodoo” means to cast a spell.

Fairyland Point Photo Courtesy of Pam Burt and Utah.com

Within the Bryce Canyon National Park, erosion has been created with the fun, whimsical “hoodoos.” Geologists have an answer, they state that millions of years ago whatever forces were present on Mother Earth, moved these cute enormous objects that were named Aquarius and Paunsaugunt Plateaus. Today, the rock layers of the Aquarius now reach 2,000 feet above the Paunsaugunt’s same layers.

Aquarius Plateau in Bryce Canyon National Park Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

The ancient rivers’ flow took to carving out the tops and formed the edges of the large rocks. Layers were removed and this brought about the chiseling and sculpted forms. This brought about the creation of the Paria Valley and then later caused the widening of the plateaus.

Thor's Hammer Photo Courtesy of Pam Burt and Utah.com — Thor’s Hammer Photo Courtesy of Pam Burt and Utah.com

No matter what the cause, these wondrous shapes have certainly cast their spell for all that have ever visited, and those that wish to visit.

Hiking trail to Mossy Cave Photo Courtesy of Pam Burt and Utah.com

Come experience the beauty and wonder of this magnificent landscape that only exists in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Share your favorite story and photos, upload your photos on your social media #findyourpark #findyourstory.

“ONE OF THE NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD” ZION NATIONAL PARK

Natural Wonders of the World: America’s top five National Parks

Zion National Park Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

There is never a better time to begin your Zion National Park Adventure. As one of the Natural Wonders of the World: America’s top five National Parks; it is on many lists of must see places, including National Geographic Top Ten National Park Landmarks. There are numerous reasons to visit this world wonder and all of them will fascinate the imagination and leave you breathless at the magnificent views and experience in the park.

Zion National Park Visitors Center Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Zion Canyon Visitor Center:

Here you will get maps and permits you will need for your exploration of the canyon. Rangers are available to assist you and answer any questions you may have. There are two main campgrounds, gift shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Here you will find The Watchman trail head. The towering Watchman, stands some 2500ft/1995m above the canyon floor to keep watch over and protect the canyon.

Zion Museum:

You will certainly want to visit the Zion Museum to learn the creation of Zion Canyon. Millions of years of erosion left these magnificent Navajo sandstone towers and cliffs. Zion Canyon is but one of the steps in the Grand Staircase that begins at the Grand Canyon and ends at Bryce Canyon.

Court of the Patriarchs:

With just a short hike, you will come to the base of three sandstone monoliths. These are named after the ancient old testament patriarchs: Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. From here you can access the Sand Bench Trail, which will take you along the Virgin River to the Zion Lodge.

Zion Lodge:

The Zion Lodge lies in the heart of Zion Canyon. Here you will find gift shops and food service.

Upper Emerald Pools NPhoto Courtesy of National Park Servide — Upper Emerald Pools Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Emerald Pools Trailhead:

The trail head to the three Emerald Pools begins at the Zion Lodge. You can see the reflection of the surrounding cliffs as you look across these crystal clear pools.

Angels Landing Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide — Angels Landing Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

The Grotto- Angels Landing & West Rim Trailhead:

One of the most spectacular hikes in Zion, begins here. This hike up to Angels Landing is an experience that stops those faint hearted and with a fear of heights. The 2,000 foot shear cliffs that drop off from both sides of the narrow trail, require a good deal of steal in the bravery department, as you approach the top. Although this is a psychological and physical test, the view of the canyon floor from the heights above is certainly well worth the hike.

Weeping Rock Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide — Weeping Rock Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Weeping Rock- Observation Point Trailhead:

An amazing sight is that of the porous Navajo sandstone monoliths. Water pervades down through the sandstone and as it reaches impermeable layers that allow the water to flow horizontal until it seeps to the face of the cliffs. Thus is the case of the Weeping Rock.

