June 2019 Celebrations in Utah County

JUNE 2019

CELEBRATIONS

IN UTAH COUNTY

www.heraldextra.com

PONY EXPRESS DAYS

OREM SUMMERFEST

ART CITY DAYS

STRAWBERRY DAYS

SARATOGA SPLASH

LEHI ROUND-UP

2 May 26, 2019

Table of Contents

4

Pony Express Days

www.heraldextra.com

11

Orem Summerfest

STAFF Publisher Scott Blonde

Executive Editor

6

Art City Days

13

Strawberry Days

Jordan Carroll

City Editor Kurt Hanson

Design

9

Saratoga Splash

15

Lehi Round-Up

Heather Marcus

86 N. University Ave, #300 Provo, UT 84601 801-373-5050 • 800-880-8075

DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

Kids enjoy the festivities and the setting up of hot air balloons in anticipation during the Art City Days Hot Air Balloon Festival June 11, 2016 in Springville.

DAILY HERALD City Celebrations  3

4 May 26, 2019

CITY

Eagle Mountain sticks to its roots with 2019 Pony Express Days MICHELLE BARNES

Herald Correspondent

W

ith significant growth happening this year in Eagle Mountain, Pony Express Days venues and events have changed to utilize a newly-built park and accommodate a growing city. The carnival will move this year from Nolan Park to a larger venue at Wride Memorial Park. The park has extensive open space and will provide what the city believes to be the ideal environment to host the large carnival, local entertainment, boutique and vendor booths, and food trucks.

Another change comes from construction on the normal parade route.

While roads are expanding to allow more residents an easy commute to City Center, the parade will change location and move in the opposite direction. Linda Peterson expressed that “due to growth in the city and additional development in the area where the lineup was previously staged” the Pony Express Days Grand Parade will be changing routes this year to run from Smith Ranch Road moving west to Red Hawk Ranch Road. As usual, prizes are awarded in a annual float competition and parade floats will be tossing goodies and candy for the children lining the parade route.

Although several changes are in place for Pony Express Days this year, the locally-founded Cupcake Charity will continue to run as it has and provide service in the form of a fun run. Every year the city hosts the Pony Express Days Cupcake Charity 5k to help a local family in need. All proceeds from participants’ registration will be help-

DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

Kids jump through bounce houses during the Pony Express Days Family Fun Night on May 31, 2017 in Eagle Mountain.

ing a local Eagle Mountain family with extensive medical bills and expenses.

The race consists of a 5K at 7 a.m. and a kids fun run at 8 a.m. Racers can register through May 30.

Also returning and staying in the same location as previous years at Nolen Park is the family fun night. The night starts at 4 p.m. and features “more inflatables than ever before and new additions for smaller children!”

Food trucks will be in attendance, the city will offer free popcorn and cotton candy, music will be provided by Gotta Dance, and the movie “Ralph Breaks the Internet” will start at 9 p.m. to kick off the city’s summer tradition of Movies in the Park.

In addition to the events held by the city, Pony Express Events will be holding its annual rodeo the May 24 through May 27 and the demolition derby on Saturday, June 1. The Eagle Mountain Symphony Orchestra will also hold a free concert at 8 p.m. Friday, May 31 at Silver Lake Amphitheater.

Another addition to this year’s partnered events is a motorcycle adventure ride and campout. Riders will have the choice of two routes depending on skill level and type of motorcycle, with both routes heading towards Eureka. More information pertaining to this event can be found on the city’s website.

On Saturday, a free rock concert will be held at the park featuring Salt Rock City, a group from Salt Lake City that covers bands like Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers and ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD Muse. Their concert will be followed by Runners near the finish line during the 5K Cupcake Charity Run on June 2, 2018, near a firework show to finish out the week the SilverLake Amphitheater in Eagle Mountain. of events.

DAILY HERALD City Celebrations 5

Race for charity and cupcakes at Pony Express Days MICHELLE BARNES

Herald Correspondent

P

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Cupcakes wait to be eaten by finishers during the 5K Cupcake Charity Run on June 2, 2018, at the Silver Lake Amphitheater in Eagle Mountain. when we help someone in need. We do whatever we can to add sweetness to their lives. We have worked with so many amazing families who have blessed our lives so much.”

The charity is run entirely by group of volunteers who dedicate their time to organize multiple events.

