Yes, it is still happening!
Events Schedule
The Cherry days events this year are sponsored by North Ogden City as well as a private citizen group as noted below. The city has no liability or responsibility for events they do not sponsor.
July 3rd Events
EVENTS SPONSORED BY NORTH OGDEN CITY
6:30 a.m. ………………………..Sunrise Ceremony – North Ogden Park
Sponsored by Lindquist Mortuaries
7 a.m. …………………………….5K Fun Run/Walk – Intermountain North Ogden
Sponsored by Intermountain North Ogden
10 p.m. …………………………..Cherry Days Fireworks Spectacular
Sponsored by Lee’s Marketplace
Music will be broadcasted by 103.1 “The Wave”
EVENTS SPONSORED BY PRIVATE CITIZENS GROUPS
“Meet American Heroes” Treasure Hunt- North Ogden Park
7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. North Ogden Kiwanis Breakfast – North Ogden Park
9:30 a.m. ………………………..Children’s and Pet Parade – Washington Blvd.
10:00 a.m. ………………………Cherry Days Parade – 3100 N to Weber High School
Honorary Grand Marshal: George and Marie Cavanaugh
Grand Marshals: LaMar and Mary Lee Taylor and Ryan and Amanda Berube
10 a.m. – 1 p.m………………..Kit Collins Memorial Skate – North Ogden Park
11:30 a.m.- 4 p.m…………….Freedom Car Show – North Ogden Park
12:00 p.m. – 4 p.m. ………….Concerts – North Ogden Park
Hearts of Steele at 12 p.m.
Benson Sisters and Pink Raspberries 3 p.m.
Hales Family Musical Ties 3:20 p.m.
Crowd Sung National Anthem (everyone in the park joins in) 2 p.m.
Patriotic Costume Contest – North Ogden Park
Businesses
INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR?
Parade entries-$10 / Business booths at North Ogden Park $25
For more info, e-mail: northogdencherrydays@gmail.com
Address References:
North Ogden Park, located at 2705 N 550 E
Barker Park, located at 2376 N Fruitland Drive
Official North Ogden City Sponsored Cherry Days Events
Sunrise Ceremony
Join us the morning of July 3rd at 6:30 a.m. at the East Bowery in North Ogden Park for a patriotic ceremony with comment from notable speakers and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem performed by students of the Vocal Motion Show Choir.
Sponsored by: Lindquist Mortuaries
5K Race
July 3rd at 7 a.m. Register during them month of June for only $20. Packet pick-up will be on July 2nd at the Parks and Recreation office in North Ogden.
Details at www.northogdencherrydays.com.
Sponsored by: Intermountain Healthcare
Medallion Hunt
From June 28th to July 2nd, North Ogden City will be having a treasure hunt for the Cherry Days Medallion. It will be hidden on public property within the North Ogden city limits. The hiding place does not require destruction of property or entry onto private property. Clues will be posted daily by 9 a.m. to www.northogdencherrydays.com. The lucky finder of the medallion will win a pool party for them and up to 200 friends and family at North Shore Aquatic Center.
Fireworks!
Look to the sky at 10pm on July 3rd for a dazzling fireworks display. The fireworks spectacular will be visible from all across North Ogden. The music for the fireworks will be broadcast on 103.1 FM The Wave. Tune in for a fantastic show.
Sponsored by: Lee’s Marketplace
Go to our website for more info: www.northogdencherrydays.com
Honorary Grand Marshal of the Cherry Days Parade
George and Marie Cavanaugh
A long time ago, well over 50 years, a man named George Cavanaugh joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He lived in South Dakota, and if you have ever been there, you know it’s not a very populated state and has even fewer church members. He wanted to marry a “Mormon” girl, so he set off for Brigham Young University. He was later successful and married the girl of his dreams, Marie. He convinced her to move to South Dakota where they farmed, had babies, and lived the gospel.