Big Bend Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide — Big Bend Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Big Bend – The Organ:

Big Bend will have you standing at the base of a 2,000ft/6,010m shear cliff on the north side of Angels Landing. A 1,100ft Monolith “Organ” (resembling a pipe organ) stands here at the edge of the Virgin River.

Temple of Sinawava Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide — Temple of Sinawava Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Temple of Sinawava- Riverside Walk-

Is the end of the canyon road, and the beginning of the Riverside trail. It winds along the banks of the Virgin River which ends at “The Narrows.”

The Narrows–

Is a one way 16 mile hike through the narrow canyons of the Virgin River. The towering steep cliffs over 1,000 feet high surround you.

The Great White Throne Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide — The Great White Throne Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

The Riverside Trail

will allow you to go as far as you wish. The many famous Zion Park photographs are taken in Zion Canyon. These include the Patriarchs, the Great White Throne, and scenes along the Virgin River.

Outdoor Activities include:

Biking
Camping
Canyoneer
Climbing
Golf
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Off Road / ATV
Ski
Snowboarding

Share your favorite story and photos, upload your photos on your social media #findyourpark #findyourstory.

Open House Honors Life of ‘Big Daddy’ Roth

DATE 02/21/2006 7:15 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.

Open House Honors Life of ‘Big Daddy’ Roth

The Fourth Annual Big Daddy Roth Open House, which honors the life and work of renowned artist/car designer Ed Roth, will be held April 20 to 24 in Manti.

The event is held each year at the museum that Ed Roth’s wife, Ilene, created to showcase her late husband’s art and memorabilia. The museum, which is an addition on the Roth home, is located at 404 East 300 North, Manti.

After Ed Roth’s death in April 2001 at age 69, Ilene Roth decided she needed to find a way for people who loved and respected her late husband and his work to honor his memory. She came up with the idea for the open house and it is now an annual event.

Roth, who was also known as “Big Daddy Roth,” was famous for designing and building hotrod cars and for creating the cartoon characters the Beatnik Bandit and “Rat Fink” in the 1960s.

This year’s open house will include the touring “Rat Fink Statue Display,” which includes more than 40 depictions of the character Rat Fink painted by artists from all over the United States and Japan. The collection was recently on display in Austin, Texas, and will be going on to the Peterson Museum in California following the weekend’s events. The museum that Ilene Roth created to honor her late husband, which includes displays of Ed Roth’s art work and other memorabilia, will also be open during the reunion and is open to the public year-round by appointment.

Other highlights of the event include a Friday night fundraising barbecue at 6:30 p.m. and an 8 p.m. showing of Tales of the Rat Fink, a new documentary by Canadian film maker Ron Mann. The movie stars John Goodman as Big Daddy Roth. It’s a combination biography/cultural commentary on Roth. Goodman narrates the film from heaven, playing Roth as he looks down on Earth with fond memories. The film also includes the voices of Jay Leno, the Smothers Brothers, Matt Groening and Paul Lemat. The real Ed Roth is included in the film in archival footage and new interviews.

Ilene Roth has said she is delighted about the film. Both she and her late husband met with Mann in 2000 when he came to Utah to discuss the movie. She said her husband was very excited about having a movie produced to spotlight his creations with Rat Fink and fiberglass cars.

On Saturday, there will be a 1 p.m. lunch and a 5 p.m. parade of cars down Main Street. The parade will feature both hotrod and antique cars. Roth was known for building one-of-a-kind show cars and is famous for his “plaster and fiberglass” creation method. The movie, Tales of the Rat Fink, will be shown again at 8 p.m.

In addition, two of Ed Roth’s creations will be on display during the Open House, a Stealth he built in 1999 and his “Rat Fink,” constructed in 1963.

The open house will also include musical performances, videos and slide presentations, displays of show cars, food, and professional car “stripers.”

