Paul Christensen is more than just an area local, he’s a native. Born and raised in Salem, Christensen graduated from Spanish Fork High School and has lived in Spanish Fork now for over 55 years.

With this track record, it’s little surprise that this year, Spanish Fork decided to honor Christensen by making him the Grand Marshal of this year’s Fiesta Days parade.

Christensen has been involved in the community almost from the start, finding his niche in the community sports scene as an after-work volunteer.

“I love sports, I like what it does for people,” Christensen said. “It teaches kids to rely on other people so you can work as a team. I really love sports of all kinds.”

After years of coaching and helping the city out with sports (earning himself the nickname “Ballpark Paul”), Christensen began working for the city recreation department in 1985, but he credits the many people who volunteered for making the programs work.

“Our coaches were all volunteers, and that’s why Spanish Fork is what it is today, that’s what makes a city is that volunteerism,” he said.

In 1986 Christensen and some of his friends got together and started the Spanish Fork High School Booster club, of which Christensen was elected president. “We started a tradition,” he said. “Breakfast at the park. That’s still a tradition today, they still do it.”

Christensen was later elected to the city council, and served from 2002 to 2006. “We made a lot of important decisions,” he said. “It was a great experience, everyone should have that opportunity to serve the city.”

Today, in addition to church service, Christensen continues to volunteer with Maple Creek Hospice Health and Home, the organization that worked with his family during the final days of his wife, Pam, who passed away three years ago.

“My door was always open and it didn’t matter which nurse or CNA came, they served with love,” Christensen said, explaining that their kindness inspired him to give back. “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It gives me a reason to live. It’s taught me love and kindness. Everybody needs to feel love. It just makes you feel so good to be able to help people.”

Upon learning that he had been chosen to be the Grand Marshal this year, Christensen said that he was shocked.

“The committee had gotten together and picked my name to be the Grand Marshal of the parade,” he said. “I was pretty overwhelmed, there’s so many people who deserve it more than I do, but it’s an honor. I love being around people. It’s an honor, it’s a great honor.”

Christensen also expressed gratitude to the examples of those who have come before.

“Give thanks for our heritage, pioneers, ancestors. Their willingness to volunteer one with another to develop our special town where they could raise their families and we can raise ours in peace and safety. It just makes you feel so good to be able to help people.”