Thousands Attend Cedar City Railroad Centennial

The recently concluded centennial commemorating the arrival of the Union Pacific railroad is being hailed as a unqualified success. Thousands of people, young and old, traveled from across the state to attend various events and take a stroll down memory lane in appreciation of southern Utah’s rich history and connection to the railroad.

On Monday, June 19^th, three historical markers were unveiled with brief ceremonies and remarks from dignitaries, business owners, and former Utah Park employees. The former sites of the El Escalante Hotel, the Commissary Warehouse, and the Utah Parks Bus Garage were recognized and given a commemorative historical marker on site to showcase their part in history.

Tuesday featured a historic downtown walking tour with local historian and SUU professor, Ryan Paul, concluding at the Cedars Hotel on Main Street with a photo gallery exhibit and storyteller experience titled, “Memories of the U.P. (Union Pacific, Utah Parks) and You.” Over 100 people attended the evening, learning about local history, downtown details, and special memories from former Utah Parks and Union Pacific employees.

A scavenger hunt kicked off on Wednesday, with free admission to Homestead State Park and a special evening provided families an opportunity to play bingo, and board games, and view interactive displays.

On Thursday, a mural titled “Iron Ties of Prosperity” by local artists Randy Seely and Stacey Johnson was unveiled on the side of the Cedar Post Pawn Shop, formerly the railroad commissary building. The old train depot on the corner of Main Street and 200 North was host to a big community party known as the “Sing Away Social” with live entertainment, the community band, and a special “sing away” performed by former National Park employees in the outdoor amphitheater.

An invitation-only gala event hosted by Cedar City Mayor Garth O. Green took place on Friday at the former National Park bus garage, now Rainbow Sign & Decorworx. Dressed in 1920s attire, committee members and dignitaries experienced Charleston dancers, a barbershop quartet, and a special art piece presented to the Mayor by his children.

The week concluded Saturday with a party in the Main Street Park featured food vendors, games, chalk art, the community band, a children’s choir, train rides and more including a professional reenactment of President Harding arriving in Cedar City and the monumental speech he gave.

All week long, families enjoyed free trackless train rides at the Cedar Post Pawn Shop and at Main Street Park, including opportunities to visit various locations to complete a scavenger hunt card and redeem a commemorative prize at the Party in the Park.

And while the main events of the celebration have concluded, there are things community members can still participate in. A limited supply of exclusive wooden trains handcrafted by local business, The Happy Factory, are still available at City Offices at10 N. Main Street, for a minimum donation of $25.00.

The Cedar City Library will display its Antiques and Ancestry Exhibit full of photos, artifacts, and memorabilia on loan from community members from June 1st through August 1^st. The Historic Railroad Photography Exhibit is now available through September 2^nd at the Randall L. Jones Theater, and then will be taken to Southern Utah University’s Gerald R. Sherratt Library through October 6^th, followed by the Cedar City Library through December 1^st.

The railroad continues to be an important asset and economic driver for Iron County and the businesses that are seeking a centralized location in the southwestern United States. You can see more pictures at cedarcity.org/ccrr.