An avid hotrod enthusiast from the age of 12, Ed Roth started out by fixing up old cars in his garage. He then moved on to building cars from scratch and quickly became known as an artist rather than a mechanic, with his creations earning the title “sculptures on wheels.” He financed his passion by making cartoons and T-shirts, including drawings of cars and monsters driving cars. His most famous cartoon character was a rodent named Rat Fink, which became very popular in the 1960s and was featured on posters, T-shirts and more.

Ilene Roth met her husband after he moved to Manti from California in 1987.

For more information about the Ed “Big Daddy” Roth Open House, contact Ilene Roth at (435) 835-2142.

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For more information Contact:

Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502

Historical Star Theatre Announces March, April Concerts

DATE 02/21/2006 7:15 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.

Historical Star Theatre Announces March, April Concerts

The historical Casino Star Theater in Gunnison will be holding concerts in March and April as part of the Utah Arts Council’s Performing Arts Tour. The tour partially subsidizes artistic performances for residents of rural Utah.Thursday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. the theater will present Moosebutter, and award-winning, four-man comedy a’capella group. The performers combines harmony and humor, and cover a wide range of musical and comedy styles. Three of the four performers are former members of the Men’s Chorus at Brigham Young University.

The second concert will be held Friday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. and feature Sidekicks, Utah’s top cowboy entertainers. The show will include cowboy poetry and musical performances, including nostalgic renditions of cowboy songs. The group’s appearance will be celebrated by the theater for a week preceding the show with a “Best of the Old West” film series. Movies will include Stagecoach, High Noon, Shane, The Magnificent Seven, Once Upon a Time in the West and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Schedules and prices for the film series are forthcoming.

The Casino Star Theatre, which is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places, is believed to be one of the last Beaux Arts-style theaters in the Western United States. Built in 1912 as the “Casino Theater,” it was one of several similar theatres built in the state around that time. Other structures include Ogden’s Egyptian Theater and the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake. The name was changed to the Star Theater in 1936. The theater was restored by a community group, Save our Star, and restored it to its former glory as a theater, movie house and special-events facility.

Tickets for the Moosebutter and Sidekicks performances are $10 and are available at the door. They may also be purchased in advance at Rasmussen’s Ace Hardware or by calling Lori Nay (435) 528-7136 or Diana Spencer, (435) 979-2798.

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For more information Contact:

Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-25

‘J.C. Penney’ Store Being Restored Project Has Backing of Main Street Program, Heritage Foundation

DATE 10/21/2005 10:17 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.

‘J.C. Penney’ Store Being Restored
Project Has Backing of Main Street Program, Heritage Foundation

An century-old building in downtown Mt. Pleasant City that once housed one of the regions first J.C. Penney stores is being restored, thanks to the efforts of a Salt Lake City business owner.

Pete Henderson, owner of the Rio Grande Café in Salt Lake City, has purchased the old “Wasatch Block Building” at 64 W. Main Street. Built around 1889, the structure has retained much of its Victorian charm. It was originally built to house Wasatch Mercantile Company. It later was home to the Star Theatre and, in 1926, a J.C. Penney store. Most recently it was a video and general store.

Henderson is working with architect Kim Hyatt to restore the building to its former glory. “I just have a great love of old historical buildings,” he said. “But I’m quickly learning that I’ve taken on a mighty big project.”

He is receiving assistance and input from the Mt. Pleasant Main Street Program, the Utah Main Street Program, Wasatch Academy and the Utah Heritage Foundation. Currently, Henderson plans to turn the upper portion of the building into an apartment, and is in discussions with Mt. Pleasant City and Wasatch Academy on bout how to best utilize the lower portion of the building.

Through the Utah Heritage Foundation, he is taking part in a pilot project to help finance his endeavor. Working with Zion’s Bank, the Utah Heritage Foundation has started a new collaborative rehabilitation loan program that offers low-interest and flexible financing to property owners seeking to rehabilitate historical commercial buildings.

