Parowan, UT

Our community here in Iron County is a little poorer this week. We lost a couple of athletic coaches to cancer. One is a basketball coach that coached at both of the High Schools in Cedar City, winning State Championships with both the boys and the girls teams that he coached. I didn't grow up here in the Iron County area, so I didn't know him. However, everyone that I talked to absolutely loved and respected him as a builder of young people. His name is Coach Hodson, after taking the girls at Canyon View High School to a state championship he moved on to coach the women's basketball team at Southern Utah University.

The other coach, I have know my entire life. He coached wrestling at Parowan High School. He is my cousin, therefore, I have had the benefit of knowing him my whole life without having grown up in the area. Darcy and I spent the morning at Paul's funeral. Paul Williamson, my cousin worked for the State Road Department as well as coaching wrestling. I was saddened that there was so much about Paul that I didn't know.

I knew him to be a good man, fun to be around and the life of the party, a hardworking, salt of the earth type of person. Today I learned that he loved to dance and sing, that he liked Shakespeare, and that given the choice, he would have preferred to have just been a coach. I know that his dear wife, sons and their families will dearly miss him. I was glad to see the outpouring of the small community of Parowan and Paragonah come to pay their respects. It made me wish that I would have had the priviledge of growing up in either of these communities.

While it is sad to say goodbye, it was also good to spend time with family and friends. To renew and rekindle relationships that in this hectic world of no one having the time to spend with each other. My heart and prayers go out to my Uncle Lester, Pauls father and all of the family. I pray that they will remember and cherish the memories that they have. I pray that the incidious disease, known as cancer will be cured. I also pray that I remember to incorporate community service at an increased level, like my cousin did. I also hope that I remember to take time to spend with loved ones, and let them know how dear they are to me.

I will admit that I wept shamelessly in the cemetery when I looked and saw an entire wrestling team with tears streaming down their faces, and fists balled in a futile attempt to staunch the tears. I had to stop and say to myself, when I am done, I hope that someone will be that affected by my passing. Godspeed my friend!

Well it is that time of year again. It is time for most Counties and States to have their fairs. What was originally based on the agriculture of the area has evolved into carnivals, booths and contest. They are also a great way to showcase the artistic talent, cooking and food perserving talent located in the area. Here we're still a small community, so the fair is also a great place to see old friends and to make new ones!

Our County Fair is located in Parowan, which is the county seat of Iron County. It begins on August 28th and runs through the Sept 1st. If you're in the area come on in and enjoy yourselves! There just may be some old friends there that you haven't been introduced to, as of yet!

Here is the link to check out: http://www.ironnet.org/departments/fair/