Gov. Norm Bangerter and other officials participated in a tree planting Thursday at the State Fairgrounds, where many past visitors have complained of a lack of shade.

The governor planted the park's first flowering cherry tree next to the Horticulture Building.Many other trees have been planted or will be planted as a part of continuing efforts to beautify the park, said State Fair Director Jackie Nokes.

The park will be a tree-lined area. Some pine trees that were planted too closely together have been removed. With the new trees and some remaining pine trees it will be a beautiful area, Nokes said.

Nearly 100 trees were donated by the Utah State Fair Foundation and First Security Bank of Utah, officials said.

Nokes said fair staff members are planting 20 flowering cherries and 50 maple trees. Each of the latter are 20 feet tall. Many of the trees will be planted in a promenade area between the Administration Building and the Coliseum, Nokes said.

Following the tree planting Thursday, visitors took a tour through Exhibit Building No. 1, where a major restoration and remodeling project is under way.

Concrete is now being poured on the lower level and flooring and a other work has been completed on the second level, which, when completed in June, will be the site for State Fair balls.

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