June 17 is Sandy Pride Day - the day when residents plant pine trees, fix up, clean up and celebrate living in this south valley city.
Actually, the celebration begins Friday night with the Jordan School Talent Festival Finals at South Towne Center. The producer is Merrill Osmond Enterprises.And this year the Salt Lake Regional Summer Games are in town Thursday through Saturday, adding to the weekend festivities. Saturday night, a Sandy Pride Youth Dance will be held on the Center Court of the South Towne Center.
Sandy Pride activities in the schools began as early as April with spring cleanup events. And neighborhood cleanup and beautification projects sponsored by Scout organizations will continue to July 1, capped by a celebration and fireworks on July 4, said Mike Coulam, city community development director and Sandy Pride co-chairman for the Exchange Club of Sandy - the group that invented Sandy Pride.
The city used to have fireworks both on Sandy Pride Day and on July 4, but this year it was decided to pool the money and have one really big show on the July 4, Coulam explained.
A new feature this year is the 1989 Sandy Pride Community Service Project Award Patch. Scouts can earn it by completing three requirements from a list of six possibilities before July 4. Those interested can call Coulam at 566-1561, Ext. 209, or 572-4022. Prize drawings will be held July 4 for participating Scout unit leaders.
A drawing for a free round trip for two to Cancun, Mexico, will be held for people who organize Sandy Pride projects.