They have put together numerous races, princess

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ony Express Days features activities you’d expect from a summer celebration in Utah, but one of the events sets itself apart and gives back to the community.

The Cupcake Charity is a 5K and kids fun run that takes place on Saturday morning every year during Pony Express Days, with all proceeds given to a local family in need.

Executive Director Sheena Norman shared that the charity was “started back in 2010 by a few women in Eagle Mountain. We had a friend whose husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was self-employed and therefore the insurance they had would not cover everything he would need to go through medically to care for this tumor. We wanted to do something to help our friend and started racking our brains trying to come up with ideas of how we could raise money for the family. After a lot of thought, we decided that we would put on a 5K that would include a kids fun run and bake sale.”

They were amazed by the amount of donated baked goods and the list of runners wanting to participate, and knew they had to continue the charity to help others that were struggling in their community.

Norman added, “Our motto for our charity is “Adding Sweetness to Life,” and that is exactly what we do

parties, fun runs, sub for santas, and they have participated in various Eagle Mountain city events. The events they facilitate bring 150-600 runners out to the trails of Eagle Mountain to race for a cause.

The city and local businesses get involved as well.

Norman shared, “We have typically had a great response from Eagle Mountain city and local businesses who are always willing to donate swag items, water, cupcakes, cakes, raffle items, etc.”

Norman said, “We knew when we started this charity that we wanted to help as many people as we could. We are not a large charity and are not able to help everyone, but we do as much as we can and love every minute of it. We have a great community who is always willing to come out and support our cause.”

When it comes time to pick a recipient for the benefits of the events, the charity seeks out nominations from the community.

“Once we receive the nominations, we then go through a process within our committee to choose a family who will receive the benefits. We are currently working through picking our family for this year’s Pony Express 5K. We hope to be able to announce the family within the next few days,” Norman said.

Runners looking to race for a cause and ease the burdens of a local family can sign up at https://www. raceentry.com/2019-pony-express-days-cupcake-charity-5k/race-information.

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Springville keeping with tradition and ‘soaring to new heights’ in annual Art City Days ARIANNE BROWN

Herald Correspondent

T

he first week of June, the city of Springville will hold its annual Art City Days, filled with festivities that include a carnival, parade, 5K run, balloon festival, fireworks and of course an art show to commemorate the city’s roots.

It was in 1849 when Springville — not yet a city — began its journey toward what is now known for its contribution to the arts. According to a report published on the city’s website, pioneer artist, Philo Dibble, an early Springville settler, envisioned what he called, “The creation of a fine arts museum or gallery to be established for the benefit of the Mormon people.” While Dibble’s premonition wasn’t realized until after his death, his push for an art-centered community helped pave the way for many artists and art collectors to eventually build Utah’s first museum of art.

Over the years, the city has continued its long-standing support for the arts which is evident in several of its events during Art City Days, including its daily art festival, children’s art festival and highlighting a resident artist at the parade. The art show will be held at the Brown Gallery that was recently restored after a devastating fire in 2017, once again showing Springville’s commitment to local art.

Alongside keeping with its artistic roots, the city is moving forward as it believes it embraces growth and even welcomes new police chief, Craig Martinez, just in time for Art City Days. It could be said that Springville is “soaring to new heights,” which is the theme of this year’s event.

In keeping with the theme, there will be a Balloon Fest, where 12 balloons will be launched and free balloon rides will

DOMINIC VALENTE, DAILY HERALD

Kids enjoy the festivities and the setting up of hot air balloons as they rise into the air during the Art City Days Hot Air Balloon Festival June 11, 2016 in Springville. be offered. There will also be an Eagles tribute band from Colorado called, “The Long Run,” who will perform soaring renditions of songs from their favorite band to close out the festivities the evening of June 8.

Other events to be aware of are the 5K Family Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. on June 1, Hometown Rodeo at 6:30 p.m. on June 1, Talent Festival at 7 p.m. on June 1, outdoor movie at 9:00 p.m. on June 3 and the fireman’s breakfast starting at 6:00 a.m. June 7 and 8.

ARTCITYDAYS CITY

EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD

Springville firefighters make pancakes during the Art City Days annual Fireman’s Breakfast at Springville’s Fire Station No. 41 on June 7, 2018, in Springville.

