Ute tribal leaders to lead prayer in Park City for snow Saturday

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There will be a prayer for snow Saturday in Park City.

At the behest of Park City Mountain Resort, Frank Arrowchis of the Northern Ute Tribe will lead a "snow blessing" ceremony at noon in the resort plaza. After Arrowchis recites a prayer in English, Ute spiritual leader Albert Lance Manning will lead a traditional native song-and-dance performance "to encourage snowfall and moisture for Mother Earth."

Park City Mountain Resort spokesman Andy Miller said the public is being invited to help the cause by fasting Saturday until after the ceremony. Snow-themed refreshments then will be served.

Arrowchis has a track record with good results, Miller noted. A ceremony that he performed 10 years ago at Arches National Park kicked off the Olympic torch relay's final leg through Utah leading up to the 2002 Winter Games.

Mike Gorrell