The goal of the program is to provide a resource to Main Street partner communities to further their efforts to revitalize historical downtown areas, says Monte Bona, who heads Mt. Pleasant’s Main Street Program. “The loan program is unique because it specifically targets rehabilitation efforts that are aiming to restore a building’s original character,” he says.

Restoring old buildings to their original form helps enhance the marketability of that building, as well as restoring the identity of the city, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the experience of visitors to the region, Bona says.

“People come to Mt. Pleasant and travel along U.S. Highway 89, the heritage highway, because they want to see life as it was 100 years ago,” he says. “Projects like Peter Henderson’s are helping us preserve the cultural and architectural treasures of this pioneer heritage area and strengthen opportunities for local heritage-related businesses.”

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For more information Contact:

Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502

Fall Brings Rainbow of Color to Sanpete County, U.S. Highway 89

DATE 09/24/2005 9:12 AMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.

Fall Brings Rainbow of Color to Sanpete County, U.S. Highway 89

Fall has arrived and the canyons, parks, forests and landscapes in Sanpete County and along historical U.S. Highway 89 are awash in color. There are vivid shades of orange, red, and gold, making the area a must-see for anyone wanting to tour the state’s seasonal, sensational sites.

In Sanpete County, be sure to drive along Skyline Drive, which is known as a bird watcher’s paradise with eagle and hawks circling overhead, and through the Manti La-Sal National Forest. The forest, in addition to boasting a spectacular display of color, offers mountain climbing and hiking trails. The Wasatch Plateau section of the Manti-La Sal Forest also contains a variety of recreation trails for foot, horse, and/or mountain biking.

As well, the northern, Manti-La Sal division offers scenic drives through the Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways known as the Energy Loop. These byways wind over the Wasatch Plateau, and there are several high elevation lakes and streams that feature excellent fishing and camping, and the Arapeen Trail System is also a popular spot.

In addition to viewing the amazing fall colors, tourists can take in the cities and towns along historical U.S. Highway 89, visiting antique shops, gift stores, bed and breakfast inns, historic sites, local history and culture, and more.

# # #

For more information Contact:

Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502

SANPETE COUNTY DOUBLES AS MOVIE SET FOR FEATURE FILM

DATE 08/28/2005 8:35 PMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.

SANPETE COUNTY DOUBLES AS MOVIE SET FOR FEATURE FILM

Parts of Sanpete County, including its Hub City, Mt. Pleasant, doubled as a movie set this past month for the filming of the feature film “Last of the Mustangs.”

Several hundred local residents even got a chance to serve as movie extras during the filming of a parade scene that was shot on Mt. Pleasant’s Main Street.

“There was a huge turn out, people came from all over — decked out in Western clothes — to give their kids a chance to be in the movie or to be an extra themselves,” says Monte Bona, a member of the Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council.

Bona says that Sanpete County and Mt. Pleasant appealed to the film’s producers because of its heritage buildings and beautiful landscape. “The area suited their film perfectly. There is great scenery and a lot of horses, sheep and other animals, as well as heritage homes and farms.” The director’s spouse also grew up in Ephraim so she was familiar with the region.

The Los Angeles-based movie crew spent nearly three weeks in Sanpete County shooting the film, which is about girl who decides to photograph wild horses for a school project. After visiting a ranch and falling in love with the horses, the girl learns about illegal activities that might jeopardize the mustangs.

Much of the film was shot at a ranch only a few miles away from Mt. Pleasant. Other scenes were shot in Mt. Pleasant City Hall, in local businesses and campgrounds, and even in the city’s police station and jail.

The horses that appear in the movie are also local “movie stars.” They were supplied by Lamont Christensen of Fairview, who owns Christensen Livestock Co.

The film, which will be released in theatres, stars Miranda Cosgrove as the girl who goes to the ranch, and Fred Ward as her father. Robert Wagner also has a small role.

Bona says that the Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council hopes more movies will be filmed in the area in the future. “Sanpete County really is an ideal film location,” he says. “It’s situated near the Provo and with two hours of the Salt Lake International airport. In addition, there are a lot of wide-open spaces and not too many power lines around, which makes it perfect for people hoping to re-create a pre-1950s feel in a film.”

