Onion Days Parade in Payson

The Onion Days Parade in Payson, Utah was on Labor Day, Monday, September 5th, 2011.

We had some crisp chilled watermelon to snack on while we were waiting in the staging area.

Monique, 2nd Attendant was there.

So was Brittney, 3rd Attendant.

As well as Sheri, 4th Attendant.

This cute little girl was also named Hannah. She wants to be a princess when she grows up. I told her she was one already.

Miss Nephi Royalty.

Here we are with the Miss Payson and her Royalty. They are the hosts of the Onion Days Parade.

The Payson High Cheerleaders.

The children's train conductor.

Getting a quick train ride before the parade begins.

You never know who you are going to run into at a parade. Here I found Sierra (front left) and Cameron Pennock (front right), former piano students of mine. How fun.

This group of awesome cloggers put on little show for us. I used to clog many years ago.

Look at the mammoth tires on this truck. I just had to get a picture. Notice the dude hanging out the window? He had to get in the action.

Smokey the Bear was there as well.

There was a cute studio of little cheerleaders with whom we wanted to get a picture. Who jumps into the frame trying to steal the spotlight? The UVU mascot, Wolverine. He is full of energy!

Love, Miss Orem 2011

Hannah Harkness

Swiss Days

Swiss Days was Saturday, September 3rd, 2011. What a fun event!
It is held in Midway, Utah.
I was there.

So was Sydney, 1st Attendant.

And Brittney, 2nd Attendant.

We do not bring our float up Provo canyon for the Swiss Days Parade.

Instead we used a fancy truck.

We always meet a lot of fun people while we are at the staging area before a parade begins.

After the Swiss Days Parade, in the City Park, there are so many interesting booths to investigate. I love attending Swiss Days every year. I always find something fun and unique that I can't live without! :-)

Love, Miss Orem 2011

Hannah Harkness

Timpanogos Storytelling Festival

The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival was held last weekend, September 1-3. It takes place Labor Day weekend in Orem, Utah at the City's Mount Timpanogos Park. This year was the 22nd Anniversary of the Festival and it's the largest storytelling festival in the West. Sheri (4th attendant) and I were there to join in the fun. We were able to meet and talk with a lot of school age children who attended. We actually ran into Sheri's younger brother who was there with his school.

Stella Welch, former Orem Mayor, is a big fan of the Festival.

Meeting little princesses is one of my favorite parts of being Miss Orem.

One of the events at the Festival is learning how to throw pottery. I've never done that before. It was a lot of fun.

Here we are with my good friend Jackie Williamson. On top of volunteering her time in the community, she is an amazingly creative cook and decorator. Check out her blog PurpleChocolatHome.blogspot.com.

The Storytelling Festival has great visitors. They estimate 40,000 attendees this year. Wow!

I thought the floral decorations at the lunch tables added a touch of class.

Mingling with the crowds were medieval entertainers like this talented juggler.

He is actually throwing knives here.

You can always count on Orem's police to keep every event safe and secure and just be there to help when needed.

Signing autographs is always fun.

Lunch time!

The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival is amazing. I didn't take any pictures of all the talented and mesmerizing tellers. The Festival has tents and tents of Storytellers going on all throughout the day. The stories are fantastic. If you haven't ever been to the Festival put it on your calendar now for Labor Day weekend 2012.

Love, Hannah Harkness

Miss Orem 2011

Share a Smile Triathlon

August 27th was the "Share a Smile" Triathlon. The purpose was to help raise money for a permanent charity dental clinic at the new Food and Care Coalition site. This will be a place where all dental professional from the Utah Valley area can continue to donate their time and skills to the homeless and poor in our community. Monique (2nd attendant) and Brittney (3rd attendant) were there with me to help serve at this event.
Jake helped organize all the volunteers for this years' event as his eagle scout project.

This fundraiser is lead by Dr. Eric Vogel, D.D.S and Dr. Steve Berry, D.D.S. (pictured).

There were a lot of volunteers of all ages!

Also lots of athletes.

The triathlon included a 1/4 mile swim, a 10 mile bike ride and a 3.2 mile run.

There was also a children's race.

The children swam 1 length of the Scera pool, rode their bikes for 1/2 mile and ran for 1/4 mile.

Way to go kids!

Brittney, Monique and I were stationed at the corner of Orem Center Street and University Avenue.

There was a public safety volunteer with us as well.

We cheered the bikers on.

What a fun event and a worthy cause. Thanks Dr. Vogel for all the charitable work you do in our community.

Love, Miss Orem 2011

Hannah Harkness