DAILY HERALD City Celebrations 7

Springville Art City Days artist honored months after shattering arm in snowboarding crash ARIANNE BROWN

Herald Correspondent

I

n conjunction with its annual Art City Days happening the first week of June, the city of Springville has chosen Alison Watson as its Resident Artist for 2019.

Earlier this year, however, the artist who specializes in pottery couldn’t even move her arm, let alone throw a pot.

It was on Jan. 17 when Watson, who is also a ski instructor at the Sundance Mountain Resort, was getting ready to teach a class. It was a stormy day, and visibility was low. Watson had some time before her class to do some free riding on the back mountain, so she took advantage of her alone time to get in some good snowboarding runs.

That’s when it happened.

In an instant, Watson found herself colliding with another snowboarder at full speed, around 20 to 30 miles per hour. While being thrown in the air, she caught a glimpse of her mangled, dangling arm before landing on the hard snow below.

“I really thought I was the only one out there until the accident,” Watson said. “I ride regular, and the other border rides goofy, so we had our backs to each other. Neither one of us was aware that the other was there until the crash. It was really by all accounts an accident.”

Thankfully, the other boarder was able to walk away uninjured, but the impact of the crash ended up breaking Watson’s humerus in 10 pieces. That day, she went in for surgery that required putting in 15 screws and a rod to piece her arm back together. Worse than that, the accident threatened her future as a professional potter — something she had worked toward for many years.

“I have always been an artist, but learned ceramics 20 years ago in college,” she said. “I took to it naturally, and even sold a few pieces in college.

I had to put ceramics behind me while putting my husband through school and raising our four kids. I dabbled in it here and there over the years, mostly as a hobby, but it was in 2017 when I decided that I wanted to pick it up again, and this time make it a business.”

COURTESY ALISON WATSON

Alison Watson Her natural knack for throwing pots proved itself when in no time, Watson became a local hit, selling pieces at Lemon & Sage Market, Hobble Creek Coffee, making pieces for shops near Zion National Park, and creating custom pieces for individuals locally. Early success made Watson feel like her choice to pursue a career in pottery was the right one. And even following the accident, she said she never lost hope in that dream.

“Doing pottery for a living just felt right,” Watson said. “It is a good antidote for me that makes me feel good, and I like being able to make things that are useful. When I had my accident, I instantly thought of the immobility, and not being able to throw pots was scary.

But I also felt like everything would be OK because I have a wonderful family, I live in a great community with people who would help, and I had faith in my body’s ability to heal.”

Following the surgery, Watson said she began focusing on being positive and healing.

“I went after healing like it was my full-time job,” she said. “I read good books, listened to good music and podcasts, and really focused on positive things that fed my soul. When I felt good enough to get up and move around, I did, and slowly my hand began to come back to life. I was so happy

COURTESY ALISON WATSON

Alison Watson working with pottery.

“Doing pottery for a living just felt right. It is a good antidote for me that makes me feel good, and I like being able to make things that are useful.” ­— Alison Watson when I could do things on my own, like tie my own shoes.”

Her ability to do things started coming back bit by bit. Watson was even able to teach some snowboarding classes at Sundance the last few weeks of the season. Pottery, however, took a little longer to come back.

“After three months of rehabilitation, I was finally able to start throwing pots,” Watson said. “I started out slowly, and fully expected to struggle for a while. I was surprised when the first day back, I was able to throw 10 pots that all turned out. It was a sunny day, and I decided to work outside. I had the neighbor kids out there cheering for me. It was so amazing! I have really appreciate the community support.”

It’s the community of Springville that

Watson said has helped her to get where she is today, and she says she is honored to be the resident artist at Art City Days.

“My family and I moved to Springville from Washington, D.C. seven years ago,” Watson said. “It was actually the name, ‘Art City’ that drew us here to begin with. Not only am I glad to be part of a community that celebrates the arts, but one that is filled with such wonderful people. To have the community I love, support me in my work during Art City Days is such an honor, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.

Watson will be honored at a City Council meeting and during the Art City Days Grand Parade on Saturday, June 8. To see some of Watson’s work, follow her on Instagram @alisonwatsonpottery.

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DAILY HERALD City Celebrations 9

The Force is strong with Saratoga Splash Days MICHELLE BARNES

Herald Correspondent

A

t Saratoga Splash Days you can ride the ferris wheel, eat at your favorite food truck, watch the parade, and then fight an epic battle on the side of good or evil.

