"Six more miles of the Avenue - DONE!" was the theme for the ceremony that pre-empted the opening of the final Lewis County portion of the Avenue of the Saints. The ceremony was held on August 20, 2007. It began at Mound Park, just over the Lewis/Clark County line. Dignitaries and area residents were invited to gather at the park for a welcome from the Clark County Commissioners. Immediately following the welcome, MoDOT lead a caravan of vehicles along the soon-to-be-open southbound lanes of the Avenue.
At the end of the six miles, the dignitaries riding in a car driven by Tom Boland, drove through a newsprint banner commemorating the significance of the event. The final two miles was driven on already-opened highway to Canton, where they met at Dave's Fireworks for the ceremony and a cookout hosted by the Canton Fire Department.
Area residents were invited to participate both in the caravan and the ceremony.
Tom Boland, former Missouri Highway and Transportation Commissioner, emceed the event
Nancy Goehl, Lewis County Presiding Commissioner
Mark Parkinson, Representative for Senator Christopher Bond
Brian Munzlinger, Missouri State Representative
Paula Gough, NE District Engineer, MoDOT
Scott Callicott, Representative for Congressman Hulshof