Rug Show 2011 - Getting Ready

by John Aldrich

Setting up the show represents the culmination of a year's work by many volunteers who have spent countless hours to preparing for this day. During the course of 5 or 6 hours, the Snow Park Lodge is transformed into a dazzling display of Navajo culture.

The early scene at the Lodge seems like one of chaos with boxes scattered everywhere. This disarray is quickly converted to order. A jumble of electrical cords seems an apt metaphor for the initial scene:

But it doesn't take long for things to start taking shape. John Percival can be seen on a ladder most every year helping to install the ceiling lights that illuminate the displays:

Not long after we started work, a weaver, Louise Cly, showed up with a beautiful large rug over 12 feet in length. Taking a photograph of a rug this size presented a challenge which was solved by using the stairs and a ladder:

Later, the rug was hung over the east exit by Mac Lund and Boyd Mitchell:

The biggest job is hanging the hundreds of rugs that make up the core of the show. Here is CJ Robb at work on a ladder:

While Susan Cook and Robin Field-Williams offer advice on the layout design:

One of the biggest jobs at the show is that of volunteer coordinator. This task was ably  shared this year by Elinda McKenna and Mac Lund. Setup day gave them a chance to get things organized:

Another important task that takes place Wednesday morning is stocking the condos where the Elders and their families will stay with a variety of food items for their use. Samantha and Brad Pyne arranged for the condos while Virginia Aldrich and Marie English shopped for and packed the food. Here is Virginia with her food stocking group pouring over a map of Park City to locate their delivery destinations:

Here's part of the hard-working group that helped hang lights and rugs:

In addition to the rugs, there are many other displays that must be assembled. One of the big jobs is setting up the tables of crafts. Here is part of the group that worked on that task:

And the result of some of their effort:

This display featured a variety of craft items that were made using sacks from Blue Bird Flour, a stable of the Navajo diet.

The final reward of all the volunteer work is seeing the show ready for the public. But an additional bonus is the lunch featuring a selection of delicious sandwiches prepared by Jean Glazer:

With the work done by 2:00, the show is ready for prime time.