$1.50 July 12, 2024 | Vol. 3 Iss. 23
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Centerville Police Chief retires
Making dreams come true Cinderella rides in Handcart parade
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Dive in, in Bountiful
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‘Onward and Upward’ at Handcart Days parade By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com BOUNTIFUL—From its humble beginnings in 1950 to one of the largest parades in the state, Handcart Days has become a well-loved tradition in Bountiful and surrounding cities. Less than 2,500 people came out to that first parade and now there are 10s of thousands that line Main Street to watch floats, horses, antique cars and more go by. This year’s parade starts at 9 a.m. on July 20. The theme is “Onward and Upward.” The parade begins at 1500 South and goes to 400 North where it turns and continues to 100 West. “There are 13 (LDS) stakes involved and more than 200 volunteers,” said Jill Frasier, parade chair. “The Jeep Posse and 65 ham radio operators are in addition to our volunteers. The radio operators will be communicating all through the parade telling us to speed up if there’s a lag or slow down.” It’s become a tradition for some, she said. “I’ve had people call in January wanting to know when it is because they’re planning their family vacation around it so they can be here. It’s a community event that brings people together.” Handcart Days is a remembrance of the struggles and hardships the handcart pioneers faced as they trekked to Utah. It originated in Bountiful but has become a south Davis event. “We don’t want it to just be Bountiful, we want it to be all of south Davis,” said Frazier. “From beginning to end it's about one and a half hours. We have over 90 entries but we’re still firming that up.” Sandy Inman is the Grand Marshal, Frazier said. Inman has been the
YOUTH COUNCIL members hold a huge flag at the end of last year’s Handcart Days parade.
driving force behind the Bountiful History Museum. “We thought she’s really contributed to the community.” There are eight horse entries, she said. “That’s more than we’ve ever had. There are six bands including everybody’s favorite the Wasatch District Pipe Band.” Hardware Ranch is bringing their Clydesdales, said Frazier. “The Utah National Guard is coming and the parade ends with the Major Brent Taylor Foundation’s big flag that will be carried by the youth councils from Woods Cross, West Bountiful and Bountiful.” Big floats like KSL, Chick-Fil-A and Young Automotive are coming,
A LITTLE PARADE GOER picks up candy along the route.
File photos by Roger V. Tuttle
Please see PARADE: pg. 2
New DAC executive director has passion for music By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com LAYTON—Micah K. Hirokawa has always loved music. It’s been a passion for him since early childhood. Now Hirokawa will have the opportunity to bring that passion to his new position as Davis Arts Council (DAC) Executive Director. His appointment is a significant milestone because he is only the fourth person to serve as the executive director in DAC’s 45-year-history. “I’m deeply honored and thrilled to serve as the new executive director of the Davis Arts Council, inspired by the dedication and passion of those committed to making a meaningful difference in our community,” said Hirokawa. “As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, I am committed to a long-term vision for our success, aiming to one day celebrate our centennial year. Our journey is fueled by community engagement, diversity, educational outreach, and innovative programming.”
Hirokawa is the oldest of seven kids and grew up in Hawaii. “My dad was a famous musician,” he said. “He passed that music to me and my four brothers. We would play Hawaiian music in our home and we started a family band.” Music was a really big deal, he said. “I was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, music had a way of organizing my reading.” Hirokawa was a Grammy Music Educator Award finalist in 2014 and recipient of the Grammy Rock Your School Award in 2016. “I won the award and they announced it on April 1,” he said. “I thought it was the biggest joke. They said, ‘no, no, it’s real.’ It was pretty special. I realized what I was doing was important. It solidified my life’s work.” He was in education for 24 years and prior to being a principal he was a music teacher. “I focused on theater, band and music,” said Hirokawa. “I directed 25 musical productions. I liked developing students in that way. Some have gotten into Juilliard or Berklee School of Mu-
sic.” Hirokawa made it a point to spend time with his students. “I would eat with the students every day,” he said. “That’s how you build relationships. Parents would say, ‘you know more details about my kid than I do.’ They talk freely at lunch, while they’re drawing or working on a ceramic pot, this is a fantastic window to check the temperature of children.” Looking to the future, Hirokawa has five main goals: • Enhancing community engagement: We will work tirelessly to increase community involvement in our arts initiatives, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued. • Promoting diversity and inclusion: Our programs will reflect the rich diversity of our community, celebrating all voices and perspectives. • Expanding educational outreach: We will increase our efforts to bring arts Please see HIROKAWA: pg. 5
MICAH K. HIROKAWA is only the fourth person to serve as executive director in Davis Arts Council’s (DAC) 45-year-history.
Courtesy photo
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