Pleasant Grove's annual tradition of strawberries and cream, entertainment and activities for all members of the family will continue this week as the city celebrates Strawberry Days.

Connecting the past with the present is what this year's Strawberry Days theme is all about. "Bridge from the Past" was chosen because it describes linking the past with what is new about the city. "Strawberry Days is still from the past. We love the progress that we're making, but Strawberry Days ties us to the old days," said Glen Haynie, Strawberry Days committee chairman.

This year marks the 89th consecutive Strawberry Days celebration. The weeklong celebration has been a tradition since 1921.

The festivities kicked off Sunday with a free Concert in the Park.

Families can swim together today at Veterans' Memorial Pool's Free Family Swim. The swim begins at 6 p.m.

If it's free strawberries and cream that you want, be sure to attend a concert featuring the Flashback Brothers on Tuesday. The concert will be held at Veterans' Memorial Park at 7:30 p.m.

The PRCA Rodeo and City of Fun Carnival both begin on Wednesday and continue through Saturday. According to Haynie, approximately 1,200 extra seats were brought in for the rodeo this year.

"We have had people call us, wondering about parking at the rodeo because of the road construction," said Jolynne Goodman, rodeo committee member. But committee members want to encourage people to still come to this Strawberry Days favorite.

"We'll actually end up with more parking than we've ever had," said Haynie, noting that the committee has ensured that there will be enough parking for all rodeo-goers. Tickets for the rodeo are available at the rodeo or in advance at Macey's or Smith's Rexall Drug in Pleasant Grove, Reams in Lehi and Gunnies in Orem.

The Children's Parade, set for Wednesday, has changed locations. This year, children should meet at the Pleasant Grove High School track at 5 p.m.

The Mammoth Parade will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. "The parade route has changed this year," said Haynie. The parade will run along 200 South, Main Street and west Center Street.

For a complete schedule of events, see Page A4, or go to www.plgrove.org/strawberry-days.