News Release

Golden Spike Cancels May 10th Commemorative Event Due to COVID-19 Public Health Concerns

Date: April 23, 2020
Contact: Justin Glasgow

Promontory Utah - GOLDEN SPIKE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, in response to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Utah Department of Health, and Bear River Health District (Box Elder County), is announcing the cancelation of the Annual May 10th Celebration to support federal, state and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The decision conforms with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidance on mass gatherings and is consistent with state and county health orders resulting in the cancelation of large public events throughout Utah and across the country.

“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Golden Spike National Historical Park is our number one priority,” incoming Superintendent Brandon Flint said. “This year we will commemorate May 10th on a more individual and personal level. Visitors can find commemorative videos, stories and photos on the park website and Facebook page to learn more about the day that forever changed our nation.”

“The 151st anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion will still come to pass and deserves to be honored” said Co-Chairs of the Golden Spike Association, Norm and Willie Nelson.  “The association will produce the traditional 151st Anniversary commemorative playbill that visitors love to collect when they visit the park.” The playbills will be available in the visitor center this summer.

The park visitor center and bookstore remain temporarily closed, the National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website https://www.nps.gov/gosp/index.htm and https://www.facebook.com/goldenspikeNPS/.

Outdoor spaces and viewscapes at Golden Spike remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance, in addition entrance fees are currently being waived. Visitors may still explore the:

• Historic Last Spike Site

• Big Fill Hiking and Trail

• East Auto Tour

If contemplating a visit to a national park during this pandemic, the NPS asks visitors to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safer and healthier.
 

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.