This year's Strawberry Days grand marshals are being honored because of their many years of service to the community. Jay and Carol Harmer have given much to Pleasant Grove and now Pleasant Grove will have the opportunity to thank them.

"It would be hard to find another couple this deserving," said Glen Haynie, Strawberry Days Committee chairman. "They've each done so many things for the community for years and years."

Jay Harmer served in the Air Force for 25 years, working as a dentist. In Pleasant Grove, he has served on the City Council, as mayor, cochairman of Strawberry Days for 14 years, and was involved with business development for about 20 years, according to Carol Harmer. "Now he's a Scoutmaster," she said.

Anderson Park is what it is today largely because of Jay Harmer. According to Carol Harmer, he helped to save the property from being sold years ago and helped design the park. "We've done about 50 Eagle projects there," she said. "Even today, he's up there all the time."

Carol Harmer has been active in PTA and served on the City Council for six years. She was instrumental in helping Macey's locate to Pleasant Grove. "We were also both active in the Jaycees," she said.

"Right now, we're running the Utah County Fair for the second year," said Carol Harmer. "We are so excited about that." The Harmers, as cochairmen of the fair, oversee approximately 30 committees. "The fair will get better each year," she said.

The Utah County Fair will be held Aug. 12-15, but it is a yearlong job for the couple. "I work on it every day all year," said Carol Harmer.

Being honored as grand marshals is humbling for the Harmers. "We feel really honored," said Carol Harmer. "We were taught to give back to the community. We were raised that way." The Harmers' children and 19 grandchildren pitch in to help as well. "The whole family gets involved in Strawberry Days and the county fair," she said.

Jay and Carol Harmer will be honored by riding in the Strawberry Days Mammoth Parade. They will also be honored at the rodeo.