CEDAR CITY — The Cedar City Lions Club’s 72nd annual Independence Day parade made its way through the heart of downtown Saturday morning.
The event has been held every year since 1949, club officials said. This year’s theme was “Let Freedom Ring.”
Hundreds of onlookers lined both sides of Center and Main streets along the parade’s seven-block route. Some wore protective masks or other facial coverings and practiced social distancing, cheering approvingly as more than 50 entries went by. Because candy and other items were not allowed to be thrown this year, most people stayed in their seats for the duration of the hourlong parade.
Following an honor guard composed of Civil Air Patrol cadets, the first portion of the parade was the “Spirit of ’76” floats: a series of 10 floats depicting iconic scenes from the days of the American Revolution.
Lions Club members Dan and Vivian Boyle served as the parade’s grand marshals.
Parade director Heather Carter said the overall prize winners were as follows: first place $100 Boston Tea Party; second place $75 Washington Crossing the Delaware; and third place $50 Stampede Rodeo royalty.
The Great American Stampede rodeo royalty, who rode their respective horses while decked out in fancy Western outfits and cowboy hats, were as follows: queen Austyn Waegerle, a 17-year-old student at Enterprise High; first attendant Jordan Lutz, 18, who will begin attending Southern Utah University this fall; princess Piper Maxwell, a 14-year-old student at Juan Diego Catholic High School; and princess first attendant Kodie Stowell, 12, of Parowan.
Additionally, the Iron Giants mountain bike team comprised of dozens of teenage riders, won the judges choice award and $50.
Carter, who was assisted by Mark Nelson and numerous other local Lions Club members, expressed her appreciation to all the organizers, volunteers and participants.
Some of the noteworthy people who helped make the parade possible were Beth Stephenson and her husband Chris, who headed up the “Spirit of ’76” section; float designer Randy Seely; casting director and acting coach Julie Griffin; costume designer Jen Bach; costume fitter Cheryl Savage; and youth flag brigade director Shannon Pointer, in addition to many others who helped.
Check out the parade action in the video above and in the Cedar City News photo gallery below.
Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Cedar City Lions Club Independence Day parade grand marshals Vivian and Dan Boyle, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Iron Giants mountain bike team members, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Iron Giants mountain bike team members, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Iron Giants mountain bike team members, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Carter Wilkey finishes hanging a large flag on his flatbed trailer in preparation for Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Nellie and Gemma Carter prepare for their "poop patrol" duties, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Cedar City Lions Club Independence Day parade grand marshals Vivian and Dan Boyle, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Kiana Davis and Brooklyn Cozzens carry a banner in the Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Great American Stampede Rodeo queen Austyn Waegerle, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
L-R: Great American Stampede Rodeo queen Austyn Waegerle and first attendant Jordan Lutz,, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Great American Stampede Rodeo princess Piper Maxwell, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Great American Stampede Rodeo royalty Piper Maxwell, Austyn Waegerle and Jordan Lutz, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Helicopters fly overhead, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Cedar City Council member Scott Phillips, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Cedar City Mayor Maile Wilson-Edwards hold her daughter, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Great American Stampede Rodeo queen Austyn Waegerle, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Great American Stampede Rodeo royalty, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
4-H club members on horseback, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
4-H club members on horseback, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Gemma Carter pushes manure wheelbarrow past her mother, parade director Heather Carter, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Canyon View High School drill team, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Canyon View High School drill team, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Cedar High School cheerleaders, Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Independence Day parade, Cedar City, Utah, July 4, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have three young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.