I am the President-elect of the Sons of Utah Pioneers, a service group whose mission is to honor pioneers of the past, present and future. Part of our goal is to teach the younger generation about history and instill in them a desire to be better citizens. On Friday and Saturday the SUP participated in the Washington City Cotton Festival where we had a wagon in the parade and set up a display of wagons, buggies, and pioneer relics. Dressed in pioneer garb, we spoke to school children from all of the local elementary schools. They were especially enthralled with the big red stage coach, which they were totally unfamiliar with. Some called it a fire engine, a boat, or a princess carriage.
The Sons of Utah Pioneers wagon in the parade was pulled by a beautifully restored tractor
Dean Terry of Terry’s Twin Springs Ranch supplied all the wagons for the display from his personal collection. Here he lets the second grade schoolchildren try out pulling hand-made replica of a pioneer handcart.
RED ROCK RONDO DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE HELD AT ZION NATIONAL PARK
We attended the premiere viewing of the new television documentary film “Red Rock Rondo” on Saturday night at the Zion Amphitheater. The film features a contemporary folk musical group, Red Rock Rondo, as they pay tribute to the early settlers of southern Utah and Zion Canyon. It was a stunning presentation! The film airs in Utah on KUED public television May 21.
One of my artist friends, Donal Jolley is the son of the first chief ranger of Zion National Park and was one of only a few people actually born in the park. He and his wife Velma were on hand for the opening reception and premiere.
Donal Jolley (left) greets JL Crawford at the premiere. Both were born in Zion Park. Watching are Don’s wife Velma, Don Falvey retired superintendent of Zion National Park, and Lyman Hafen, Executive Director of the Zion Natural History Association.
