April 2018 | Vol. 18 Iss. 04
WEST JORDAN
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‘LIGHTS…CAMERA…ACTION’: FACEBOOK SHARES West Jordan toymaker’s story with global audience By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com
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ou can add a new title to Alton Thacker’s name. In addition to being “beloved West Jordan toymaker” and “great-grandfather to 42 children,” Thacker, 82, is now also a “Facebook program star.” “When our Tiny Tim’s episode of the show debuted (March 6) on Facebook, West Jordan City hosted a viewing party for us,” Thacker said. “There were probably 75 to 100 people there. Chick-fil-A donated sandwiches, Arctic Circle gave us milkshakes, and it was a lot more comfortable than the day the program was filmed.” Alton is referring to the frigid day last December, when the producers of the program “Returning The Favor,” wrapped up its Utah visit by taping an impromptu parade to honor the toymaking volunteer. The show’s producers suggested the event after one of Alton’s relatives told them he loves parades. But much of the organizational work fell on West Jordan City Public Information Officer Kim Wells. “The show didn’t give us much time to pull everything together,” she said. “And we had to hold the parade at 3:00 in the afternoon so the show would have enough light to tape it. But when I began calling around telling people it was for Alton, they Continued on Page 8....
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Alton Thacker drives his brand-new ATV, given to him by the producers of the Facebook program “Returning The Favor.” (Kim Wells/West Jordan City)
Toymaker Alton Thacker greets the crowd at the December parade held in his honor. The event can now be seen on the Facebook program “Returning The Favor.” (Kim Wells/West Jordan City)
Facebook program “Returning The Favor” host Mike Rowe shows off the special eagle-topped car he received at Alton Thacker’s West Jordan toy factory. (Facebook screenshot)