The crowd slowly gathered at the Red Cedar Inn starting at about 11:15 AM. There was a bit of a drizzle, the seats had to be dried off, and people were worried that the celebration might get rained on. There were plenty of seats, but most people stayed standing and walked around.
The Pacific fire department came in, and raised the American flag high above the parking lot with the boom from the fire truck.
The crowd cheered as the flag was raised up all the way. There were conversations going on amongst the people, but many in the crowd were now asking when the caravan was going to arrive. There were reporters and observers lining the streets with cameras in hand.
The caravan, led by a police escort, soon appeared over the horizon. Leading the way was a limousine from the Route 66 Limousine service, carrying some of our local, county, and state dignitaries.
Following closely behind was the Route 66 caravan itself. An RV pulling a trailer, with a total length of 66 ft! (well, OK 65'9"... close enough!).
Pacific High School student Ayeesha Allen sang the song "Route 66" as the people exited the caravan and limo. "Route 66" (sometimes known as "Get Your Kicks on Route 66") was originally recorded by Bobby Troupe and made famous by Nat King Cole.
The color guard, made up of 4 local Pacific High School JROTC students, brought the flags up to the stage. After they were presented, Ayeesha led the crowd in a signing of the "Star Spangled Banner." Few people had noticed that a train that had been passing by had completely slowed to a stop on the tracks in front of the Red Cedar. As the song came to a close, the conductor blew his whistle twice, and everyone waved to the train. He then started up and went on his way. This was a complete surprise to everyone in attendance, including the people involved. It was a totally unplanned event.
Dr. Ed Hillhouse, the presiding county commissioner, was the master of ceremonies for the event. He got up and talked to the crowd a little about the history of Route 66 and the Red Cedar Inn.
Father Burton Miller was introduced and came on stage to bless the Red Cedar Inn and the ceremony.
Dr. Hillhouse then introduced Pacific mayor, Jeff Titter, who came on stage and presented the Red Cedar Inn with the proclamation declaring June 11, 2003 as "Red Cedar Inn Dedication Day."
