Last night I headed over to the Salt Palace to photograph the Boy Scouts of America 100th Anniversary Gala Celebration! It was a HUGE sold out event with 2,500 people in attendance. I was asked to photograph candids of the scouts as well as the evening program. Here's what I got...

The Venture Scout in the green decided he would act as a human mannequin in the display section. Other scouts got a kick out of it and watched him go up to what seemed to be 5 minutes without blinking!

The display tables had everything that scouts have used in the past 100 years. The old scout hand books were a hit!

The boy scout figurines that looked like Gi Joes were also a hit for the younger scouts!

I loved watching fathers point out books and merit badges to their sons :)

While the other 2 photographers were snapping away getting great shots of the scouts, I was allowed into the Grand Ballroom to get some photos of the tables and the scouts practicing for the opening ceremony.

Each person had a Boy Scout neckerchief at their table setting. We also got served a fabulous dinner and yummy dessert :)

I got a TON of close ups of the rehearsal. Looking through them, I giggled at most of the shots. People look kind of silly when they sing, but they sounded amazing!!

When the evening program began, it started with the Flag Ceremony while the scouts' chorus sang America The Beautiful.

Then the Pledge of Allegiance was given and I got some close ups of the scouts saluting on stage.

...the conductors and Lt.Governor Greg Bell spoke.

Cole and Clayton were awarded an Honor Medal with Crossed Palms. This is awarded to a scout who has demonstrated unusual heroism and extraordinary skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save a life at extreme risk to one's self.

This was such a sad moment to hear about and watch. They had both risked their lives to try and save Cole's mother in what proved to be a fatal fall for her on Mount Olympus. :(

Another award given was the Spirit of the Eagle which recognizes a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America who has lost their life in a tragic accident or through illness. 

Aaron Nemelka, a former Scout in the council lost his life at Fort Hood last November in the service of his country. His parents were there to receive the plaque.

Cheif Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca spoke last and was also honored with a Lladro "Classic Scout".

For the closing entertainment Eclipse (an A cappella group) performed some great songs and even sang some boy scout tunes that got the crowd moving!

I got SO MANY great close ups of the singers, but figured I should only post a few since this blog post is about the entire event
.... not just Eclipse ;)

I know I already posted this next photo... but it's sooo good!

At the closing the lights were turned down and 2,500 glow sticks lit up the room to represent A Shining Light Across America.

For those who weren't able to attend I hope my photos gave you a good look as to what happened at the event!