Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Sam Penrod reporting Tonight a community celebration will be held for the public, to thank them for their efforts in helping to find Elizabeth.
It was just a few days after Elizabeth was kidnapped, that hundreds of people gathered in Liberty Park for a candle light vigil.
| **Community Celebration For Elizabeth's Return** Friday at 6:00 PM Liberty Park - Northwest Quadrant Shuttle Available from Parking Lot North of Franklin Covey Field |
But Friday night, the occasion will be a far happier one, to celebrate the safe return of Elizabeth to her family. For so many people in Utah and across the country, the story of Elizabeth Smart has affected them and they have shared their concern and made efforts to look for her. And tonight this is the city's and family's way of saying thank you.
Volunteers are already beginning to set up for the free event that is open to the public.
Numerous businesses are donating food for the celebration which we are told will also include fireworks.
Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson will speak, along with a representative from the Smart family.
There will also be music performed by fomer Utah Jazz player Thurl Bailey.
The celebration will begin at six oclock tonight in the North west corner of Liberty Park.
Because of the concerns for parking, city officials are asking people to car pool or take UTA buses or TRAX.
A special shuttle bus will run from the Ballpark TRAX station to LIberty Park.
We are told there are NO plans for Elizabeth Smart to make an appearence tonight.
KSL will have live coverage of the event between 6 and 7 oclock tonight, but we do plan to join NBC programming at 7 tonight.
Again tonight's celebration here at Liberty Park is free and open to the public.
