CEDAR CITY — Nearly 10,000 athletes from all over Utah descended on the Southern Utah University’s Eccles Coliseum Thursday night for an evening of fireworks, entertainment and fun during the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games.

Now, in its 32nd year, the Miller Summer Games Opening Ceremonies has become a much-anticipated tradition in Cedar City with families and friends looking forward to a night of entertainment and local talent including a dance performance from Canyon View High School.

There is also the time-honored lighting of the cauldron and the celebration of the ushering in of athletes where 100 American flags line the backdrop. And for the night’s finale, a spectacular fireworks display that can be seen throughout the entire city.

“Athletes are similar in a lot of ways but they may choose archery or they may choose karate, but they all compete and they want to win,” USG Executive Director Casey McClellan said. “I think that’s what makes us unique, is it’s not just a soccer tournament. It’s not just an archery shoot. It’s a bunch of athletes coming together to compete at the same time and that’s what gives it that festival feeling. Tonight at the Opening Ceremonies, they get to be celebrated. This celebration is about them and what they do and it’s a celebration about our community.”

The Opening Ceremony celebrates the athletes and sportsmanship shown throughout the Olympic-style competition that brings in nearly 10,000 athletes, 1,000 volunteers, 50,000 spectators and 38 different competitions.

Starting in 1986, this three-week long event has continued to grow and add new games each year and 2017 is no different with dodgeball now included in the lineup of competitions.

This year’s games also include the biggest youth basketball tournament in its history. The Miller Summer Games officially began this week and will run through Jun. 17.

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