If you have a young wannabe Luke Skywalker or Kylo Ren in your family, you’ll definitely want to show up to Thursday’s events at Neptune Park in Saratoga Springs. Corrine Prestwich expressed the desire of Saratoga Springs to always have unique activities during their summer celebration, and this evening will be full of excitement for all ages.

Going along with their theme “Saratoga Splash Days is out of this world”, which Prestwich says was chosen in part to celebrate the Apollo 11 lunar landing, the city decided on a much-loved Star Wars theme for Thursday.

Starting at 7 p.m. with the help of the local group Your Fairy Godmother, a team of trained vocalists and actors, elementary kids ages five

to 12 can sign up to train with and battle their favorite heroes and villains. The registration fee is $12 and includes a lightsaber to fight with and take home! Registration is open on the city website and includes four sessions with limited availability.

On Thursday evening, kids will spend a portion of time training with the good guys like Luke Skywalker and Rey and then will also have a chance to train with characters like Darth Vader and Kylo Ren. After they finish training and are ready for battle, the kids will take the stage at the park to fight with or against their favorite characters.

During the on stage battles, characters will be available for pictures with participants and those in attendance.

Prestwich says, “all ages are welcome to get their photos taken with characters that are not currently on stage.”

Following the battle will be a chance to show off Star Wars costumes. All ages are welcome to dress in their Star Wars best. The city hopes to see a great turnout of storm troopers, jedis,

COURTESY PHOTO

and everyone in between.

The Stars Wars-themed night ends with an outdoor showing of “A Force Awakens,” the first movie in the Summer Movie Nights series put on by Saratoga Springs.

While the nights events will be-

tween 5-9 p.m., the community fair and carnival will be open as well as food trucks in the park. The city is expecting Kona, Killer Dogs, Donut Kabobs, Fatty Tuna, Spuds, Fry Me To The Moon, Silver Moon Taqueria, and Smokin’ Roadside Grill.

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Saratoga Springs adds new events like pickleball musical mixer to 2019 Splash Days MICHELLE BARNES

Herald Correspondent

B

etween Jedi training and a new “pickleball musical mixer,” the city of Saratoga Springs has tried to think of everything and everyone in this year’s Splash Days celebration.

Activities take place between June 10-15 and kick off at Neptune Park as they have in past years. The chalk walk and concert open the week of festivities with chalk art of all levels covering the sidewalks of the park.

Tuesday will bring the animal show and Lance Nielsen Magic for the kids at Neptune Park. Meanwhile, a new pickleball musical mixer will be going on at the new Patriot Park.

David Johnson, spokesman for the city, said, “We are excited to be adding a pickleball mixer to our list of activities for Saratoga Spring’s Splash days celebration. This mixer is a great way to get outside, have fun, meet your neighbors,

and engage in the events happening during Splash Days.”

On Wednesday, the Splash Bash will take place at Sunrise Meadows Park, which is a favorite for the little kids. The afternoon activity includes water slides, a water balloon and water gun fight, and the infamous foam and fire truck spraying. Later that evening the city has organized the “Search for Saratoga” which is a competition for couples, families, or friends, with a similar feel to “The Amazing Race.”

Johnson said that in addition to the pickleball mixer, the city added a Star Wars-themed night and a Battle of the Bands competition this year. The Star Wars evening begins with Jedi training for kids ages 5-12. The event invites kids to “join Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Rey and Kylo Ren, along with Jedi Knights and Masters for a Jedi Training course. Learn how to hold and fight with a lightsaber!” Following the

CITY training will be a battle on stage at the park. Thursday night ends with a costume contest and The Force Awakens at the first family movie night of the season.

Friday will open the Splash Days Boutique with local vendors and at 8 p.m.

The Party Crashers will be performing their show in the park. The group consists of seven performers who say they “perform their show all over the world bringing their unique blend of energy, choreography, staging, impersonations, medley’s and all-out fun!” They also add, “It’s like having Katy Perry and David Guetta crash your party!” Their concert will end with a 9:30 p.m. firework show in the park.

Saratoga Splash Days ends Saturday with a day packed full of activities and events. The day kicks off with an early morning volleyball tournament in the park, which participants can register for, along with other sports activities, on the city’s sport registration page.

At 10 a.m., the parade begins at 1200 North and Foothill Boulevard, turns left onto 400 North, heads east until Thunder Boulevard and ends at Westlake High School.

