24th of July

Mapleton has an old-fashioned small-town 24th of July celebration, although it gets bigger every year. When we first moved here about 31 years ago, the parade was pretty small--just a few blocks and mostly kids on bikes. Now the route covers about a mile and a half, with lots of candy-catching opportunities for the kids. Unlike other Utah cities, in Mapleton the church sponsors and organizes the event, and no commercial floats are allowed. So other than the Springville High marching band and the Miss Springville/Mapleton float, almost all of the parade entries are from the city offices and the two stakes and 19 wards. Look carefully at the driver of this cute VW convertible --it's Kent.




Andrew couldn't decide whether to cover his ears (because the fire engines and ambulances are so loud) or wave in the hope they will throw a little candy his direction.



For Austenne, the decision was simple--cover the ears.




Sophie (in her new pink shoes) found a treasure--a Tootsie Roll. With so many big kids rushing out to the street, it's a wonder she was able to get anything at all.



Clara and Boston were roused early to get to the parade on time. They look like they are too tired to care, but they got into it after they woke up a bit more.