Livin’ and Lovin’ the Small Town Life in Orangeville

Orangeville’s annual city celebration brought together four days revolving around the main theme: Livin’ and Lovin’ the Small Town Life.

The festivities began on Wednesday evening with a family fun pool night and ice cream social at the Emery County Aquatic Center. Thursday evening brought entertainment from the Straight Canyon Band while members of the community enjoyed a lamb fry and pie auction at the park.

Friday highlighted local youth during a bike parade and rodeo. Members of the community were then invited to enjoy a movie in the park.

The fun began bright and early on Saturday with a 5K. Participants were then invited to refuel, joining members of the community for breakfast in the park. The annual parade brought crowds before attendees moved to the park for games. An ATV poker run and fireworks rounded out the celebration.

This year’s citizen spotlight and grand marshal was in memory of Dan Cox, who passed away earlier this year. Cox worked for Nielson Construction for over 40 years, where he earned his nickname “Digger Dan.” He also ran Cox Sawmill throughout his life.

“Dan loved being a cowboy and was very well known for his exciting rides with family and friends on the San Rafael Desert,” Orangeville City shared. “Dan’s other love in life was being in Joe’s Valley. Whether it was riding and blazing his own trails on horseback, to logging falling trees to bring down the mountain, to just camping at the Yellow Rose and being with all those Dan loved and enjoyed.”

Cox became famous for his wake up calls on the 24th of July, which became a tradition for Orangeville Days.

“We are so grateful for the influence of Dan in our lives and our community,” the city concluded.