Teton Commemoration begins on Friday, kicks off with Porter Park Carousel

Remember the Teton Dam Disaster through stories, exhibits and tours.That's how the city of Rexburg hopes residents will honor the June 5, 1976, tragedy that shook the Upper Valley to its core and brought thousands of volunteers to restore the region to a new normal."Connect through fun community events," the city said on its webpage. "Serve through hands-on projects that give back."The theme for the commemoration revolves around the phrase "Remember, Connect and Serve." It's also being dubbed "FLOOD 50." Plans call for week-long commemorations from Friday, May 29, through June 6 to honor residents and the thousands of volunteers who arrived in the Upper Valley within hours of the disaster to help.The week-long commemoration starts with the "Carousel Summer Kick Off" to be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Porter Park.The carousel is a large part of the disaster's history, as floodwaters tore the carousel apart, spreading its wooden horses throughout the region.The merry-go-round had been a much-loved part of the city since 1952 after being bought for $5,500 from Utah's Spillman Engineer Co. It provided 38 wooden horses.The carousel may have been lost to history had it not been for the efforts of the late Patricia Burton and her committee, who joined forces in raising money to restore the much-loved merry-go-round to its proper place in Porter Park.Burton formed a "Carousel Committee," held fundraisers and researched other merry-go-rounds in hopes of restoring the carousel. She insisted that the new toy equines be carved from wood — just as the old ones had been.By 1990, the carousel was restored, but Burton's committee continued raising money to build a shelter around the new facility. Since that time, the merry-go-round has kicked off each summer season and provided entertainment to area families. It still plays the carnival music it was known for in the 1950s.On Monday, Brigham Young University-Idaho will host a service project from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. where it will collect nonperishable food and donations of clothing at its East and West Viking Roundabouts near campus.Walking tours of Rexburg's Main Street and Sugar City will also be provided Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m."This engaging experience traces the path of the floodwaters as they moved through our downtowns, revealing stories and leaving a mark," officials stated. "Along the way, you'll hear stories from those who witnessed the flood, view historic photos and visual evidence, and uncover surprising facts about how the event impacted local businesses, buildings and daily life."While the tours honor the past, they also celebrate the present by showcasing new businesses and gathering places on Rexburg's Main Street. Maps may be picked up at either Rexburg City Hall or the Romance Theater starting June 1. A self-guided walking tour is also available for download.Also Monday at Rexburg City Hall, a "Commemorative Flood Exhibit: Just Add Water" will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will continue through Saturday."Experience the story of water in the Upper Snake River Valley and the impact of the 1976 Teton Dam flood in a powerful and personal way," officials stated. "Designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the flood, this new interactive exhibit is more than a historical display — it is a tribute to the resilience, unity and determination of a community bound together through tragedy."Monday from 5-8 p.m., a classic '70s car show will be held on Center Street near the Romance Theater."Check out a collection of slammin' '70s-era cars that are sure to take you on a trip down memory lane," the city wrote.At 7 p.m. Monday, a dance will be held featuring '70s hits at the theater."Dig out your bell-bottoms and dust off those platform shoes," the city stated. "It's time to get far out with a groovy celebration straight from the funky, flashy 1970s."Also that evening, a '70s era fashion show will feature clothing made by BYU-Idaho fashion students."Expect bold colors, big collars, polyester perfection and styles that truly bring the decade back to life," officials said. "But don't just watch. Be part of the scene. Come dressed in your grooviest '70s threads and strut your stuff in our community '70s costume contest. Whether you're rocking disco glam, laid-back hippie vibes or classic retro cool, this is your moment to shine."A '70s Kids Tribute Band will also entertain by "serving up all the classic hits that made the decade unforgettable.""Trust us, you'll want to dance," the city said. "Grab your friends, bring your best retro attitude, and come get your boogie on. This kickoff event is gonna be one for the history books."Tickets for the event may be purchased at https://checkout.square.site/.More activities are scheduled throughout the week. On Thursday, a guided river float down the Teton River will be held. The following day, bus tours will be offered starting from both Sugar City and Rexburg, where visitors may trace the path of the floodwater. On Saturday, the annual Teton Dam Marathon will be held. Also Saturday, a motorcycle rally will take riders from Teton Dam to American Falls Dam, where the floodwaters were contained.For more information on the upcoming events, visit Rexburg.org/o/arts/page/flood50-connect#70s.