The building was dedicated on May 21, 1942 in a party that drew local farmers and El Paso business people together for a barbecue dinner that also celebrated "Cotton Week." The dedication barbecue dinner cost $1 per person. The event featured actors playing characters such as "King Cotton," Uncle Sam and "Miss America" who would be escorted by military color guard from Fort Bliss. The band from Bowie High School was on hand to play while attendees ate. The dedication event saw around 5000 attendees and the "El Paso Times" called it "an epoch in local history." Karl O. Wyler served as master of ceremonies.