Aug. 2023 | Vol. 33 Iss. 08
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CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE, CULTIVATING UNITY: HOW ONE WOMAN’S VISION FOSTERED A NEIGHBORHOOD TRADITION By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
W
hile most of Murray was anticipating the annual Independence Day parade on State Street, even to the point of staking out spots, much to Murray PD’s chagrin, days in advance, folks in Murray’s eastside Hyland Lake neighborhood were anticipating another parade. In the pleasant suburb surrounding Tanner Lake, a tradition has germinated and blossomed over the last two and a half decades, binding the community together in a heartfelt celebration of unity and patriotism. This tale traces back to the vision of Carola Groos, whose aspiration to foster a stronger sense of camaraderie in her community led to the birth of an annual neighborhood parade. This tradition has been cherished and anticipated since its beginning in 1997. According to Groos, the parade’s inception was fueled by two central motives. “At the time, I was in the LDS Primary Presidency, which meant I was working with a lot of children,” Groos said. After partaking in a parade during her previous residence in West Jordan, she recognized the joy the experience brought to the children, lighting the spark for a neighborhood parade. However, the idea was not merely about the delight of children. She envisioned the parade as a bridge, a platform for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members and non-member neighbors to strengthen their bonds. “I had only been in the neighborhood for a short time and realized everyone was busy with their own activities. We needed an activity that would include everyone,” Groos said. Continued page 13 A band of neighbors led a children’s parade in the Hyland Lake neighborhood on Independence Day. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
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