"Everyone comes home for Strawberry Days" is the theme for the city celebration that begins in Pleasant Grove on Sunday.

Entries for the Children's Art Show, Quilt Show and the adult competition's Fine Art Show can still be turned in today or Friday to the Pleasant Grove Library or the Pleasant Grove Senior Citizen Center 242 W. 200 South. Entry forms can be found at both locations as well.

"I entered the art contest because my grandmother took me shopping for art tools and she taught me how," said Katie Clark. "After a few paintings, we decided to enter the art show last year and I won second place and won lots of money. That is why I'm entering it this year for Strawberry Days."

Each child who enters the show will receive a prize, adults will win ribbons and gift certificates. Winners from the Children's Art Show will be displayed with the Fine Arts Show in the city Recreational Hall June 21 and June 22 from noon to 3 p.m. Awards will be given Saturday at 3 p.m.

But art isn't the only thing that gets kids excited about Strawberry Days.

"What I like about Strawberry Days is the parade and how they throw candy at us," Clark's sister, Lauren Clark said. A full schedule of Strawberry Days events is listed in the Strawberry Days magazine in today's edition of the Pleasant Grove Review.

In her first year as director of events for the art show, Tori Merrill said one of the duties of the PG City Arts Commission was to support The Center Stage, city art projects like Strawberry Days and the Heritage Festival, the Concerts in the Park, the Utah Children's Choir, and the PG Players.

"We also handle such tasks like art education and recruiting volunteers to assist with these events," she said.

Cydney LeMone said there is a sense of community children obtain by participating in the events of the city whether it's the parade, the carnival or art shows. Her children are entering their work in the show.

"The tradition to celebrate Strawberry Days in the community starts early when they're young so that they will do it with their families when they grow up," LeMone said.

For kids, reasons for participating in an art show are more simple.

"I like to do art because sometimes you get messy with it," said Jackson LeMone. His brother Logan LeMone said, "I like art because it is fun any time of year."

Tori Merrill agrees with their mother.

"The children being involved in the city events gives them a sense of belonging," Merrill said. "I believe that art helps children appreciate life. Teaching children to see and appreciate the art in their environment will improve the enduring quality of their lives.

"Being a part of the Art Commission in Pleasant Grove gives me an opportunity to help not only my own children, but the entire community to go beyond simply looking at art and to begin to really see, explore, understand and utilize art."