After the parade, the day continues with a car show, boutique, food truck league, battle of the bands, a watermelon eating contest, and ends with a concert featuring the winners from the earlier competition.

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DAILY HERALD City Celebrations 11

Summerfest to celebrate Orem’s 100th birthday LAURA GILES

Herald Correspondent

O

rem Summerfest welcomes the summer season every year, but this year is special because the city of Orem is celebrating its 100th year. Because of this, activities have been ramped up to provide extra celebrating for the community. Summerfest will take place June 10-15.

For the last few years, Summerfest has been spread over two parks.

“After much consideration and feedback, we have decided to move everything to one park,” said Steven Downs, deputy city manager. “This will allow families to enjoy all of the action of Summerfest, without having to travel to multiple parks.” The festivities will take place in City Center Park, 200 E. 100 North.

Summerfest will kick off with a Monday night party that will include free ice cream for the first 1,000 people and live music from a local band, Jerseystreet. It will be followed by a world-renowned storyteller.

Something else that is new this year is that the annual Family Day has been lengthened to have the carnival rides begin at noon on June 13, rather than 6 p.m.

“This should help to spread out the Thursday lines and give more people an opportunity to enjoy the event,” Downs said. On that day, all rides take just one ticket. All tickets are $1. Tickets for the carnival can be purchased between now and the event at the Orem Public Library.

The Re-Imagined Summerfest Car Show has been enhanced this year to include military vehicles, as well as a free family barbecue. Held from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 12 at Scera Park, 600 S. State St., the show includes a collection of classic cars. There will also be a variety of activities available, including a train that children can ride around the park.

Additional stage entertainment will be added this year with a Scales and Tails reptile exhibit and juggling acts.

A charity golf tournament hosted by the Kiwanis Club will be added to the Summerfest lineup and held from 8 a.m. to

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Andrew Reeves, of Orem, looks about at other competitors between eating hot dogs during the second-annual Wienerschnitzel Hot Dog Eating Competition as part of Orem Summerfest on June 7, 2018, at Orem City Center Park.

Summerfest CITY

noon June 12. The proceeds will go to help children in need who live in Orem.

Popular yearly events that will be back again including the fireworks show that begins at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.

This show will be larger this year than usual to celebrate Orem’s 100th year, according to Downs.

Other Summerfest favorites that will be back this year are kids’ crafts, hot dog eating contest, pie eating contest, boutiques in the park, performing arts celebration, live musical shows and a pool party. The party will be from 6 to 9 p.m.

June 11 at Scera Pool, 701 S. State St. “I love Summerfest in Orem. It truly is a community event. I love the chance to walk the parade route and to mingle and visit with all of our residents during

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Anna Desorcy, of Orem, sets down a tray of 15 hot dogs before the second-annual Wienerschnitzel Hot Dog Eating Competition as part of Orem Summerfest on June 7, 2018, at Orem City Center Park.

the festivities at the park,” said Mayor and kids enjoy walking around and then Richard Brunst. “After the parade, Cen- later sitting and watching the great fireter Street is closed off and many families works show.”

12 May 26, 2019

Orem Summerfest is honoring a GRAND MARSHALS whopping 21 grand marshals in212019 OREM’S

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE FROM OREM’ S 21 PAST MAYORS

PA ST MAYORS

LAURA GILES

Herald Correspondent

T

wenty-one people will be honored this year as Orem Summerfest’s grand marshals. Typically one or two people are chosen as grand marshals for city celebrations and parades, but Orem is celebrating big this year because it is the city’s 100th birthday.

“It is an honor and privilege to welcome Orem’s previous mayors as this year’s Grand Marshals,” current mayor Richard Brunst wrote for an Orem Summerfest flyer. “It is fitting that they should be given thanks and honored in this our centennial year celebration.

These men and women have given many years of countless service to our community. It is in no small part due to the efforts of public servants such as these that our city has progressed well and now ranks high among the cities of our nation.”

Brunst said that it was decided by the Summerfest Committee to honor the city’s past mayors, as this is the 100th anniversary of Orem. “All of our past mayors dedicated a lot of their time and effort to ensure the progress, growth, success of our beautiful city,” he said.

Orem’s first mayor was J. Lawrence Snow, who served from 1919-1925. The city’s second mayor, J.W. Gillman, served the most years, as he was mayor from 1925-1931 and again from 1946-1953.

