In past years the Spanish Fork's Iceland Days celebration has honored all full-blooded Icelanders in attendance. This year, organizers say they're also paying respect to returning Utah National Guardsmen.
The centerpiece of this year's activities, which take place Saturday, Aug. 3, is a morning program in the city park. The theme will be "Icelanders Honor America," which publicity chairman Dave Ashby said will showcase local pride in both the city's Icelandic roots and its returning heroes.Otherwise, the daylong festivities will be much like any other in the celebration's 94 years of existence, Ashby said.
"It's for anyone of Icelandic descent, no matter how thin the blood line, and also for friends of the Icelanders."
Ashby compares the event to a big family reunion, since it "honors people who have preserved the best traditions of their mother country. The celebration is a way of maintaining ethnic identity and cementing ties to Icelandic heritage."
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, he 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."
Descendants constructed a monument in the shape of a lighthouse to pay honor to their heritage. Since being dedicated in 1938, that monument, 300 S. 800 East, has stood in memory of the Icelandic settlers.
Many early celebrations featured 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 has continued.
Another continuing event is the traditional Icelandic pancake breakfast, which also features fortunetelling from coffee settlings.
Overall, the celebrations always have a strong turnout, Ashby said. "Being an Icelander gives you something to hold on to and be proud of."
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City festivities
- Spanish Fork Iceland Days, Saturday, Aug. 3 - 8 a.m., registration and social hour; 8 a.m., authentic Icelandic pancake breakfast; 10 a.m., entertainment program honoring both full-blooded Icelanders and returning National Guardsmen; 11:30 a.m., children's games; noon, picnic. All events at the city park.
- The Highland Fling, Wednesday, July 31 through Saturday, Aug. 3. Festivities include opening ceremonies Wednesday evening, 5K and 10K races, athletic tournaments, a rodeo and both grand and mini-parades. For information, call 756-5751.
- Santaquin's Cherry Days Celebration, Saturday, Aug. 3 - events include a bake sale, a parade and family games and activities. Most events will take place in the city park. For information, call 754-3211.