There is some concern about potential clashes with protesters from the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church, which has applied for a protest permit. They will be restricted to the same demonstration zone as the cane wave tribute, but Smith said she is asking anyone who participates to "remember who they are and why they're there and try very hard not to let protesters get to them.

"We've heard they are very aggressive, so I hope people will think before they act. This is their prophet and this is in tribute to him. We just really hope that people will just remember why they are there and what they stand for."

Though she has no way of knowing how many people will show up, Smith said word of the event has spread rapidly on the Internet and via word of mouth. Some people in other parts of the world have responded and plan to participate in their own areas, taking photos of their local events to post on a Web site that can be shared with others around the world.

"As church members, this can be a unifying event whether they are physically here in Salt Lake City or not. This is just a new phenomenon with new technology and the fact that we're able to get the word out so widely in such a short time. It's like those seminary students that texted each other to wear Sunday dress on Monday as a tribute.

"When people take it seriously, it will happen."

For information, see Smith's blog on the web at canewavetribute.blogspot.com.

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E-mail: carrie@desnews.com