Editor’s Note

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

Editor:
Last week I went to the Buckhorn Draw for the trial run of the large Order of the Arrow scouting project which will come to the county June 2008. I have been thinking about what an opportunity this is for our county to shine. One thousand people staying at the Canyon View Junior High school grounds will be an interesting sight. Keeping these scouts entertained at night will be an opportunity for the county to show off a little.
They have asked for any local people that are interested in providing programs or entertainment to contact them so arrangements can be made. They have asked for people with a knowledge of the local history of the Castle Valley to volunteer to speak to these scouts and introduce them to our area.
They will spend the majority of their time involved with the work project of tamarisk removal and one day they will spend sightseeing and involved in a recreational activity of their choice. They can choose from rafting, museum tours, fishing and other activities.
I was thinking and I’m not sure it’s possible, but why not. Could the Castle Valley Pageant be presented one evening while this group of scouts is in the county? Just bus them to the pageant site and let them experience the pioneer spirit of our area.
The pioneer village held before the pageant is always a wonderful event for young people to get a feel for how things were done in days long past.
My favorite is the homemade bread, ice cream and honey candy samples. What scout wouldn’t love being involved with that. Also the buggy ride and wagon rides are always a big favorite. I know the light and sound equipment is only brought in for a short time during the actual pageant days in August. But an abbreviated version put on for these 1,000 scouts and support people would be an outstanding entertainment event for them I think.
I’m sure it would be a lot of work for those involved to put on the pageant one day in June for these scouts, but I think it would be worth the effort involved to allow them to experience this great event our county has been involved in for the past 30 years.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Castle Valley pageant. I wonder if there are still people who live in our county and surrounding counties that have never seen it.
I was with a youth group the other night who went to see the Manti pageant and as always there are a few in the group who haven’t been before even though it’s just a short trip over the mountain and a good excuse to eat junk food all the way there and back.
Sometimes I think we don’t take advantage of all the recreational opportunities in our back yard. How long has it been since you visited Millsite Golf Course?
They boast a new restaurant now, Millsite View Restaurant and even if you’re not a golfer you can go enjoy the view and eat from the deck.
Life is good in our Emery County and we should promote and encourage visitors every chance we get. Life here is a secret too good to keep.
If these 1,000 scouts have a good time while here, we might have created lifetime visitors to our area.
Let’s work to make a good impression on all visitors to our county and treat them well so they will want to return and visit.