BOUNTIFUL -- Among the new aspects of Bountiful's annual Handcart Days is their freshly created logo. A local marketing and design firm in Bountiful, Fluid Studio, designed the logo which will be trademarked by and exclusive to Bountiful Handcart Days. The design features a silhouetted handcart against a backdrop of mountains. The circular design also incorporates stalks of wheat reflecting Bountiful's agricultural heritage. "It's exciting to work with an event that has such a great past," John Dye, manager of Fluid Studio, said. "We wanted to combine the pioneer history of the event with a modern, more up-to-date look." Blending the past with the future is important as Bountiful Handcart Days enters its 56th year. Organizers estimate that more than 75,000 people will attend one or another of the annual events.

Kicking off the month-long celebration on Wednesday, June 21, will be the arts and crafts exhibit at the Bountiful/Davis Art Center. This year's theme is "Handcarts: A Legacy of 150 Years." Calls for entries have already gone out to both amateur and professional artists.

During the period of 1856 to 1860, nearly 3,000 men, women and children walked across the central plains and the Rocky Mountains of the United States to the Salt Lake Valley, pulling and pushing small handcarts containing their meager worldly possessions. They came seeking peace and the opportunity to worship their God without persecution or disturbance. About 250 died and were buried along the way, 210 of whom were with the Martin and Willie companies.

To celebrate this heritage, Bountiful Handcart Days provides the community with activities that appeal to all family members, regardless of their age.

On Friday, July 21, events include the Grand Parade, fireworks, entertainment, food concessions and community games. On Saturday, July 22, the Exchange Club and Dick's Market provide a breakfast, the "Bubble" offers free activities, and free historic tours of Bountiful will be added to Friday's line-up at Bountiful City Park.

Fluid Studio has been working in graphic design and marketing for the past eight years. They were recently awarded three Davey Awards for a promotional campaign designed for the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City.