George was set apart as the District President over four branches in a 200-mile radius, and Marie was the Relief Society District President. There was only one chapel, and the other three branches wanted a building to worship in, so a lot of fundraising went on. Then, Marie decided that they needed to make some ‘serious’ money. She made copies of her mother’s candy recipes and handed them out to all of the sisters, assigning them the task of bringing certain flavors. They would get together and dip the candy and box the chocolates. A letter came from Salt Lake City from Sister Belle Spafford, then Relief Society General President, telling the sisters that they were not to be the money-making arm of the church. Marie was innovative and suggested that they have priesthood holders box the chocolates and collect the money. In no time, the chapels were built.
Marie was so caught up with the chocolate world and had made so many friends who wanted her to continue providing sweet confections, that she took a one-pound box to the local banker, asking for a loan of $15,000. The year was 1963, and she was a woman in a small community; what she was doing was unheard of. After he had eaten half the box, he gave her the loan and ordered 200 pounds of chocolate to be delivered to him for Christmas. Mrs. Cavanaugh’s was born.
In 1972, George felt impressed to move to Utah. When asked if she would like to move back to her beloved mountains, Marie was thrilled. They moved their family to Bountiful and tested the market with their chocolates, never looking back. On paper, this small family business should never have succeeded, but with the Lord’s blessings and lots of hard work, the Cavanaugh’s are now a household name. They are in six locations throughout the valley: Orem, Valley Fair Mall, North Salt Lake Factory, Bountiful, Layton Hills Mall, and North Ogden. The Factory location also offers tours and free samples.
Sometimes, people ask if this story is true and if the Cavanaugh’s really exist. George passed away eight years ago. Marie is still alive and well. The children are now heavily involved in the business, and Marie is still giving words of wisdom from the sidelines.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
– Coretta Scott King
Grand Marshals of the Cherry Days Parade
Ryan and Amanda Berube
Hi, my name is Ryan Berube, and I just turned 40 in May. I was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when I was three. I am the son of Jeana and Neal Berube and have lived in North Ogden for 39 years. I am sure many of you remember me roaming the streets of North Ogden in my powered wheelchair; that used to be one of my favorite past times. You may also remember me from Acres Market, now Lee’s Market, where I drove around the store assisting customers in finding merchandise. I was able to make many great friends in the North Ogden community through working there.
I graduated from the awesome Weber High in 1999. Go Warriors!! I have been employed with Associated Food Stores for 15 years. It is a fantastic company. In 2018, I married the love of my life, Amanda. We were sealed in the Ogden Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2019. I am so grateful for my savior Jesus Christ and His gospel. It is so reassuring to know that I can be with my wife and family for eternity. We have two incredible kids: Brady is 18, and Regan is 12. I love spending time with them and my extended family, including my fabulous parents and my absolutely fantastic brothers. I look up to my brothers Justin and Colton and their wives, and my completely adorable nieces: Sophie, Paisley, Addy, Sawyer, and last but not least, Cedar. I just love them!
I also absolutely love spending time with my totally amazing best bud, Tyler Crittenden of North Ogden. My hobby is cars; I really enjoy all types. I love the United States of America; it is the best place on earth. I am so grateful for all of the soldiers that did, and do, valiantly fight for our freedom, especially my grandpa, Gene Hancock, who is my idol. He served in the Philippines during World War II, giving me a great interest in that war. One of the things that I really love about North Ogden is it is a place of tradition. Traditions are important to me. Let’s not forget to mention that this is an absolutely beautiful place, with picturesque views of the mountains all around us. My brother, Justin, was born on the Fourth of July. Ever since I can remember, we have gotten together on his birthday. We used to always go to the Cherry Days parade and the activities at the park afterwards and watch the fireworks. The tradition grew to involve our group of friends, as well as a barbecue that still goes on to this day; I refuse to miss it. I am humbled to be the honorary grand marshal for the parade.
Thank you, Mark Miller and all the others who have helped him, for your hard work in making Cherry Days a reality this year!
