(deseret.com 7-15-97)
This year's Fiesta Days celebration offers an alternative to Utah County folks who prefer a community event with historical significance, says Mary-Clare Maslyn, assistant city manager.
The celebration runs July 21-24 and includes a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo and a visit from the president of Iceland.Spanish Fork's Fiesta Days this year will feature Olafur Grimsson, Iceland's president, as guest of honor in the Fiesta Days parade and rodeo on July 24. The parade draws over 100 entries and this year will include replicas of pioneer handcarts in addition to floats and high school bands.
"It's Americana at its best," said Maslyn.
Spanish Fork has close ties to Iceland because many of its residents are descendants of early pioneers from Iceland. Last year some of those descendants returned to Iceland and were reunited with distant relatives.
Grimsson's visit will be the first time a head of state has visited Spanish Fork, according to the Icelandic Association of Utah. He is expected to be present when a wreath is placed at the Icelandic monument in honor of those early pioneers. His itinerary also includes a luncheon with city officials, a tour of the cemetery where Icelandic graves will be marked and a tour of Icelandic homes that are still standing.
Grimsson will speak at a community fireside July 27 at 7 p.m. at the LDS Spanish Fork Stake Center, 1006 E. 200 South. Other speakers will be Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church and Janette Beckham, the church's Young Women's general president. Elder Wirthlin dedicated Iceland to missionary work, and Beckham is of Icelandic descent.
Grimsson is also expected to meet with the LDS Church's First Presidency on Monday and tour both Temple Square and Welfare Square.
Utah's pioneer heritage can be seen in many forms during this year's celebration. New this year is a pie baking contest, which is tied to the city's pioneer heritage. "We still have to find judges for the contest," said Maslyn. "We don't think it will be too hard."
The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers will set up exhibits again this year at Hughes Pioneer Park. They will demonstrate pioneer skills, including quilting, butter making and soap making, said Maslyn. The park at 150 S. Main St. is home to two pioneer cabins with authentic furnishings.
Another popular event is the fine arts competition, which is open to artists in all ages working in all media. Anyone may enter, said Maslyn. It is not confined to Spanish Fork residents. The deadline to enter is July 24, the last day of the event, which like many Fiesta Days events is held at the City Park at Main and Center streets.
Citizen award winners will be presented at 3 p.m. said Melana Urianza, chairman of the fine arts competition. Residents are the judges for that award and must cast their ballots by 2 p.m.
All told, 28 events are planned, including a tennis tournament, 10k race and one mile fun run for children. A highlight, said Maslyn, is the car show, which in the past has drawn up to 10,000 spectators. Another highlight is the children's parade the evening of July 23, which in the past has drawn up to 2,000 children on parade. A children's activities tent at the park will be handled by the Spanish City Youth Council.
Most events are free, noted Maslyn, with the exception of the rodeo, mud races and community theater, where "Peter Pan" will be performed at the Spanish Fork High School auditorium.
Spanish Fork's 55th annual rodeo will be held each night at 8 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. Events include saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, bareback riding, calf roping and bull riding. It will also include a children's event - mutton bustin'. Children ages 5 through 7 who weigh 60 pounds or less will ride sheep for eight seconds.
https://www.deseret.com/1997/7/15/19323526/spanish-fork-s-fiesta-days-to-blend-the-past-and-present
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