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For more information Contact:

Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502

ANNUAL SANPETE COUNTY FAIR PROMISES ‘OLD-FASHIONED’ FUN

DATE 08/21/2005 8:17 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.

ANNUAL SANPETE COUNTY FAIR PROMISES ‘OLD-FASHIONED’ FUN

ANNUAL SANPETE COUNTY FAIR PROMISES ‘OLD-FASHIONED’ FUN

People living in Utah’s urban cities — and anywhere else in the state for that matter – should plan to take an “old-fashioned break” this week and visit the annual Sanpete County Fair.

The fair provides people with the opportunity to take a step back in time and experience life the way it once was in rural Utah. The old-fashioned celebration features some of the many county fair traditions started decades ago, such as cattle and horse shows, rodeos, pet shows, carnival rides and more.

The fair, which is held at the county’s fairgrounds in Manti, continues this week through Saturday.

Highlights Aug. 22 and 23 include a Cowboy Poetry concert at the Manti High School auditorium Monday at 7 p.m. The event features Don Kennington “The West’s Favorite Poet.” Tuesday, there will be a 4-H horse show at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 24, is day that a lot of the popular attractions open, including the Midway Carnival, which will feature rides and games such as a giant slide, scrambler and zipper. The midway opens at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will be open Thursday through Saturday from noon to close.

The Exhibition Building also opens Wednesday, featuring local art and photography, crafts, food, flowers and other items. Hours of operation are Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Another popular attraction, the Small Animal Barn, will swing its doors open at 10 a.m. through to 6 p.m. The barn is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Also on Wednesday, there will be team sorting competition at 6 p.m. where local cowgirls and cowboys will try and sort cattle in numeric order. That night, there will be a talent show at the Ephraim Middle School featuring local Sanpete County performers. Winners will move on to perform at the state fair

Fair highlights of Thursday, Aug. 25, include beef, lamb and swing judging; small animal judging; local talent shows from 4 to 6 p.m. in front of the Exhibition Building; a 4-H goat show; and a Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. The annual derby will be held at the fairground arena. The popular event includes cash prizes for first through third places, as well as prizes for the “wipe-out winner” and for the “most aggressive driver.” Cost for the event is $10.

On Friday, Aug. 26, the Third Annual Antique Tractor and Farm equipment show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., The event is being promoted as a show and not a contest, which means it’s open to any kind of farm machinery in restored or working condition. At 10 a.m., there will be an antique tractor pull

A Dutch oven cook off will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. The event allows the county’s finest “outdoor culinary experts” to test and match their skills. Trophies are awarded for first, second and third place.

There will be musical performances at 7 p.m. by the local group, LuDon and SoundQuest, and the IMPRA rodeo by Broken Heart Rodeo Company at 8 p.m. The rodeo features award-winner riders, horses and bulls.

Saturday, Aug. 27, the day begins early with a 7 a.m. “fun run” and an 8 a.m. EMT breakfast and rooster crowing contest. A livestock sale will begin at 10 a.m., along with the BLM wild horse auction.

Other events include mud volleyball, local talent shows, a clown show, horse pulling competition, pie-eating contests, and an antique car show from 6 to 7 p.m.

A mammoth parade will be held at 5 p.m. down Main Street in Manti. The event will feature the royalty from all local cites, along with fire and ambulance departments, floats and other attractions.

At 7 p.m., LuDon and SoundQuest will perform again and the IMPRA rodeo continues for a second night.

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For more information Contact:

Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502

Bluegrass Festival Coming to Wind Walker Ranch, Will Benefit Children’s Camp

DATE 01/17/2005 7:15 AMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.

Bluegrass Festival Coming to Wind Walker Ranch, Will Benefit Children’s Camp

The second annual Palisade Pals and Wind Walker Guest Ranch Country and Bluegrass Festival will be held Sept. 9 to 10.

