By Julie Johansen
An afternoon of music, food and fun at Emery Town’s Harvest Celebration was enjoyed by all who attended. The Gardner family band, Out of Towners, performed first with a large number of their extended family harmonizing to the crowds delight. Local artists Straight Canyon Band were next to treat with many favorite songs and melodies. The Out of Towners took the stage again followed by Emery’s own Ross Christiansen.
That evening, more than a dozen residents brought their chili to be judged in the chili cook-off. Winners of the cook-off were Dennis and Marge Stringham, capturing first place. Second place went to Glenys Sitterud and Laura Nelson finished third. A large crowd enjoyed the chili and side dishes at the pavilion in the town park.
Guest performer Clive Romney was the concluding entertainer. Romney is a lyricist for the LDS Church and used his talent to tell the history of Emery through song and prose. He conducted a lively session of history lessons with everyone’s participation. Some of his musical tales included why the Spanish Trail went through Emery and on to Salina Canyon when the straightest route from Santa Fe to Los Angeles went through the Arizona desert. Other selections taught the three main regions of Utah, how the pioneers survived and the settlement of Panguitch from Parowan.
