Putting together an enormous celebration, such as this year’s Bountiful Handcart Days, takes a cast of thousands.

In addition to the many volunteers from the community who perform a great amount of work each July, there is a large organization whose planning efforts begin in January or earlier in many cases.

The organization includes committees responsible for accounting, arts & crafts, food concessions, games & activities, the grand parade, pioneer games, parade communications, park entertainment, park support, public relations, purchasing, sponsorship, treasurer duties, videography and website management.

Most committees are chaired by a husband and wife team who have the assignment for three years and overlap the first and third year with predecessors and replacements. Many committees have sub-committees and on and on. All are volunteers!

Planning the parade this year is more harrowing than normal because of the parade entry of the marching 2000 stripling warriors. Connie and Bob Rose who chair the parade committee seem to be taking it all in stride.

“We realize that while putting 2000 young men on the street to march as warriors is difficult, that it is worth the effort.” Connie Rose insists, “It will be one of the most memorable experiences in the lives of both those who participate and those who view the parade.

The parade will last the usual amount of time and will have quality floats and bands, “We are going to spotlight some different VIP’s this year. We will be including some of those who make our community one of the finest in the nation.”

Everyone involved with the celebration is very excited and looking forward to the best Bountiful Handcart Days ever experienced.