BOUNTIFUL — The Bountiful Handcart Days Parade will go on, as always, this July 22 at 6 p.m.

But some changes are in the works to make it more pedestrian-friendly and tied to the theme, “Faith of Our Fathers,” says Handcart Days public relations coordinator Brett Gehmlich.

The parade has often included 120 or so entries, and totaled 130 last year, meaning it went on for a long time under the hot July evening sun. That has led some people to ask “when will it ever end?” he said.

“We are planning to limit it to 80 to 85 entries,” he said. “Since the parade is celebrating our ancestors, we need to focus on that. It (each entry) has to feature a pioneer theme.”

That means a car or truck or other entry should at least include someone dressed in pioneer costume to qualify for entry, Gehmlich explained.

In addition, commercial entries will be limited to 10.

“We’re just trying to improve the quality. We are really going to encourage floats,” whether they be locally-produced or drawn from other parades, such as the Days of 47. “We hope this will make it more enjoyable,” he said, by limiting the number of entries and making them more focused.

Changes are also being considered to the ever-popular candy component – but not to eliminate it, Gehmlich emphasized.

Liability concerns are what drive discussion of the candy issue, which some people injured or accidents occurring in other parades related to that issue.

“A lot of their parades have eliminated candy throwing,” Gehmlich said. Kids will be asked to stay behind a green line and there will be no more throwing of candy.

Instead, people giving out candy will walk along the green line, distributing candy. Each parade entrant will be required to sign a statement verifying they will comply, or not distribute candy, he said, adding, “If someone violates that rule, they won’t be invited back.”

The Bountiful Police Department also will be closely patrolling that situation, the public relations official said.

Because the number of commercial entries is being limited, sponsors are being sought for the parade, he said.

A commercial vendor could promote his or her message through a big banner, for example. A $150 per entry will be charged for all entries.

At Bountiful Park, meanwhile, a mountain man rendezvous area will be added, next to the pavilion.

It will look like a movie set, with several facades set up, associated events held. Sponsors are being sought for that, as well, Gehmlich said.

Also new at the park this year, an Eagle Scout project will entail removing recyclables from the park. Many large bins will be placed around the park in an effort to collect trash and regularly remove it, he said.

Items are already being collected for the Arts and Crafts program that is sponsored each year by the Bountiful/Davis Arts Center. This year’s theme is “From Hearts to Hands.”

Focus is on pioneer crafts and art work.

“The city has been very, very cooperative,” he said. “It’s incredible the amount of man hours put in by volunteers.”

For more information, visit www.handcartdays.org.

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