Iron County fairgoers pay tribute to American heritage

Iron County Fair parade, Parowan, Utah, Sept. 1, 2014 | Photo courtesy of Maile Wilson, St. George News

PAROWAN — The Iron County Fair, themed “Proud to be American,” drew in large crowds from Thursday to Monday with events ranging from rodeos, baby contests, exhibits, races, a carnival, dance and more. It’s not too late to take part in some of the fair’s festivities as the fun continues through 10 this evening.

Stars, stripes and rodeo fun

The Broken Heart Rodeo, held both Friday and Saturday night, began with a respectful introduction to the American flag as rodeo royalty girls paraded flags on their horses around the arena.

Attendees were in for a special surprise as the night began with an Army National Guard helicopter bringing in an American flag that was flown on the former United States navel ship — the USS Iron County — which served American troops during World War II and the Korean War.

Rodeo Master of Ceremonies Wacey Allred paid tribute to the troops and veterans who have served and are currently serving the country.

The Iron County Fair Rodeo Royalty was present with other Rodeo Royalties including Great American Stampede Rodeo Queen Mckinzie Jimerson.

“I really enjoy the traditions of the fair,” Jimerson said. “They help the fair stay alive and make it a fun community event.”

Smiles and cute baby faces

The fair’s annual baby contest took place Saturday at 10 a.m. and Cedar City resident Kaysea Banks entered her 14-month-old daughter, Lydia into the contest.

“I entered her in the contest because I figured that she’s much sweeter than any watermelon and much more beautiful that any patchwork quilt so she was sure to win that grand prize of a wagon filled with gifts,” Banks said. “It was a fun activity that all the family enjoyed.”

Lydia’s grandparents came to cheer her on as she took the stage with her dad, Banks said. Although Lydia did not become a winner, her mother said she knew her to be a blue-ribbon winner in her family’s eyes.

5K walk or run

Hundreds of walkers and runners took to the road at the 5K event early Monday morning.

One group was from the Operation Tonergy Personal Training group in Cedar City.

Amanda Runge and Chelsee Robinson pushed their teammate Sonia Brunson along the race course in a wheelchair. Brunson, who runs with the training group weekly, broke her foot while running in an unlit area in the early morning hours on Aug. 25.

Robinson, Brunson’s running partner, said she and Brunson will always stick together and going the 5k race course together was a great experience.

“She has made me believe I am capable of anything,” Robinson said. “So when she broke her foot that was not going to stop us from being partners still because I would walk though fire for her and the rest of my Tonergy family.”

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Copyright St. George News, StGeorgeUtah.com Inc., 2014, all rights reserved

 

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