Rodeo kicks off
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Friday, July 20, 2007 | 
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By Di Lewis
Standard-Examiner staff
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By Di Lewis
Standard-Examiner staff
OGDEN -- Those watching the Ogden Pioneer Days Children's Parade on Thursday saw pieces of past parades -- children with streamers on bicycle handlebars and Boy Scouts leading the way with an American flag.
Yet, folks also caught a glimpse of modern marchers -- youngsters riding skateboards and motorized vehicles.
As the parade marches into the 21st century, children may choose different rides, but the outcome is the same.
"We had a lot of fun," said 11-year-old Sierra Johnston.
Miranda Price, 12, who marched with Sierra, said she likes joining the parade with friends and "hanging out with the little kids."
However, organizing hundreds of children and parents and making sure people have a good time is no small feat, said Deaune Burdette, an employee at the Ogden City Recreation office.
The parade was smaller this year than in past years, probably because parents had to work and could not bring their kids, Burdette said. Between 500 and 600 children participated in Thursday's march, and about 400 people lined the street to watch, she said.
Ogden police officers closed the parade route on Washington Boulevard from 20th to 26th streets. Sgt. Chad Ledford said officers issued one ticket and several warnings to people who attempted to drive around barricades closing the street.
"We always worry about kids because you never know what they're going to do or where they're going to go.
"But nobody got hurt, and everybody had a good time, so that's all that matters."
Ogden resident Shanda Richey said her four children have participated in the parade the past three years. Her children enjoy decorating their rides and deciding how they will dress, and she likes that the children get to feel special and important.
Her son, Matthew Richey, 6, said he liked the whole parade, but his favorite part was riding in a wheelbarrow.
But his mother, who pushed two of her children in the wheelbarrow, said, "I didn't think that one through enough. I was pretty tired by the end."
Chick Hislop, 11, carried a rooster in the parade. He said the rooster didn't cause any trouble, but it was getting heavy near the end of the route. Chick's family also had a rabbit and a dog in the parade.
Though the animals didn't act up on the road, the rabbit made a brief bid for freedom when the family sat in the grass after the parade.
Chick said he is excited to get into the rodeo for free. Child marchers get wristbands allowing free admission to the Pioneer Days rodeo, which kicked off Thursday.
Pioneer events Today
* 1 p.m.: Miss Rodeo Utah Luncheon, Timbermine Restaurant
* 7:30 p.m.: Rodeo, with pre-rodeo entertainment at 6:30 p.m., Pioneer Stadium
Saturday
* 9 a.m.: Miss Rodeo Utah speeches, David Eccles Conference Center
* 7:30 p.m.: Rodeo, with pre-rodeo entertainment at 6:30 p.m., Pioneer Stadium
Sunday
* 9 a.m.: Slack Rodeo, Pioneer Stadium (free)
Monday
* 10:30 a.m.: Miss Rodeo Utah Reception & Fashion Show, David Eccles Conference Center
* 6:30 p.m.: Miss Rodeo Utah Freestyle, Pioneer Stadium
* 7:30 p.m.: Rodeo
Tuesday, Pioneer Day
* 9 a.m.: Pioneer Day Parade, Washington Boulevard
* 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Pioneer Skills and Craft Fair, Fort Buenaventura
* Noon: Weber County Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum open house, 2148 Grant Ave.
* 7:30 p.m.: Rodeo featuring Miss Rodeo Utah coronation, with pre-rodeo entertainment at 6:30 p.m., Pioneer Stadium
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