Colorful Pageant Planned For Bridge Dedication

THE formal opening of the Grand Canyon Bridge on June 14 next will be one of the most interesting and important events in the history of the southwest, if the present plans of the committees in charge of the official dedication are carried out.

Where once the creak of the ox-wain of the pioneer was heard o'er the trails of half a century ago, the trek of a huge motorcade from Salt Lake City and other points in Utah is being planned. Roads lead to the bridge from both the Utah and Arizona sides, and needed improvements will be made before the date set for the dedication.

The Arizona Highway Department will construct an airplane landing field near the site of the bridge especially for this occasion, since it is expected there will be numerous visitors by, plane.

Entertainment of varied character will be offered the visitors, as befitting so important an occasion. The dedication of the gigantic span connecting Arizona and Utah is an epoch in the history of the southwest. Navajo and Hopi Indians of northern Arizona will stage tribal and ceremonial dances and arrangements are being made to secure at least four bands for the celebration.

There will be addresses given by Governor Dern of Utah and Governor Phillips of this state, officials of the highway departments and Industrial Congress, under whose auspices the program is being arranged, and officials and leaders of both states who are interest-ed in the early development of thewestern country.

The dignitaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Utah will have an importantpart in the dedication and attendant ceremonies, as the early ferrying of the Colorado river at the mouth of the Paria is a part of the history of the Mormon migration into Arizona.

Jacob Hamblin, the "Leather Stocking of the Southwest," was the first white man to cross the Colorado river. He made the crossing at the mouth of the Paria at what is now known as "Lee's Ferry," in March 1864, and the following year a Mormon settlement was formed at or near the mouth of the Paria.

The Grand Canyon Bridge