By Julie Johansen
The Lamb Fry started Orangeville City Days 2024 on Friday, June 14, bringing hundreds of people to their favorite part of the celebration. The Humphrey Family has been responsible for the Lamb Fry for 62 years. It all began in 1962 at the dedication of Joes Valley Dam. Mark Humphrey said to his wife Merene, “we need to have a Lamb Fry.” As sheep herders, the lamb was plentiful, but Merene’s concern was scones.
They visited with several other sheep herders, getting their ideas for scones and she came up with her own recipe for scones to accompany the lamb. This recipe is still used today by their children, Jay Mark Humphrey, Lorraine Humphrey Frandsen and Kristine Humphrey Story. Although the Humphrey descendants no longer run sheep, the tradition has continued because of them and also some of their children that return to help each year.
Friday’s activities continued with the annual pie auction, pickle ball tournament, pig and chicken chase for younger kids, and a bonfire for the teens. Saturday’s celebration started early with a 5K walk/run at 7 a.m. followed with a fireman’s benefit breakfast at 8. The ever-popular parade started on South Main and continued to the city park on North Main. Carol Stilson was Grand Marshall of the celebration and she was featured in the parade. Other parade entries included candidates for school board, Neal Peacock and Tracey Johnson, and political entries.
Several county and city businesses, auxiliaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints wards in Orangeville, law enforcement and fire engines and cheerleaders from San Rafael Middle School threw candy to the hundreds of parade-watchers all long the street. After the parade, the crowds went to the city park to visit many food and wares vendors. Bounce houses and inflatables were ready for the children and Cody Robbins was the concert in the park. Of course, the big finale was fireworks in the evening.
