Celebrations of Heritage

This week, we took advantage of several opportunities to attend cultural celebrations around us.

On Monday, July 21, we went to the Cultural Celebration Center for the World Stage Concert. They are held every Monday night during the summer, and are a lot of fun. We were introduced to them by Kristin, Abby, and Blair (who works at the CCC). This week’s was Irish music and dance. Unfortunately, it was held inside due to rain earlier in the day. But Ryan and Abby still had fun playing on the quilt on the floor. We enjoyed the dancing, the music, the corned beef and cabbage dinner, and exploring the animal statues outside. (Parents, don’t panic…Blair assured us that the artist designed them to be “interactive.”) We’re looking forward to Monday night’s Hawaiian concert AND FOOD!!!

Wednesday, July 23, was the annual Bountiful Handcart Days celebration. Ryan had the opportunity to walk in the parade with the other youth from our area. Papa was great to walk with some of the kids while we moms and grandmas enjoyed the parade from the sidelines. (Kim and Kristina, we’re proud of you for braving the 100-degree heat!)
After the parade, we enjoyed dinner at Costa Vida and the Handcart Days fireworks.

Thursday, July 24 (Pioneer Day), we watched the Days of ’47 parade on TV in the morning and then went to the Bountiful Park in the afternoon and evening for the festivities there. We met up with some friends there, and the boys had fun on the bouncy toys... sawing and branding logs...

and riding ponies. They were about five feet away from being on the 5:00 news while they were sawing! One of the news reporters was doing a story on the Bountiful Handcart Days. The camera panned over to the kids right in front of Ryan! He was a little bit disappointed that he missed that brush with fame. But keep your eyes open for the TV advertisement for the “This is the Place Heritage Park.” Ryan is on that commercial!!!