The festival will be at the Wind Walker Guest Ranch in Spring City and feature musical performances, food, vendors, and other activities. Bands scheduled to appear include Lost Highway, Blue Sage Trio, Buckhorn Mountain Boys, Ridin’ the Fault Line, Around the Bend and Shades of Grey.

Proceeds from the two-day event go to Palisade Pals, a non-profit organization that provides recreational, educational and service-oriented programs and camps that enhance the quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged children

The festivities begin Friday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m. The band Blue Sage Trio will perform at 6 p.m. The group mixes vocals, banjo, fiddle, guitar, harmonica and bass violin and is known for its bringing a unique perspective to the songs of the American West.

At 7:30 p.m. there will be cowboy poetry, followed by a performance by the Buckhorn Mountain Boys, a group known for its tight vocal harmonies and commitment to traditional bluegrass music.

The festival begins Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with “Breakfast with the Bands.” Breakfast tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Performances begin at 11 a.m. featuring numerous Sanpete County Bands and cowboy poetry at 1:30 p.m.

At 2 p.m., the band Around the Bend will perform. The group is known for playing traditional and progressive bluegrass music and blending traditional two and three-part harmonies.

There will also be a performance by Shades of Grey, a group that mixes modern, bluegrass and acoustic country music, at 4 p.m., and Riding the Fault Line, a four-member bluegrass band, will take the stage at 6 p.m.

The band Lost Highway will perform Saturday night at 8 p.m. The popular five-member group is known for its unforgettable trio harmonies, instrumental prowess and relaxed, friendly stage manner.

Pre-event ticket prices are $10 for adults, $17 for couples and $5 for children 12 and under. Prices increase on the day of the event. Other festival sponsors include the Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council and numerous Sanpete County businesses.

Lodging is available at the ranch for one or both nights of the festival. Camping is also available on the ranch property.

The Wind Walker Guest Ranch, which is open year round, is located on 994 acres of land at the 6000 foot level of Manti-Lasal National Forest s hills. Its activities include fishing, mind and body relaxation, horse back riding, hay rides and hikes, arts, sports, games, dancing, swimming, singing, and cowboy poetry and sing a longs. The ranch also runs a number of special programs for children as part of its Wind Walker Children’s Foundation that include incorporating play and activities with learning and therapy.

Palisade Pals was started in 1982 by William Peterson after he lost his sight in a snowmobiling accident. While attending a school for the blind in Salt Lake City, Peterson met a number of disabled children and realized many of them have difficulties enjoying the activities he took for granted as a child. So he started summer camps, which, over the years, have reached more than 10,000 people. Day camps are now held in several locations around the state.

For more information, contact Loretta Johnson at Wind Walker, (435)462-0282 or Palisade Pals, (435)835-0531.

Details about the festival is also available on the Windwalker Guest Ranch’s web site,http://www.windwalker.org . Information about the Palisade Pals programs is also available online at http://www.palisadepals.com

# # #

For more information Contact:

Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502

The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area

Tag Archives: Utah

Memorial Day Honoring Family and Traditions

Bryce Canyon National Park, The Wonder of the “Hoodoos”

“ONE OF THE NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD” ZION NATIONAL PARK

Natural Wonders of the World: America’s top five National Parks

Open House Honors Life of ‘Big Daddy’ Roth

Historical Star Theatre Announces March, April Concerts

‘J.C. Penney’ Store Being Restored Project Has Backing of Main Street Program, Heritage Foundation

Fall Brings Rainbow of Color to Sanpete County, U.S. Highway 89

SANPETE COUNTY DOUBLES AS MOVIE SET FOR FEATURE FILM

ANNUAL SANPETE COUNTY FAIR PROMISES ‘OLD-FASHIONED’ FUN

Bluegrass Festival Coming to Wind Walker Ranch, Will Benefit Children’s Camp

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