Another former mayor, James Mangum, served terms separated by years of not serving, as Gillman did. Mangum was Orem’s mayor from 1966-1967 and 19741981.

The city’s first female mayor was Joyce Johnson, who served in 1991. She was followed by the city’s only other female mayor, Stella Welsh, who served from 1992-1997. Brunst has been Orem’s mayor since 2014.

The five living grand marshals and living spouses of those who have passed away will ride in the Summerfest Parade on June 15, will be invited to the other Summerfest festivities and will be attending and honored at the Mayor’s Centennial Ball on June 1.

While there have been city celebrations for many years, the city’s yearly celebration officially became known as “Sum-

J. Lawrence Snow

J.W. Gillman

Ivan J. Burr

Emery McKellip

B.M. Jolley

1919-1925

1925-1931 & 1946-1953

1932-1935

1936-1937

1938-1945

Ray E. Loveless

LeGrand Jarman

Luzell Robbins

V. Emil Hansen

Melbourne D. Wallace

1953

1954-1957

1958

1958-1959

1960-1961

G. Milton Jameson

James Magnum

Winston M. Crawford

DeLance Squire

Blaine Willes

1962-1965

1966-1967 & 1974-1981

1968-1973

1982-1985

1986-1991

Joyce Johnson

Stella Welsh

Joe Nelson

Chris Yandow

Jerry Washburn

1991

1992-1997

1998-1999

1999

2000-2011

It is an honor and a privilege to welcome Orem’s previous Mayors as this year’s Grand

Marshals. It is fitting that they should be given thanks and honored in this our Centennial Year celebration. These men and women have given years of countless service to our community. It is in no small part due to the efforts of public servants such as these that our city has progressed well and now ranks high among the cities of our nation.

Jim Evans

- Mayor Richard Brunst Jr. (2014 - present) summerfest.orem.org

2011-2013

merfest” in June 1977, according to Steven Downs, deputy city manager.

This year’s Summerfest will be held June 10-15. Some of the most popular activities during the annual celebration are the baby contest, pool party, kickoff party and the fireworks. For a full list of events and for opportunities to volunteer, check out the Summerfest’s website at summerfest.orem.org.

2019

Summerfest CITY

11

DAILY HERALD City Celebrations 13

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD

Bullfighter Chuck Swisher watches as kids chase down the cash cow during the Strawberry Days Rodeo held June 20, 2018, at the PRCA Rodeo Grounds in Pleasant Grove.

United under the ‘G’ for 2019 Strawberry Days LAURA GILES

Herald Correspondent

B

Something new this year will be sidewalk chalk art, where community members can help to create a large mural on the street corner of 200 S. Main St. That’s not the only art that will be involved with Strawberry Days. The Children’s Art and Photography Show is a yearly event. Children ages 18 and younger can enter artworks and they will be on display in the city’s recreation center throughout Strawberry Days. The theme for the show is “Un-

oth longtime, generational Pleasant Grove residents and newcomers are welcome and united under the “G.” “United Under the ‘G’” is the 2019 Strawberry Days theme, and the committee hopes that everyone comes out to celebrate at the longest-running celebration in Utah.

“We’re so excited for this year and next year as we ramp up for the 100th celebration,” said Lisa Young, Strawberry Days committee chairperson.

“We’re having a great time getting ready. I love this city and this celebraCITY tion.”

Strawberry Days will be held June 15-22 and will begin with der the G.” an annual Firemen’s Pancake BreakOther popular events include a Confast, which will be held at the city’s cert in the Park where free strawberries new fire station, 200 S. Main St., from and cream will be served. The concert 6 to 11 a.m. will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Park, On that same day, there will be a 582 E. 300 South, at 7 p.m. June 18.. The car show and car cruise, which will be group “Goodnight Richard” will perheld at Shannon Park, east of the rodeo form. grounds at 220 S. State St., from 8 a.m.

Huck Finn Day, which is always ento 2 p.m. The car show is a fundraiser joyed by children of all ages, will be held for the Pleasant Grove Police Depart- from 9 a.m. to noon June 21 at the Pleasment and proceeds will help fund its ant Grove Recreation Center, 547 S. Lonew K9, Django. The 3-year-old Ger- cust Ave. There will be fishing, games, man Shepherd will be there to meet prizes, train rides, face painting and visitors. There will also be food vendors and a silent auction.

