The community at Dugway Proving Ground got off to its traditional early start to Fourth of July activities, holding its parade and a full slate of events Wednesday afternoon.
Families took position along the parade route as Dugway commander Col. Ronald Fizer, vehicles from Dugway police and fire departments and more traveled past the community club building. Kids of all ages eagerly snatched up candy and freezer pops, and took advantage of water sprayed from the Cub Scout float on a sweltering afternoon.
In addition to the parade, there were games and activities, including an obstacle course, climbing wall and face painting. Competitions included “Are You Smarter Than Your Kids,” a spin on the “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” television trivia show. There were also jalapeno and watermelon eating competitions.
Entertainment was provided by the Utah Army National Guard Band and a demonstration by a Dugway dance group.
The evening’s activities wrapped up with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. on the parade field.
The Fourth of July celebration was put on by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office through the Recreation Delivery System team. Event organizer Dennis Nichols said planning for the event begins months in advance to coordinate participants, volunteers and safety personnel.
Dugway is on a four-day work week and with its July Fourth federal holiday on Thursday, the best time to hold the parade was Wednesday, Nichols said. With the long weekend, personnel also look at Fourth of July as a time to get off base for vacation, he said.
Another benefit of holding its celebration early is Dugway doesn’t have to hold its event the same day as other Tooele County communities, Nichols said.
“We don’t want to compete with Tooele or Grantsville or any of our local communities that are doing fireworks programs or any other Fourth of July programs,” he said.