The ribbon-cutting ceremony will actually take place on the new northbound lanes of Route 61 just south of the Wyaconda River bridge between LaGrange and Canton. The public who are interested in attending this portion of the festivities are asked to park at the LaGrange ball field on Route C. They will be escorted to the ceremony by local law enforcement after the dignitaries.

Complete with a beautiful personalized blue ribbon, scissors, balloons, Canton and Lewis County High School bands and flags. A moment of silence will be held at the ribbon cutting to remember those who have lost their lives on the highway. After the actually cutting, 526 balloons, provided by the SMART group, will be released, signifying the 526 miles of the Avenue of the Saints from St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Attendees will then participate in the ceremonial drive up to Route P at Canton where a public reception is being sponsored by members of SMART.

*Ribbon Cutting shown in Yellow*

*For more information, call 1-888-275-6636 or email brownm2@mail.modot.state.mo.us*