Lehi's celebration to include music, games of pioneers

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jul 20, 2006 | by Rodger L. Hardy Deseret Morning News

LEHI -- For the first time the city's old-fashioned 24th of July Pioneer Day celebration takes on the theme of an American Folk Festival.

Sponsored by the Lehi Arts Council, the state holiday celebration begins at 5 p.m. with a children's costume parade at Wines Park and goes until dusk. In fact, said chairwoman Nancy Hamblin, all participants and performers are expected to dress in pioneer attire.

"The music and activities will be similar to what you would have heard at a pioneer campsite," she said.

Not only is it the first year that the arts council has used the name "American Folk Festival," council president Jerry Hatch said, it's also the first time the council has attempted a children's pioneer parade.

"What we hope to see is children doing their best to come up with what they think is pioneer attire, pulling little wagons done up as covered wagons. We hope to have some musicians, little drummers (and) an accordion player. Since it is our first year for the parade, we are excited to see what will show up," Hamblin said.

Performances include the Lehi Chorale and Lehi Silver Band with music of the pioneer era, including "Down to the River to Pray" and "Come, Come Ye Saints."

Other events include square dancing and pioneer storytelling.

Pioneer Heritage Co., based in the Salt Lake area, is scheduled to re-enact a pioneer camp to demonstrate old pioneer trades such as knitting, wood carving, spinning wool and old-fashioned cooking. The group has done several festivals including the Festival of the American West in Logan and Nauvoo, Ill.

The Lehi Military Legion military veterans will demonstrate firearms and "make a lot of noise," Hamblin said.

Lindsey Eager, Miss Lehi, and her attendants are sponsoring pioneer games for youngsters such as cow-pie toss, leg wrestling and a milking game.

Miles to Go, a bluegrass band, will cap the evening beginning at 7 p.m. with old-fashioned tunes. The group includes Cassie Singley on lead vocals and banjo; Tamilisa Wood and Hilary Barlow on mandolin, fiddle and vocal harmonies; Maggie Sabey on bass; and Trent McCausland on the guitar.

If you go

What: American Folk Festival

When: Monday

Where: Wines Park, 600 N. 100 East, Lehi

Cost: Free

E-mail: rodger@desnews.com