July parades are staple events across Davis County. They provide an avenue for cities to showcase the businesses, groups and people that shape their identity. Committees often pick themes to tie the event together – typically working to evoke feelings of patriotism, heritage and community. 

On July 4 at 10 a.m., the city of West Bountiful will once again stage what they call “a true small town parade.”

“I think that the Independence Day celebration itself as a whole is, especially in West Bountiful, is the prime example of community coming together to celebrate our great nation, and I mean that so deeply. It is my favorite holiday,” Councilmember Jenn Nielsen said. “The happiness of being outside and hanging out with everyone, playing, is a privilege because of our freedom that we just should never take for granted.”

Tied together by the theme “Small Town; Big Dreams,” West Bountiful’s parade is decades old and steeped in traditions. While city officials are involved in some of the operations, it’s primarily overseen by volunteers from the community. This year, Paige and Mark James have taken that responsibility.

“It gives me a bigger appreciation for what goes into a parade,” Paige said. “[I have] a bigger appreciation for what the community and the city does to have things like this happen.”

According to the committee, one element that adds to the parade’s ‘small town” aesthetic is something that other events have started to phase out – candy. West Bountiful’s Independence Day Celebration is one that prides itself on having the most treats, according to Paige.

“We attend the West Bountiful parade every year with our grandkids,” Paige said. “It’s their favorite parade because there’s so much candy that they throw out, and when you’re a little kid, that’s what it’s all about.”

To ensure that distribution is safe, the committee’s rules state that candy cannot be thrown out of vehicle windows and that walkers should accompany participants to keep attendees away from the parade route.

While candy will still be a part of this year’s parade, one tradition that will be removed is the firing of a cannon to start the event – a decision discussed during a city council meeting on May 21. According to Nielsen, the growing number of attendees has made the celebratory shot unsafe. It will, however, still be heard during the 7:30 a.m. flag raising ceremony at city hall. 

“We’ve never had a problem, but just with the amount of people that sit on 4th north and 8th west, it’s just, why take that risk of any form of injury?” Nielsen said.

Though the parade is the hallmark of West Bountiful’s Independence Day celebration, prior events will be staged at the City Park as well. Beginning at 5 p.m., a carnival will kick off the weekend, which will tie into a safety fair held by police as well as a concert that features performers “The Rockees” and “Endless Summer.” After the music, West Bountiful’s fireworks show will begin.

Paige says that while there are many people who’ve aided her efforts, staging the parade has been an exhaustive effort, and one she will not take on a second year. The city will find another volunteer to oversee the event in 2025.

West Bountiful’s Independence Day parade will start on 400 N./800 W. and run north to Pages Lane, east to 600 West and north to 1890 North.