LaMar and Mary Lee Taylor
LaMar and Mary Lee have lived in this great community of North Ogden for 45 years. They chose it for its beauty, great schools, and amazing people. LaMar taught choral music to over 16,000 students at North Ogden Jr. High and produced 18 broadway musicals during that time. He then became a junior high school counselor for 20 years. LaMar also sang professionally on the weekends in Los Angeles and toured all over the U.S. and Canada!
When LaMar retired from performing professionally, he became a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and toured all over the world with them. During that time, he and Mary Lee formed a performing group for teenagers called Rainbow Connection Entertainers, which they directed for 20 years, helping young people to develop their talents and providing entertainment for the community. Their goal was to teach them to find joy in sharing their gifts and watch them gain confidence in themselves as they performed.
LaMar loved Cherry Days and became an integral part of it. He would have his sound system raised by the front-end loaders to the top of the Wells Fargo Bank and announce the parade. He then moved the system to the Bowery in the park and presented “Talent in the Park” all afternoon on the 4th of July. Later in the day, he relocated to the football field to do musical fireworks. The night before the 4th of July, he would use the sound system to announce the posse events at the arena. LaMar was also the MC for the Miss North Ogden Pageant many times, receiving the “Point of Light Service Award” twice for his hours of service during Cherry Days.
LaMar and his wife Mary Lee have six children and 22 grandchildren who are the light of their lives. LaMar has served in the army and loves his country. Mary Lee was born on the 4th of July and has always appreciated the fireworks that we do every year for our country (and her birthday). The Taylors love North Ogden and the great people who live here.
In Memory of Dave Nordquist
Former Parks and Recreation Director of Services
BY MARY BATCHELOR
-Tiffany Staheli
Summer is upon us, and the North Ogden Parks and Recreation Department has been gearing up for nine months now. With youth sports, camps, the Aquatic center, and parks to maintain, they have their hands full. The department, known for being a fun and lively one by its staff, has had a somber tone of late. Parks and Rec suffered a blow last month when Dave Nordquist, the department’s former Director of Services, passed due to complications from Neuroendocrine Cancer. “He was one of the best men I have ever met,” claimed Tiffany Staheli, current Director.
“He was always making people laugh and had a big heart.” Known as “Coach Dave” by many, he started his career at Mt. Ogden Jr High, later moving to Ogden High to coach baseball. While there, his team won 12 regional championships and a state title. His love of sports continued to flourish as he worked with the sports programs for the city of North Ogden.
Dave started working at Parks and Rec around 2007 at the Aquatic Center. Coming from working with Ogden High and the Ben Lomond Pool, Dave was ready to take action. “He helped get things off the ground and structured, like the swimming lessons,” Tiffany commented. Dave worked at the Aquatic Center as the manager for a year and then accepted the position to be the Director of Services at Parks and Rec.
Dave was responsible for the soccer complex at Wadman Park, a local favorite, during his time there. The 13-acre public park boasts a hill used for sleigh-riding, a walking trail, a bowery with ample picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, and of course, the soccer fields.
Dave knew the importance of parks and having places for youth to get out and enjoy, especially when it came to sports. He worked hard to ensure this. “He would always say ‘don’t tell me how bad the sea is, just bring in the ships,“ Tiffany said this was of his many sayings. He was serious about his job but knew when to relax as well. “He would say, ‘Give it 24 hours’, “ Tiffany said when they didn’t know how something would work out. Dave was also known for his sense of humor. He was always telling jokes, which made the workplace an enjoyable one for all.
Dave not only worked hard at his job but he was a family man. “My dad found the good in people, even if he had to look a little longer or harder. He inspired me by being an optimist. He believed life should bring joy and not every situation required a serious approach,” Dave’s son, Brett Nordquist commented. “He was big and intimidating to some but had a huge heart, and he sought out those whom he felt needed a little more attention or instruction as a coach.”
The North Ogden Parks and Rec Department has established and maintained 11 of the different programs with the help of people like Dave Nordquist. His legacy lives on through the residents who enjoy these programs and spaces. So, go out and enjoy all of his hard work, just like Dave would have wanted.