Please see PG, Page 14

StrawberryDays

14 May 26, 2019

Strawberry Days 2019 Grand Marshals feature 2 couples dedicated to Pleasant Grove LAURA GILES

Herald Correspondent

T

wo couples are being honored this year as Grand Marshals of Pleasant Grove’s Strawberry Days.

Colleen and Mark Bezzant and Zeke and Lorraine Perry will have the opportunity to participate in and be recognized at the city celebration that they love.

Strawberry Days has been a big part of both couples’ lives as they have been residents of Pleasant Grove for many years.

“The Bezzants have been synonymous with the word ‘giving’ since the beginning of Pleasant Grove.

No one exemplifies what we should all strive for more than they do. I’m so grateful for their example to everyone,” said Lisa Young, Strawberry Days committee chairperson.

“It’s a tremendous honor, being grand marshals in the finest city,” said Mark Bezzant.

Mark Bezzant is a previous city council member, an educator in Pleasant Grove and then Utah Valley Community College (now UVU) and is currently president of the Pleasant Grove Irrigation Company. As a former advisor of the Key Club, Mark Bezzant and his students were the first ones in charge of lighting the “G” on the mountain with electric lights many years ago.

According to Mark Bezzant, Colleen Bezzant has been involved with PTA and supporting their six children and two foster children as they grew up in Pleasant Grove. Both volunteer their time to better the community.

“We love Pleasant Grove. It’s the most pleasant place in the world to live,” Mark Bezzant said.

COURTESY

Colleen and Mark Bezzant, pictured, are one of the couples honored as the 2019 Strawberry Days Grand Marshals in Pleasant Grove.

StrawberryDays

CITY

As owners of a doughnut shop, the couple has had the opportunity to donate doughnuts to multiple community groups and events over the years, including the annual family hike that is sponsored by Pleasant Grove Recreation every June, local schools, the Pleasant Grove Library’s summer reading program, The Perrys firefighters, police officers and local scouting projects.

Lorraine and Zeke Perry are active in local business They also donate doughnuts to the cowboys particas owners of Pleasant Grove’s Daylight Donuts. ipating in the Strawberry Days rodeo every year.

“That has enabled us to be involved in the commu“They don’t get a lot for working pretty hard,” Lornity,” Lorraine Perry said. raine Perry said.

PG From 13

other children and family activities.

The Strawberry Days Rodeo will run from June 19 to June 22. According to strawberrydaysrodeo. com, this rodeo is the longest, continually running rodeo in Utah, first being established in 1921. Mutton Bustin’ for kids ages three to six will precede the ro-

deo each evening and begin at 7 p.m.

Strawberry Days’ Mammoth Parade will be held at 10 a.m June 22. The parade route will begin at Pleasant Grove High School, 700 E. 200 South, and travel west.

Other events include a boutique, carnival, garden tour, pet show, pie-eating contest, golf tournament, princess party, safety fair and free family swim. For a full list of events, check out strawberrydays.org.

COURTESY

Zeke and Lorraine Perry, pictured, are one of two couples honored and named as Grand Marshals in the 2019 Strawberry Days in Pleasant Grove.

Lorraine and Zeke Perry have lived in Pleasant Grove for 19 years.

“We felt from day one that we were very welcomed,” Lorraine Perry said. “Everything has been very positive.

The Perrys are amazing people,” Young said. “They bought a business in Pleasant Grove, moved to our community and jumped in with both feet. They support every little single cause in Pleasant Grove, never caring or worrying about themselves.”

Both couples enjoy the Strawberry Days festivities every year and this year, they will have the opportunity to be driven in a carriage around the rodeo arena each night and to ride in the parade.

“Whatever they want us to do, we’ll do it,” Lorraine Perry said. “It’s an honor to even be considered. It was very unexpected.”

Miss Pleasant Grove Taryn Christensen asks the participants in the Strawberry Days Princess Party what their favorite thing is about being a princess at the Pleasant Grove Recreation Center on June 21, 2018.

EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD

DAILY HERALD City Celebration 15

Lehi Round-Up week features local artists, entertainers MCKHELYN JONES

Herald Correspondent

T

he Lehi Round-Up Week celebration is not just parades and rodeos. It is also a time to celebrate the arts within the community through Arts in the Park, a chalk art competition and a local art show.

The Lehi City Arts Council is responsible for coordinating the different art events during Round-up Days and kicks off the celebration with its Arts in the Park events.

