Lamb Days move into full swing this weekend

FOUNTAIN GREEN—Fountain Green’s annual Lamb Day celebration is underway, with the community’s signature events scheduled throughout the weekend.

Holly Oldroyd, a lifelong Fountain Green resident and member of the Lamb Day Committee, said the celebration has long been viewed as a homecoming for current and former residents. Her great-uncle, Victor Rasmussen, served on the first volunteer Lamb Day Committee.

“He always felt like Lamb Day should be a homecoming. We hope it still is,” Oldroyd said. “We love-celebrate our history and promote the sheep industry. But most of all we love seeing everyone.”

The weeklong celebration honors the sheep and wool industry that helped shape the community’s history. Activities began July 10 with performances of the community variety show and continue through Thursday with the annual community softball tournament. The tournament championship game is scheduled for Saturday night following the fireworks display.

On July 10, 11 and 13, the play “Space Lambs: We Will Rock Ewe” was presented at the Fountain Green Theater, featuring a cast of young and old and directed by Kristiena Yorgason and Chavonne Bailey. This Friday’s events include the annual lamb and sourdough dinner featuring grilled lamb, side dishes and sourdough biscuits, accompanied by live music. A craft fair will open Friday evening and continue throughout the day Saturday.

Saturday’s schedule includes a fun run, chuck wagon breakfast, the Mammoth Parade, children’s games at the city park, a lamb auction and other family activities.

The celebration concludes Saturday evening with a fireworks show followed by the softball tournament championship game, which is expected-wrap up just before midnight. Fire Chief Austin Blackham, who has choreographed Fountain Green’s fireworks display for the past six years, encouraged spectators-bring blankets and watch the show from the park.

Lamb Day traces its roots-1930, when the community organized its first “Eat More Lamb” event-encourage local lamb consumption during the Great Depression. The celebration was later organized by the local ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before responsibility shifted-the city. In 1968, management of the event was transferred-a volunteer committee.

For details, visit lambdays.com.

Schedule of Events

Friday, July 17

• 4 p.m. Car Show
• 4-9 p.m. Craft Fair
• 5-9 p.m. Corn Hole Tournament
• 5-8 p.m. Lamb and Sourdough Dinner
• 8 p.m. Lamb Pit Preparation at 250 W. 200 North (lambs will be pit roasted overnight for sandwiches on Saturday)
• 9 p.m. Kids Movie (Free)

Saturday, July 18