Today the arch was erected and what a show it was. All the local TV stations were here as well as the local print media. City councilors, county commissioners and state representatives came out to witness the event . Everyone was holding their breath as the center span was lifted into place wondering if it really would fit. When it came together there were cheers and clapping from the crowd. Everyone was in awe of how beautiful it is. The colors of the trout are vivid in shades of red, green and brown. It took so many people to make this happen and it all came together beautifully.

As it is an arch over the highway someone had ride in the first car under it. The vintage Ford convertible was offered and gladly accepted. The driver is Max Maydew and the passengers are Sheryl Maydew, and sitting on the back are Troutdale mayor Jim Kight and Rip Caswell. Rip is the person who designed the fish and first thought an arch in downtown Troutdale would look really cool.
I took the golden lettered picture just as the sun was setting today. It seems the arch will look different depending on the time of day. Click on any picture to get a closer view of it.

Here are some links to newspaper articles and a You Tube video about the Arch:

http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=126903946474208200
http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=126878903191947000


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02wUwkoYVb8