The Flipping Pad

Posted by Erika R. on Aug 17, 2011 10:26pm

It was recently announced the coming of the St. George Wagon Company Expedition to the City of St. George, Utah the week of October 7-15th. The event commemorates 150 years since the arrival of the original Dixie Cotton Mission pioneers to the St. George area. The city will be host to as many as 50 covered wagons and hundreds of walking and hand-cart participants.

The 100-mile trip begins in Parowan, Utah and goes through portions of Iron County and Washington County following the Spanish Trail before arriving in St. George on the 15th. This expedition provides opportunities for individuals and families to experience life in a wagon company. The trip will last eight days as it winds its way through valleys and canyons throughout scenic southwestern Utah.

What better way to commemorate this event and to honor those that came before us than by having a small glimpse of the trials and challenges they experienced when settling in the area.

Expedition Schedule:

Friday, Oct. 7- Parowan – stage & start

Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 8-9- Enoch/Cedar Valley

Monday, Oct. 10- Desert Mound

Tuesday, Oct. 11- Page Ranch

Wednesday, Oct. 12- Abe Spring

Thursday, Oct. 13- Veyo

Friday, Oct. 14- Ivins

Saturday, Oct. 15- St. George – the big finish at Vernon Worthen Park

When the wagon train arrives, it will be accompanied by a parade of marching bands and descendants of the original Dixie pioneers. Morman Prophet Brigham Young was called to settle in the area in 1861 so this is a big celebration for Utah. Located in downtown St. George, Vernon Worthen Park will be the arrival point for the wagon company, which will kick off the Dixie Pioneer Heritage Festival.

The wagon company features information for those interested on their web site,

www.sgcity.org/wagontrain.com. The site is updated regularly and gives information for participation in the expedition and/or parade. Event sponsorship information is also available.