The Days of '47 celebration in Salt Lake County, Utah is an annual event that holds great significance for the local community. This celebration, which takes place every July, commemorates the arrival of the Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate their heritage, culture, and history.
The History of the Days of '47 Celebration
The Days of '47 celebration has a long and rich history that dates back to 1849, just two years after the pioneers arrived in Salt Lake Valley. It was originally known as the Pioneer Day Parade and was organized by Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The parade was a way to honor and remember the sacrifices made by the pioneers as they journeyed westward. Over the years, the celebration grew and evolved into what it is today.In 1947, on the 100th anniversary of the pioneers' arrival, the first Days of '47 rodeo was held. This rodeo has become a staple event of the celebration and is one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the country.
The Parade
The highlight of the Days of '47 celebration is undoubtedly the parade. This parade is one of the largest and oldest parades in the United States, attracting over 500,000 spectators each year. It features elaborate floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, and more.The parade route stretches for over two miles through downtown Salt Lake City and ends at Liberty Park. One unique aspect of this parade is that it is entirely volunteer-run. The floats are created by local businesses and organizations, and the participants are all volunteers. This adds a sense of community and pride to the event, as everyone comes together to celebrate their shared history.
The Rodeo
As mentioned earlier, the Days of '47 rodeo is one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the country. It takes place over five days and features events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and more.The rodeo attracts top cowboys and cowgirls from around the world, making it a highly competitive and exciting event. Aside from the traditional rodeo events, the Days of '47 rodeo also includes unique events such as mutton busting, where children ride sheep, and wild cow milking, where teams of three try to milk a cow as fast as possible. These events add an element of fun and entertainment to the rodeo.
The Pioneers of Progress Awards
In addition to the parade and rodeo, the Days of '47 celebration also includes the Pioneers of Progress Awards. These awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and exemplify the pioneer spirit. The recipients are chosen by a committee and are honored at a special ceremony during the celebration.The Significance of the Celebration
The Days of '47 celebration holds great significance for the people of Salt Lake County, Utah.It is a time for them to come together and celebrate their shared history and culture. It is also a time to honor and remember the sacrifices made by the pioneers as they journeyed westward in search of religious freedom. For many, this celebration is not just about commemorating the past but also about looking towards the future. It serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and faith, anything is possible. The pioneers' journey to Salt Lake Valley was not an easy one, but they persevered and built a thriving community.
This celebration is a way to honor their legacy and inspire future generations to do the same.
