McNary Lock and Dam was dedicated on September 23, 1954. The ceremony became a major event, including food stands, traffic control, performances by multiple high school bands, a flying demonstration by the Navy’s “Blue Angels,” and a water show performed by the Tri-City Aqua Acrobats. The dedication ceremony was performed by Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States. An estimated 40,000 people attended the dedication.