By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
The Mormon Handcart Pageant is set to play in Nephi
on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31 at the county fairgrounds arena at
dusk.
This is the first year of the pageant and the first
production of what organizers hope will become an annual
event.
In addition to the pageant, written from
information taken from the journals of Utah Handcart
Pioneers, there will be an historic craft fair, musical
entertainment, and a dinner.
Tickets to the pageant are free, however, those
planning to attend still need to reserve a seat in
advance of the production night.
There will be a charge for the dinner&emdash;$6.50
for adult and $4 for children 10 and under. Reservations
and tickets are required for the dinner.
To make reservations for the pageant, ask for
directions, reserve meal tickets or for more information
on the Mormon Handcart Pageant call the pageant hotline
at (435) 623-0196.
Reservations may also be made online at
www.handcart-pageant.com.
The pageant is being presented in remembrance of
the rescue of the Martin and Willie Handcart
Companies.
In order to accomplish the vastness of the task of
presenting the pageant, the committee is relying on
volunteers.
"When possible, we are using the posterity of these
early settlers in our pageant," Boswell said.
Those interested in contributing funds can also
contact Far West Bank in Nephi. An account has been set
up to accept donations for the non-profit effort.
Lapel pins are also available and may be purchased
from the Boswells. The pins cost $5 each.
"Under spotlight, this outdoor, night-time event
will depict moments of human greatness exemplified by
those tremendous Latter-day Saints," said Boswell.
He said the rescue had special meaning for
residents of the area because, after their arrival into
the Salt lake Valley, some of those handcart pioneers
were actually sent by Brigham Young to help settle Nephi
and the surrounding communities.
The story is a compelling one and it is hoped the
event will become an annual presentation. The
sesquicentennial of the handcart rescue will be in 2006,
Boswell said.
"After attending some of the presentations in
Wyoming, we decided it would be an excellent idea to have
something closer," he said.
Recently, $50,000 worth of lights were donated and
David Mostler, a local electrician, became the head
electrician over pageant lighting. In addition, Bob Lowe,
wagon master for the sesquicentennial re-enactment of the
1847 Mormon pioneer trek, moved to Mona and agreed to
serve as wagon master for the pageant.
