Author Michael Chrichton, who gained famed when Hollywood brought his book, Jurassic Park to the big screen, once said, “If you don’t know history, you don’t know anything. You are like a leaf not knowing that it is part of a tree.”

            Summer offers on opportunity to connect with history as families recreate together. Showcasing the legacy Franklin County pioneers left their descendants, the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation and its partners have organized three family friendly events this summer, said Nathan Hale, chairman of the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation.

            First is the Legacy Bike Race, slated for July 19, at 7 a.m.  Racers will begin at the Oneida Stake Academy Cultural Center, 90 E. Oneida, and follow three different courses: an 18-mile, 50-mile and 62.6 mile (Metric Century) so participants can choose their own level of intensity, said Brandon Olsen, committee member.

            “We will have everything from serious riders to families and scout groups so going at your own pace is A-OK,” said another committee member, Casey Judd.

            “This is a perfect opportunity for scout troops to help their community out while earning their biking merit badge,” said Hale, also an avid supporter of the Scouting program. Registration will be $35, with discounts for families, teams and scouts.          

            Participants may register online at http://www.active.com/preston-id/cycling/races/oneida-stake-academy-legacy-ride-2014. For more information, please contact committee chairman, Elliott Larsen at 852-2593.

            The Heritage Day debuted last summer as part of Franklin County’s Centennial birthday party. Participants enjoyed their summer afternoon in the shadow of the Oneida Stake Academy playing old fashioned games, bidding then dining on succulent homemade pies, making butter, playing in horseshoe and marble tournaments, and riding in Joe Ward’s stagecoach, and listening to local musicians in the park. There was an antique tractor show, a blacksmith and wool spinners to watch and a Dutch oven dinner to enjoy.

            This year’s celebration will echo last year’s fun with many of the same features, but will also include new elements. For example, this year, new tractors will be featured in the antique tractor show, new exhibits, games, and a visit from the American West Gunfighters.

            For more information, contact OSAF Heritage Day Committee Chairwoman Saundra Hubbard, at 339-1674.

            Unforeseen challenges prevented the debut of the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation’s pageant, featuring original music and script, as part of the county’s birthday celebration last year. Nevertheless, the show will go on, said OSAF Pageant Committee chairwoman, Alice King, “and the wait has been worth it.”

            Pulling in vast musical and dramatic talent from within Franklin County’s boundaries, this event promises to be a worthwhile and entertaining evening for its attendees, said King. The script, written by Cecelie Costley and directed by Danielle Dunn, brings local history alive as seen through the eyes of former OSA students and leaders. Motives that pushed pioneers to sacrifice personally to build the elegant structure, and the influence the school had on its students, are emphasized through music written for the show by county native and music world giant, Tyler Castleton.

            Slated to be held in front of the picturesque academy building itself, the pageant will start at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 & 9.

            “We hope these events will help the public feel the unity our ancestors felt in providing a beautiful future for us. Each one will offer us an opportunity to participate in the restoration of that grand symbol of our past,” said Hale. Any fees or donations connected with these events are tax-deductible and will benefit the restoration of the 124-year-old building into a cultural center/museum of local history.