Once Basin residents have filled their bellies with turkey, it is time to celebrate Holly Days! One of the events that continues year after year is the
Parade of Lights
. This year the Grand Marshals will be Vance and Sonja Norton. The prolific couple have been lifelong residents of the Vernal area. Throughout their 33 years of marriage, raising four children (plus being grandparents to 5 grandchildren) they have shown a great love for the community by serving and being involved with various projects. They both agree. “We feel that giving back to the community is what so many do here,” shares Vance and Sonja, “and why it is a one-of-a-kind place to be. We love Vernal.” Vance has been in law enforcement for 24 years and is currently serving as the Uintah County Sheriff. Throughout his years of service he was awarded the Utah Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, received numerous marksmanship awards, volunteered in drug addiction/recovery programs, served on the SERT team and supported the Drug Court and Shop with a Cop programs. Sonja has served Vernal extensively in a wide variety of capacities. She served on a number of boards, commissions and committees including being on the Board of Director Directors for the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Her passion for trails in Ashley Valley leads her to continue to serve on the Dino Trails Committee. She served on the Vernal City Council for eight years and then as the mayor for four years. Those 12 years of her life has “been one of the greatest highlights of her life.” Bask in the glow of the
Parade of Lights
with a couple that has been a beacon of light to the community.
