YWCA officials kicked off their celebration of women's history month with a milelong "march for women."
"Women's history month was established in 1987 to recognize women who have been left out of history," said Jane Edwards, executive director of the Salt Lake City YWCA. "We encouraged people to dress up as their favorite woman in history."Mother Teresa, St. Joan of Arc, Billie Jean King and Betsy Ross, among others, attracted some attention from motorists while marching from the YWCA, 322 E. 300 South, around the City and County Building and back with about 150 other balloon-toting marchers.
The opening ceremony began with the presentation of the flag by Girl Scout Troop 899.
Mayor Deedee Corradini was greeted with loud cheers and a standing ovation as she stood to give her remarks.
"Now if I could get all of you to come to the Delta Center next time I speak," Corradini joked.
The YWCA has been a big part of the mayor's life. Her mother served on the board of directors for the YWCA for many years and actually met her father while living at the YWCA in Connecticut. "So thank goodness for the YWCA," she said.
Corradini said she was grateful for a supportive YWCA when she was a single mother raising two young children.
"If I had known about the costumes I would have come as Senator Margaret Chase Smith from Maine. She was the first woman senator for many years and one of my first mentors," Corradini said.
"Do not forget the miles we have left to travel," Edwards urged those in attendance. "Let us go forward proudly and passionately. We still have promises left to keep."
The YWCA celebration of women's history month will culminate at Abravanel Hall on March 26 with Helen Reddy in concert.