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Show Utah Recreation GuideSumirier Page 17 Cont. from Page 16 arena since 192 1. The first bucking horses were trail driven in from Ibapah Nevada by the Pete Christiansen boys. The fencing was just a new wire fence. Everyone parked their cars around the fence to watch the rodeo, needlesstosay accidents occurred. The original Pleasant Grove Riding Club eventually bought the grounds from Dr. B.C. Linebaugh. Each member gave $100, bring the amount to $3,600. The club erected the bucking shoots and the grandstands: Doc Sorenson from Kamas Idaho was the first professional rodeo producer. There wasn't professional rodeo at that time like there is today. In 1949 the rodeo was rained out, John Green and Irving ' Johnson went to the Bank of Pleasant Grove and signed a note to pay the bill. The following year the rodeo was a success, thanks to the good weather and the note was paid off. After 1952 we had amateur rodeo for about three years. The "Red Rock Rodeo" produced by Rusty Muir was hired by the newly former Strawberry Day Committee. From that time on rodeo in Pleasant Grove was on its way. We turned Pro Rodeo in 1958. Rodeo brings exciting happenings, cows busting loose and making hay through the fields. Then remember the times the bucking broncs and the bulls wanted to sit on the laps of the spectators in the front row. Every time you hear "Let Er Buck" you'll know the excitement of Pro Rodeo at the Strawberry Day Arena. The carnival was a real novelty. The first producer was a Mr. Elderidge and he sold to Monty Young. One year another carnival company was hired, the hemp rope that drove the ferris wheel broke and turned the ferris wheel loose. Those on the ferris wheel had no choice but to hang on and ride it out. In those early years the merry-go-round was 5 cents and the ferris wheel 10 cents per ride. Real fortune telling gypsies roamed the streets in their colorful clothing, most of the children were frightened of them. Monty Young brought the carnival to town for many years, he was replaced with the City of Fun Carnival, owned by Lou Melendez and son, residents of Pleasant Grove. In earlier days the climax of our celebration was street dances, held in the center of the business district. Later a tennis court was built behind the high school gym and the dances were held there. This was discontinued when the crowds became too large. It is a tradition for Strawberry Days to be held the third week in June. This was determined because of the weather. Gone are the days of spreading straw in the park for the many visitors to walk on and avoid the mud. The weather has cooperated for the last eight years. Part of the decision for the third week in June was because of a weather check at the metorolgy headquarters in Salt Lake City by Clive Beck. This year Strawberry Days will be held June 20, 21, 22 and 23. On June 20 the annual childrens parade will be held and each child will be given a popsicle and a ticket for a free ride at the carnival. For each child that participates by riding on a float they have made or on their decorated bicycle, a nickle will be donated to the Childrens Medical Center. We have had as many as three thousand children participate in their parade. That same evening at the Rodeo Grounds the annual horse pulling event will be held beginning at 7:30 p.m. The pulling teams come from all over Utah and Idaho. This kick-off event for Strawberry Days should not be missed. Jl . - ' Selected Fclf nnc 9S& m . TV lists Pcds n no O f'ylen lifters & Lcsd Rz "pes I GrclsY1278 Kawhlda Ccntle AS-?'" Reg. 1284.00 Utchn Custom Teem Rcper Reg. $1520.00 CCO Smith & Edward 1974 Reg. $800.00 Also grooming end medical aid 4n ;2 m .'.V' Ifcrseshess Q0 li 3 set 1 i f PLEASANT GROVE Jj Days e Utah's Best fplphrntion - i V 4 wine VU4 Year June 21, 22, 23 'Jl k r 8 p.m. nightly Produced by Swanee Kirby Thrill-packed RCA Shows The Nation's Best Cowboys 1 VI Horse-Pulling Contest June 20, 7:30 p.m. You won't want to miss this!! Wednesday, June 20 Children's Parade 6 p.m. Horse-Pulling Contest 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 22 Campus Games 10 a.m. Pie Eating Contest 5 p.m. Rodeo 8 p.m. Thursday, June 21 Mini-marathon 9 a.m. Flower Show and Parade 10 a.m. Art & Craft Show 11 a.m. Rodeo 8 p.m. (Recreation Center) Parade 6 p.m. Saturday, June 23 Tennis Tournament Swimming relay 8 a.m. Rodeo 8 p.m. City of Fun Rides and Shows |