Orangeville celebrates pioneer day heritage

By PHIL FAUVER Staff Writer

Orangeville Days this year was gigantic with five days of celebration in memory of Orangeville’s Past, Present and Future. The Orangeville Day’s Celebration began on July 19 with a trap shoot at the Emery County Gun Range under the direction of Rue Bell. On July 20 the Orangeville Celebration events started with a children’s parade down Main Street to the City Park.
Before the Humphrey Lamb Fry and Roast Beef Dinner Orangeville’s Mayor Pat Jones, the City Council and Lt., Michael Williams of the Utah National Guard held a brief Community Covenant Signing Ceremony. This Covenant was to show the support of Orangeville for service members and their families. This was followed by entertainment from the Jones Brothers Band and a pig chase. July 21 started with a bang from a loud fireworks blast and the beginning of the 5K run from Mill Dam. The 5K run was won by Josh Sharp. Wyatt Cox and Jake Frandsen came in second and third. Carissa Shaffer was the first women runner to arrive at the finish line. Aubrey Robertson was the second woman runner to arrive. Breakfast Saturday morning was served by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Presidency and the Orangeville First Ward Bishopric. A large number of Orangeville residents and visitors came to partake of this inexpensive breakfast.
The parade was lined up by Carole Larsen and went forward down Main Street. The parade was led by Mark Tanner and his Boy Scout Troop. The children and adults on the sides of the street were excited to be gathering up candy thrown from the floats.
After the parade many gathered at the City Park for races, games of all kinds for children and adults. Carl Beckstead was in charge of the horse shoe pit game. There were climbing towers and inflated rides for children.
On the hill in back of the Community Center, the Orangeville Fire Department provided a large plastic slippery slide for children and adults. The slide was kept slippery by water from a fire hose and dish soap. Carol Stilson was in charge of the dunking machine and water baseball.
Later the fire department turned on the famous foam for any that wanted to run through the foam or wallow in the foam. Later that afternoon there was an ATV Poker Run with Brent Tuttle in charge.
That evening the Castle Dale LDS Stake provided a picnic in the park at the rodeo grounds. Several couples joined in square dancing. The horse drawn hay ride driven by Eric Blackham and Gary Blackham was very popular.
On July 23 Orangeville’s swim night and BBQ pot luck was held at the Castle Dale Aquatic Pool and Pavilion. Those that came were asked by Beth Butler to bring a dessert if they lived on the east side of Main Street and if they lived on the west side of Main Street to bring a salad. The weather was pleasant and everyone seemed to have a great time.
On July 24 starting at the Orangeville park the Smoke Pit BBQ made available hot dogs and a brisket sandwich. At 6 p.m. the bike racing contest was started by dividing contestants into age groups by Todd Hinkins. This was held in the Orangeville City Park. Winners were given prize money with first place receiving $5; second place $2 and third place $1. All who entered were given a ticket and entered in the drawing for a new bicycle.
Collin Holdaway won the first bicycle. Ellie Stoker won the second bicycle. Tina Jewkes won a scooter. McKenzie Orgill won a white bicycle. Jace Mangum won a green bicycle. A dark blue bicycle was won by Koda Alton. The red and gray bicycle was won by Greg Jewkes. At the home run hitting contest, Taylor Tanner was the first to hit two baseballs out of the ball field.
The ice cream social was very popular as people prepared for the movie in the park. The movie shown was titled “Journey 2, The Mysterious Island”.
A special thanks go to Cindy Nelson, Ruanne Leeflang, Mayor Pat Jones, the City Council Members and all of those in the city that volunteered their time and efforts to make this celebration a success. Each year this event gets bigger and better.