Ribbon cutting celebrates opening of UFO Capital of Missouri Park

PIEDMONT, Mo. (KFVS) – A ribbon cutting on Thursday afternoon, May 23 celebrated the opening of the UFO Capital of Missouri Park.

According to a release from organizers, the first phase of the park is finished after nearly a year of planning.

In August 2023, the Missouri General Assembly passed SB139 designating Piedmont and Wayne County as the UFO Capitals of Missouri to mark the 50th anniversary of alleged unidentified flying object sightings in Piedmont.

The original bill sponsor Representative Chris Dinkins said the purpose of the designation was to increase tourism.

Dinkins joined residents for the ribbon cutting on Thursday.

After seeing all of the tourists in the area for the 50th Anniversary UFO Festival, hosted by the Piedmont Area Chamber of Commerce in April 2023, the community joined together to add murals, UFO-themed events and make plans to continue with the annual UFO Festival and parade.

A committee of business owners and residents worked with the city of Piedmont to organize the park, which is located at 220 Legion Park Road.

It was funded by donations from area businesses and residents. The city donated the land where the park is located, provided labor for installation and made sure government regulations were followed.

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