Former Sen. Garn chosen as grand marshal

BOUNTIFUL, Utah — Former Sen. Jake Garn will serve as grand marshal of the 2009 Bountiful Handcart Days parade.

Garn served 18 years in the U.S. Senate, but he is best known for

orbiting the earth 109 times as a payload specialist on the crew of the

space shuttle Discovery in 1985.

Garn's mission to space and leadership in politics epitomizes the

2009 Bountiful Handcart Days theme, "Pioneers for Freedom, Courage and

Sacrifice."In addition to his political service and time with NASA,

Garn served in the U.S. Navy as a pilot.

Bountiful Handcart Days is a celebration of Mormon pioneers first entering the Salt Lake Valley.

Other events include a parade, bands, clowns, antique cars, horses and a helicopter flyover.

With 100 entries expected this year, the parade starts at 6 p.m. on

July 23, and it will run along Main Street in Bountiful starting at the

roundabout at 1500 S. Main and head north to 400 North.