BOUNTIFUL—Summer is a time for celebration. Kids are out of school and it’s warm and sunny. There’s plenty to do for the whole family. For example, July is packed with festivals, parades and fireworks or maybe make this the summer to try something new. 

A local favorite is Bountiful Handcart Days. This year’s event is July 14-15. “This is a week earlier than it has been,” said Brenda McEwan, who is on the committee. “The same with the parade it’s on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. instead of Friday evening. It was pretty hot.”

Handcart Days started in 1950 as a way to honor the early pioneers who crossed the prairies to the Salt Lake Valley, pulling wooden handcarts that carried all of their belongings. Handcart Days still continues the tradition each year with an overall pioneer theme. This year’s is “Pioneer Faith and Fortitude.” 

“All the positions are volunteer,” said McEwan. “They’re all callings from (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). They’re for three years. Last year I shadowed someone doing it and now we’re doing it. Next year someone will be shadowing us.”

Stakes ask for volunteers to man the booths and games, she said. “Our position is advertising, social media and banners. They’re printed and ready to go.”

Colby Niederhauser (right) and Curt Wilber have a bit of fun during last year’s Handcart Days. Photo by Roger V. Tuttle

“There are 85 entries,” said Parade Chair Dave Roberts, whose wife Lorene works with him as chair. “That includes a police car from beginning to end.”

Each of the 12 stakes in the area are assigned to create a float, he said. “There are also two youth entries. We try to persuade and encourage stakes to be in the Days of ‘47 parade as well. The Days of 47 royalty is also in our parade.”

Roberts said they are very safety conscious. “We’ve got clear and concise safety precautions. Anyone handing out candy or parade walkers need to be safe and the spectators need to stay on the curb.”

They’re hoping for more bands, he said. “We have five. The Bountiful High Jazz band, the Viewmont High marching band, the Wasatch & District Pipe Band and local junior highs.”

There’s often cheerleaders and Student Body Officers, said Roberts. “The schools are well represented.”

There are also a good number of local businesses, charities and clubs this year that the parade hasn't had in the past, he said.

“We’re looking forward to this year,” Roberts said. “Everyone who has volunteered has just jumped onboard.”

Festivities start Friday, July 14 at 5 p.m. with food and games at Bountiful City Park, 400 N. 200 West, followed by a concert with Nathan Osmond from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Bountiful City Park Pavilion.

Saturday kicks off with the parade at 9 a.m. on Main Street. More park activities from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and a big fireworks show at Mueller Park Junior High at 10 p.m.