United under the “G” for 2019 Strawberry Days
Miss Pleasant Grove Taryn Christensen asks the participants in the Strawberry Days Princess Party what their favorite thing is about being a princess at the Pleasant Grove Recreation Center on Thursday, June 21, 2018.
Bullfighter Chuck Swisher watches as kids chase down the cash cow during the Strawberry Days Rodeo held Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at the PRCA Rodeo Grounds in Pleasant Grove. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Bullfighter Chuck Swisher makes his way out of a trailer as he readies himself before the Strawberry Days Rodeo held Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at the PRCA Rodeo Grounds in Pleasant Grove. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald
Both longtime, generational Pleasant Grove residents and newcomers are welcome and united under the “G.” “United Under the ‘G'” is the 2019 Strawberry Days theme, and the committee hopes that everyone comes out to celebrate at the longest-running celebration in Utah.
“We’re so excited for this year and next year as we ramp up for the 100th celebration,” said Lisa Young, Strawberry Days committee chairperson. “We’re having a great time getting ready. I love this city and this celebration.”
Strawberry Days will be held June 15-22 and will began with an annual Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast at the city’s new fire station.
On that same day, there was be a car show and car cruise, held at Shannon Park, east of the rodeo grounds at 220 S. State St. The car show was a fundraiser for the Pleasant Grove Police Department and proceeds will help fund its new K9, Django. The 3-year-old German Shepherd was there to meet visitors. There was also food vendors and a silent auction.
Something new this year will be sidewalk chalk art, where community members can help to create a large mural on the street corner of 200 S. Main St. That’s not the only art that will be involved with Strawberry Days. The Children’s Art and Photography Show is a yearly event. Children ages 18 and younger can enter artworks and they will be on display in the city’s recreation center throughout Strawberry Days. The theme for the show is “Under the G.”
Other popular events include a Concert in the Park where free strawberries and cream will be served. The concert will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 582 E. 300 South, at 7 p.m. June 18.. The group “Goodnight Richard” will perform.
Huck Finn Day, which is always enjoyed by children of all ages, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 21 at the Pleasant Grove Recreation Center, 547 S. Locust Ave. There will be fishing, games, prizes, train rides, face painting and other children and family activities.
The Strawberry Days Rodeo will run from June 19 to June 22. According to strawberrydaysrodeo.com, this rodeo is the longest, continually running rodeo in Utah, first being established in 1921. Mutton Bustin’ for kids ages three to six will precede the rodeo each evening and begin at 7 p.m.
Strawberry Days’ Mammoth Parade will be held at 10 a.m June 22. The parade route will begin at Pleasant Grove High School, 700 E. 200 South, and travel west.
Other events include a boutique, carnival, garden tour, pet show, pie-eating contest, golf tournament, princess party, safety fair and free family swim. For a full list of events, check out strawberrydays.org.