GREEN RIVER, Wyo., Aug. 15, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- U-Haul today announced the release of 2,200 new 10-foot moving vans showcasing John Wesley Powell and his extraordinary expeditions into the unexplored American West. Powell's journeys down the Green and Colorado Rivers explored the last great unknown within the continental United States.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5338
At 6 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2008, U-Haul will officially unveil the Wyoming SuperGraphic as its "Venture Across America" Campaign visits Expedition Island, 475 South 2nd East, Green River, Wyoming. Join us in celebrating the 7th Annual River Festival at Expedition Island, the park in Green River, Wyoming, which marks the location where Major John Wesley Powell began his amazing expeditions. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from local dignitaries and also enjoy festivities hosted by the Green River Chamber of Commerce. Each person attending will receive a free U-Haul commemorative T-shirt and informational book. The U-Haul giveaways are free.
On May 24, 1869, Major John Wesley Powell and a group of voyagers set out to discover the mysteries of one of the last unexplored regions in the continental United States. Powell was determined to discover, name and chart the unexplored rivers and canyons, with the ultimate goal of being able to guide Americans safely west. Powell's expeditions fired the imagination of the American public with the excitement of exploring a final frontier, and most importantly aided Powell in his understanding of how important management of western lands would be for future generations.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Green River Chamber of Commerce during the 7th Annual River Festival to educate the public about John Wesley Powell and his magnificent exploits," stated Michael Kemp, president, U-Haul Company of Utah. "Now, people all over North America will have the privilege of seeing and learning more about the expeditions into the American west. Major Powell and his voyagers now can be seen everywhere as they explore with U-Haul across North America on the sides of 2,200 moving vans."
"The River Festival is a celebration of the many things we do on and around the river," exclaimed Janet Hartford, executive director, Green River Chamber of Commerce. "The Chamber and the River Festival Committee are very excited to include the unveiling of the SuperGraphic with John Wesley Powell as part of those festivities. Powell was one of those extraordinary people who helped shape not just Green River but the entire country -- and it all began here!"
U-Haul has been decorating its moving trucks with vibrant images featuring distinctive features of every U.S. state and Canadian province since 1988 with the launch of the "America's Moving Adventure" and "Canada's Moving Adventure" U-Haul SuperGraphics Campaigns. The newest SuperGraphics are part of the "Venture Across America" Campaign that highlights little-known facts about North America. Nearly 200 different images have been created since the SuperGraphics Program began. They can be viewed online by visiting www.uhaul.com/supergraphics.
The U-Haul International, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5134
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
