Faithful May Flock To Road Signs Law Officers Prepare For Crowds Coming To See Images Of Virgin

Law officers are gearing up for the prospect of large crowds that may come this weekend to view highway signs that reportedly show an image of the Virgin Mary.

Since last weekend, thousands of people have come to see two signs at the intersection of Yakima Valley Highway and Waneta Road near Sunnyside that reportedly show the rainbow-colored image.

Small groups continued Wednesday to look at 20 other signs along Interstate 82 from Union Gap to Grandview that also reportedly show images of the Virgin Mary.

While local visitors may be declining, officials worry that people from out of town may arrive this weekend.

Sunnyside police, Washington State Patrol troopers and others met Wednesday to discuss public safety.

Sunnyside Police Chief Wallace Anderson said he’s worried most about the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

Two of the most popular signs are located adjacent to a highway with a 50 mph speed limit. Others are along I-82, where cars travel at 70 mph.

“There was a spirit of cooperation and consensus (at the meeting) that everyone’s focus and concern is for safety,” Anderson said.

“We’re going to do the best we can to be as considerate as possible to everyone, whether it be people driving by or those who are coming to see the signs.”

Some believers say the image of the Virgin Mary can be found in the oblong swirls of color on the backs of the signs. Road engineers say the discoloring is probably the result of oxidation on the backs of the signs.