Popcorn, music, dirty soda bar, new Cokeville apparel, family and friends were all part of the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the mural on the Cokeville Town Hall.

Though two months have passed since the mural was completed, a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was held on July 24, 2026. The mural was part of the Semiquincentennial Grant Program that was launched last year in Wyoming.

A block of Main Street was closed off for the event that drew close to 200 people. Current residents, former residents and family of residents all gathered for a short program followed by drinks, popcorn and music.

“The ribbon cutting ceremony couldn’t have turned out better! It was a beautiful night, and we were so happy to have the overwhelming support from the community. I am proud to belong to a community with an amazing heritage and bright future,” said Ashbee Thompson, Beautification Committee chair.

Deb Tims, a Beautification Committee member, presented the winners of the community voting coloring contest. The three winners, Rachel Hoffman, Gentri Pond and Annie Kelley. All received an award, and a copy of their art that had been turned into postcards. The postcards will be available at the Cokeville Town Hall.

The Logan Gallery mural artists Tanner Stephenson, David Frias and MacKenzie Maness were in attendance and got to visit with the community and be part of the ribbon cutting. They spent the two days prior painting the doors for the Cokeville Fire Department, which is part of the Bear River Fire District, incorporating a new logo designed by Maness.

Each artist shared a few words about the mural and their experience when coming to Cokeville. Stephenson said, “Cokeville has been so welcoming and meaningful,” he continued to say that he has “done 120 murals and this has been the most impactful project.”

Fire Chief KayDell Luthi thanked the artist for “helping to make Cokeville a beautiful place and a new face on the fire doors. Big thank you to the Bear River Fire District Board for their dedication and service that makes these things possible and to make it successful.”

Mayor Colby Peck shared a few thoughts before he, the artist, beautification committee members, artist selection committee members, town council members and Fire Chief Luthi cut the ribbon.

“As you look across this wall, you can see the journey of this town unfold. You see the trails carved by pioneers and settlers. You see the strength of ranching families, the arrival of the railroad, the rise of commerce, and the determination of the people who built lives here through hard work, sacrifice and vision,” Peck said.

Stephenson, Maness and Frias all showed emotion as Peck spoke about the mural.

‘The railroad running through the center of this mural reminds us that communities are always moving forward. Generation after generation, this town has adapted, grown, endured hardships and continued building towards something better,” Peck said as Stephenson smiled and nodded.

Tears fell down the face of Maness as Peck spoke about how the mural was truly a community effort. Maness had spoken earlier about how she loved coming to Cokeville, the warm welcome they received, the helping hands offered in a variety of aspects. “In many ways, the creation of this mural reflects the very history it portrays people working side by side to build something lasing for future generations, said Peck.

The evening ended with E.J. Pauni’s mix of tunes playing as many socialized, ate (and spilled popcorn), drank dirty drinks and danced in the street.