Organizers of the 93rd annual Iceland Days Celebration say this year's festivities will be like one big family reunion.
In addition to honoring the people who have preserved best the traditions of their mother country, the celebration is a way of maintaining ethnic identity and cementing ties to Icelandic heritage, publicity chairman Dave Ashby said."For years, the Icelandic ancestors have clung to each other; they are a family. In that sense, Iceland Day is like a large family reunion."
Icelandic pioneers in Utah County date back to the late 19th century, Ashby said. "By 1856 there were more than 200 Icelandic (LDS) converts who had immigrated to Utah."
Those settlers established the largest settlement of Icelanders in the United States on Spanish Fork's southeast bench, which makes the local community the most rich in Icelandic heritage in the nation, Ashby said.
The first Iceland Days celebration was Aug. 3, 1897, to coincide with an annual holiday in Vestmanaeyjar, an island off Iceland's southern coast, Ashby said.
"That island was a haven to the Icelandic Mormons when persecution forced them from their homes."
Many early Iceland Days celebrations features entire programs in the Icelandic language, including speeches, vocal solos and a choir, he said. Also, sporting events were held for children, a tradition that continues today.
Another is the traditional Icelandic pancake breakfast, which also features fortunetelling from coffee settlings. Other returning activities in the celebration, which takes place in the city park, are musical numbers, a program with speeches and recognition of each year's guest of honor, Ashby said.
"It should be a lot of fun. Being an Icelander gives you something to hold on to and be proud of."
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Celebration lineup
Friday, Aug. 3 - noon to 6 p.m., exhibit of authentic Icelandic relics and antiques, at Spanish Fork Public Library; 4 to 6 p.m., slide presentation "Iceland As It Is Today," by Byron Geslison at the library.
Saturday, Aug. 4 - 8 a.m., authentic Icelandic pancake breakfast at the Spanish Fork City Park; 10 a.m., program honoring all living full-blooded Icelanders in attendance, as well as entertainment, at the park.
Payson, Santaquin fests
Santaquin's Cherry Days, Saturday, Aug. 4. Festivities include bake sales, a parade and family games and activities in the park. For more information, contact the city offices at 754-3211.
Payson's annual Salmon Supper, Friday, Aug. 3. At Payson City Park, hours for the supper, now sponsored by the Payson City Chamber of Commerce, will be 4 to 7 p.m., and there will be entertainment provided during those hours. Tickets for the supper are $8.50 and will be available at the supper.