Parade kicks off Pioneer Day celebrations

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 News) – Pioneer Day celebrations started early Monday morning for the Days of ’47 Parade. After months of preparation, the state’s oldest parade marched through downtown Salt Lake City.

Bands, floats, royalty; the parade were covered at this year’s Days of ’47 Parade.

Hannah Harkness, Miss Orem, talked to ABC4 about her job in the parade. Miss Orem said, “We got up early this morning and we've just been seeing the floats.”

An early, or maybe late Sunday, start for everyone in this year’s parade.

For those in the parade, this was the time to put all of their work on display. The Wilford Stake spent months and thousands of hours to get their float ready. They took their namesake and an original Utah pioneer to become the theme of their float.

A perfect example of how this parade, remembers our state’s heritage and looks to the future, celebrating Pioneer Day in Utah.

(Watch the video- you will see the Miss Orem Royalty twirling on the float.)

Days of '47' Parade

Today the Miss Orem Royalty was in the Days of '47" parade. It has been a few years since we have participated in this parade and I have missed it. The Orem Float won the Governors Award which is 1 of 2 awards that is awarded to the city floats participating in the parade. Below is Hannah Harkness (Miss Orem), Monique, Sydney, Sheri, and Brittany holding the award.

More Pictures of Breakfast with the Orem Firefighers

Orem Fire Fundraiser Breakfast

Yesterday morning was the annual Orem Fire Fundraiser Breakfast. The Orem Firefighters put on a big yummy breakfast for the community at the Orem MACEY grocery store's parking lot. All the money they raise goes back into the community helping Orem families in need. Orem Firefighters are the BEST!
Breakfast was great!

The event was well attended from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. Way to go OREM!

I got to greet people and hand out balloons.

There was also the Orem Fire fleet and people could take tours of the Ambulances, Fire Trucks and Helicopters.

This policeman was dared to climb ALL THE WAY to the top of this ladder. I was next . . . but . . . we ran out of time. I am impressed with our community and all the service that is given. Orem Fire - you are the best! Thanks for all you do.

Love, Miss Orem 2011

Hannah Harkness

Eyeshadow Secrets

Being Miss Orem for the past couple of months I have been exposed to all kinds of grooming tips (make-up, hair, body, etc.)

A couple weeks ago my Young Women's President (who has an AMAZING blog at, purplechocolathome.blogspot.com- you need to visit this page!) gave me the brilliant idea that during my year as Miss Orem I should share some of these tips and secrets on the blog. So I decided to start with eyeshadow, I learned so many new things it boggled my mind.

First, the #1 rule of eyeshadow… eyeshadow should always coordinate with your eyes, not your clothes. – this was new to me!

What Color of eye shadow would be best with your eye color?

(Above, is a basic color wheel.)

To figure out what color of eyeshadow would best compliment your eyes, go to the color opposite of your eye color.

(For example, I have green eyes, the colors I have learned that best compliment my eyes are soft pink/reds, purples, and light browns.)

I always enjoy learning new make-up tips! Later I post on how to apply eyeshadow, first I need to practice a little more……hehe.

I hope you all enjoy, (feel free to leave comments, it’s always fun to hear from you)

Love,

Miss Orem 2011

Hannah Harkness

America's Freedom Festival at Provo 2011

America's Freedom Festival at Provo is an AMAZING week of events. It started out last Sunday with a Patriotic Devotional at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo.

I was invited to the Reception beforehand and was lucky enough to have a conversation with Governor Gary Herbert and his gracious wife Jeanette.
The Patriotic Devotional is always moving.
This year the Devotional was hosted by Miss American, Teresa Scanlan (in red). She is talented and genial. Also, leading the Pledge of Allegiance was the newly crowned Miss Utah, Danica Olsen (in black).

I felt lucky to meet with them again.

Also in attendance was Miss United Nations, Miss Africa Utah and Miss Provo.

Move ahead to Saturday night - Stadium of Fire. At the Reception before Stadium of Fire I was able to meet and speak with service men and women who help to keep our Country safe. Thanks to all those who put themselves in harm's way so we can be safe and free.

Chad Lewis (on my right) was the Emcee for Stadium of Fire this year. He used to play football for BYU and then went on to play tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles and for the St. Louis Rams. Steve Young (on my left) sits of the Festival Leadership board. He also played football for BYU and then was quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. They are both really nice men.

Also at the Reception was David Osmond. I know my mom would have gone crazy for Donny - but David was in attendance.

Stadium of Fire was well attended and lots of fun. David Archuleta was there and sang a handful of songs. His Star Spangled Banner was AMAZING! I got my picture taken with him at the Reception and I will post it when they email it to me. Those pictures were taken by a professional - no snaps allowed. Brad Paisley was the headliner for the evening. He was great!

The fireworks seemed like the best they have ever done. I enjoyed how the fireworks were choreographed to the music. Spectacular!

Today was the Freedom Festival Parade. Orem's float received the Mayor's Award. Hooray!

We had to be there fairly early this morning and all of us took naps at one point or another.

There were so many people at this parade. I think it was the biggest one yet.

My sisters are the best! They are supportive and sweet. I love you Grace and Esther.

People camped out overnight for good spots at the parade - some even sat on their roof tops. Crazy. What a fun week it has been. I love living here in Utah, our great state, and living in the USA! Happy Birthday America.

Love, Miss Orem 2011

Hannah Harkness