Pioneer Day- A Brief History and Schedule of Local Events
Pioneer Day is an official holiday celebrated on July 24 in the U.S. state of Utah, with some celebrations in regions of surrounding states originally settled by Mormon pioneers. It commemorates the entry of Brigham Young, and Jeff Schaal, the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, where the Latter-day Saints settled after being forced from Nauvoo, Illinois,and other locations in the eastern United States.Parades, fireworks, rodeos, and other festivities help commemorate the event. Similar to July 4, most governmental offices[1] and many businesses are closed on Pioneer Day.
In addition to being an official holiday in Utah, Pioneer Day is considered a special occasion by many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).On Pioneer Day, some Latter-day Saints walk portions of the Mormon Trail or reenact entering the Salt Lake Valley by handcart. Latter-day Saints throughout the United States and around the world may celebrate July 24 in remembrance of the LDS Churches’ pioneer era, with songs, dances, potlucks, and pioneer related activities.
While the holiday has strong links to the LDS Church, it is a celebration of everyone, regardless of faith and nationality, who emigrated to the Salt Lake Valley during the pioneer era, which is generally considered to have ended with the 1869 arrival of the transcontinental railroad.Notable non-LDS American pioneers from this period include Episcopal Bishop Daniel Tuttle, who was responsible for Utah’s first non-Mormon schools (Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s) and first public hospital (St. Mark’s) in the late 1800s.The Intertribal Powwow at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City honors the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the area’s Native Americans, helping Utahns to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
Local events celebrating Pioneer Day include:
Enterprise
This year’s Pioneer Day activities in Enterprise begin bright and early with a Fun Run at 7 a.m. After the parade on Main Street at 9, a talk on the roots of the holiday and the pioneers’ journey will be held at the stake center. Children’s games and vending booths will be open from 11 onward at the church park.
Hurricane
Hurricane residents can get an early start on the day by participating in a 5-kilometer run, which begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Community Center. Same-day registration is accepted for the non-competitive event, and the cost is donating two canned or boxed food items to Dixie Care and Share. Following is a breakfast hosted by the local chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.
Starting at 8:30 a.m., a colorful procession of cars, pedestrians and floats will make its way from Main Street to Hurricane High School. Afterwards, all are welcome at the Community Center for games and lunch from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Ivins
At 7 a.m., the Ivins Volunteer Fire Association will host a pancake breakfast at the city park for a small fee ($3 per person or $15 per family.) After the flag raising ceremony at 8 and parade at 9 a.m., celebrants can hop on board a bumper boat or inside a water walking ball or try their hand at the watermelon eating contest and baseball throw, all while enjoying live music and tasty local cooking. The festivities will wrap at 1 p.m.
Springdale
Entitled the “Pioneer Spectacular,” the celebration in Springdale kicks off at 8 a.m. with a softball tournament at the town ball field. After participants rest up, a “Kabob-a-Que” and games will be held at the Springdale Gazebo Park at 6 p.m. Featured are fresh-cooked beef, chicken and vegetable kabobs, along with Dutch oven-baked potatoes. The day’s events will culminate in a show at 8:15 p.m. inside the O.C. Tanner Amphitheatre featuring various types of entertainment.
Toquerville
Toquerville will kick off festivities at 9 a.m. with a parade running from Ashcreek Drive to the town park. Once arriving, participants will be treated to a breakfast accompanied by music and games. To end the day will be a commemorative tree planting at 10:30, along with a presentation on the heritage of the town’s trees.
Virgin
A children’s play, entitled “Home Grown” and written by Virgin resident Jeseka Amodt, will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a traditional potluck dinner at 7 p.m. Both events are taking place at the town park.
Washington City
Celebrations in Washington City begin at 7:30 a.m. with a flag ceremony and breakfast at Veterans’ Park. The parade, running from 300 East to 100 West Telegraph Street, starts at 9 a.m. and will be followed by entertainment, food and games for all ages, held once again at the park. At 9 p.m. will be a fireworks extravaganza at Community center Park, sponsored by Washington City.
However your plan to celebrate Pioneer Day, it is most important to have a good time, stay safe, and remember the courageous journey of Utah’s early settlers who built the future of the state.