The Arts in the Park is a long-time tradition that begins June 16 and runs through August 18 with concerts by Acoustic Echo and The Fields happening during Round-Up Week. The concerts are free to the public and are held on Sundays in Wines Park at 7 p.m., featuring local artists as well as other bands from around the country.

“We try to book local musicians first and then spread out from there,” Cerroni said.

According to Lauri Cerroni, the visual arts chair of the Lehi City Arts Council, local artists, musicians and community members are invited to participate in the art events.

The Lehi Arts Center, in conjunction with the arts council, has been coordinating the arts in Lehi since 1986 and is currently located next to Lehi Elementary.

Cerroni said that the arts building is the former home of the Hutchins Museum and that the program has been located there since 2000.

Every year, the Round-Up features an art show for

LEHI roundup CITY

COURTESY LAURI CERRONI

A chalk art featuring Groot from “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies is created by Lauri Cerroni.

locals aged 5 years old and up. The show accepts any medium from painting to photography. Participants compete with each other for cash prizes while also showing off their skills.

“We receive anywhere from 30 to 50 submissions depending on the year,” Cerroni said.

In addition to the art festivities, the Lehi Arts Cen-

ter hosts art classes, musical and dance performances, and plays throughout the year.

Cerroni helps coordinate the year-long classes and the celebration events, including the chalk art contest, a local favorite.

The chalk art competition is open to the Lehi community with participants divided into different categories: Family/group and individuals 12-18 and 18 plus. Artists of all skill levels are invited to participate in decorating a parking stall as long as the content is family friendly. It is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 24 at the Lehi Elementary. There is a $5 registration fee to enter the competition.

“We had a wide range last year of artists like the little kid who comes and draws in a parking space for fun,” Cerroni said. “And then you have the professional ones who come in and create 3D effects.”

The Round-up Days art events kick off Sunday, June 23 with Arts in the Park and run through the week.

The local art show is open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 24-28.

Former mayor to be grand marshal of Lehi Round-Up parade MCKHELYN JONES

Herald Correspondent

A

ccording to Bert and Taunya Wilson, their family has always been civic-minded with a focus on building and maintaining community.

The Wilsons are the grand marshals of Lehi’s Grand Parade for the 2019 Round-Up; Bert Wilson is the former mayor of Lehi having served between 2010 and 2017.

“Civic-mindedness is just what we do,” Wilson said. “It’s kind of a family tradition.”

Both Wilsons have served the Lehi community for more than 30 years in various community organizations. In addition to being mayor, Bert Wilson worked in banking for 40 years, was a volunteer firefighter, a member of the Lehi Civic Improvement Association and has been involved in scouting and youth organizations. “[Bert] looks for ways to be involved;

COURTESY THE WILSON FAMILY

Bert and Taunya Wilson he’s just not a sit still kind of guy,” Taunya Wilson said.

Taunya Wilson served with her husband on the Civic Improvement Association, was the director of the Miss Lehi Scholarship Pageant, served at various

schools as the PTA president and was an elementary school secretary for 25 years. She also helped build floats for local businesses and made costumes for the miniature parade.

Bert Wilson’s service to the community has not been unrecognized, as he won the Silver Beaver Award for his service to scouting and the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award for his continuing service to his community.

Their youngest son, Drew Wilson, said that he is proud of everything his parents have accomplished.

“Honestly, it was not a surprise to me that they were picked,” he said. “It’s exciting.”

The Wilsons’ children and grandchildren have also been involved in the traditions by helping to mix candy for the city council to throw during the parade along with other activities such as assisting Taunya with the Miss Lehi Pageant.

Bert and Taunya Wilson have also had a long career working with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bert Wilson has served in a stake presidency, bishoprics and as a young men’s leader. Taunya Wilson has served in the presidency of many church auxiliaries, but she especially loved working with the single adults at Brigham Young University. Now, they both serve in the Mount Timpanogos Temple.

The Wilsons have four children: Drew, Shelli, Wade and Brad, and 14 grandchildren. They said their children have supported them throughout their service to the Lehi community and that they are grateful for raising their kids in strong family traditions.

Bert and Taunya Wilson said that they are honored to serve as the grand marshals of the Lehi Grand Parade.

The parade takes place at 10 a.m., June 29 and the route runs from Wines Park to Lehi High School.

16 May 26, 2019