Strawberries and cream, rodeos and queens, all kinds of parades and a wild, wild west barbecue can only mean one thing: It is time for Utah's oldest continuous city celebration.
Pleasant Grove will celebrate its 68th Strawberry Days festival Tuesday through Saturday. The event was begun in 1921 by fruit farmers to promote the sale of strawberries; the tradition is carried on today to promote a sense of community.The goal of the Strawberry Days Committee, the group that puts together the celebration every year, is to provide a wholesome celebration that can be enjoyed by families, instill a sense of community identity and pride, provide opportunities for community service and improve the way of life within the community.
The committee is made up of representatives of various civic organizations in the city. Proceeds from previous celebrations have been used to rebuild the rodeo corrals and bleachers, assist in purchase of the time and temperature sign on Main Street and assist in the restoration of the "G" on the foothills above the city.
Here's what's going on during this year's celebration:
Tuesday
Lip sync contest and youth dance, Community Center, 61 E. Second South, 8 p.m.
Volleyball tournament, Battlecreek Park, Eighth East and Second South, 6 p.m., continues through Saturday.
Wednesday
Children's parade, beginning at Pleasant Grove High School, Seventh East and Second South, at 7 p.m., circling around several residential blocks and ending back at the high school. Each child will receive a popsicle and a ticket for a free carnival ride. The Strawberry Days Association donates 5 cents per participant to Primary Children's Medical Center.
Horse pulling at the rodeo grounds, 100 N. State, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children.
Thursday
Parade, 10 a.m., beginning at West Center Street and proceeding to Second South and east to Seventh East.
Flower show from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Parks and Recreation Building, 41 E. Second South.
DUP Pioneer Museum cabin tour and bake sale, First South and First East, 9:30 a.m.
Boutique, Community Center, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring homemade craft items.
Band competition, Downtown City Park, 200 S. Main, following morning parade.
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, rodeo grounds, 8 p.m., children under 12 free with a paying adult.
Friday
Pet parade, Community Center, noon.
Grease pole climb, Community Center, 1 p.m.
Pie eating contest, Community Center, 6 p.m.
Table tennis tournament, 4 p.m. for youths and and 6 p.m. for adults, Community Center.
Wild, Wild West Barbecue, Wil's Park (next to rodeo grounds), 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children.
PRCA rodeo, rodeo grounds, 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Saturday
Tennis tournament (adults doubles). Men: 7 a.m., Pleasant Grove Junior High School, 810 N. First East. Women: 8 a.m., Pleasant Grove High School, Seventh East and Second South.
Road race, beginning at the Community Center, 8 a.m.
Swimming tournament, Pleasant Grove High School, 9 a.m.
Gun show, Sportmans and Lions Center, 600 E. Center, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Horseshoe pitching contest, Downtown City Park, 10 a.m.
Horse parade along Main Street, 6 p.m.
Variety show, Community Center, 7:30 p.m.
Final night of PRCA rodeo, 8 p.m.