Bountiful Handcart Days Parade brings thousands together


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BOUNTIFUL — Thousands of parade-goers were grateful for squirt bottles, umbrellas and free fans that were passed out along the route to battle the nearly 100-degree temperatures Friday evening for the 65th annual Bountiful Handcart Days Parade.

But the heat and areas of road construction didn't stop families from lining up all along the 1.8 miles of parade route that runs along Bountiful's Main Street.

Cole Beynon, 13, traveled with his family from Kaysville to attend the parade. His grandmother helped create a carousel float for the Bountiful Central Stake.

"I like the parade mostly for the candy," he said, adding that no one is ever too old for candy.

His uncle, Cory Beynon, grew up in Bountiful and participated in the parade when he was younger.

"We usually come every year," he said. "We just enjoy that it has a hometown feel to it."

Over 100 entries were admitted into the parade, including handcarts and clowns on bicycles. The parade's theme was "Pioneers and Patriots, Yesterday and Today," and also featured high school marching bands, dance teams, businesses and nonprofit groups handing out candy and coupons.

Even Irish dancers and bagpipe players joined the mix, along with a mime and even Santa Claus.

This year Richard "Stick" Hill was chosen as the parade's 2016 grand marshal. His ancestors were some of Bountiful’s earliest settlers.

Photo: Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News
Photo: Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Calvin Murri, who was born and raised in Bountiful, has sat in the same spot along the parade route for 20 years.

"It's culture and it's tradition," he said.

Every year he brings his children and 12 grandkids together to attend the parade.

Over the years Murri has noticed how the parade has "evolved," mostly he said due to changing technology.

"It's something that passes on from one generation to the other," he said. "As long as people take the time to put it together, it's a good event to bring people together."

Bountiful Handcart Days is a two-day event Friday and Saturday, complete with activities at Bountiful City Park that include carnival rides, pioneer games, handcart races, a chuck wagon breakfast and a variety of food. A mountain man exhibit was also available for a limited time at the event.

The event also included a fireworks show Friday night at Mueller Park Junior High.

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Ashley Stilson

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