SALT LAKE CITY — Days of '47 is back on for July 2021!
The event, which celebrates Pioneer Day with a variety of activities in the Salt Lake area, was canceled in 2020 like many other traditional spring and summer events.
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In an press release sent out Friday, organizers announced the return of the widely-anticipated celebration.
“We’re excited to continue these beloved Utah traditions,” said Lane Summerhays, the president of the Days of ’47 Board. “As with many activities canceled, postponed or altered in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these treasured pioneer traditions were placed on hold. We’re now ready to celebrate our pioneer heritage as we have done for over a century.”
The celebration and the yearly Pioneer Holiday mark the arrival of the Latter-day Saint pioneers, led by Brigham Young, to the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
It will include two of the most popular events: the parade on July 23 and the rodeo from July 20-24.
Professional rodeo cowboy Rhett Anderson is anxious to get back for the team roping competition.
“Oh, for sure. A rodeo like that can set your year up and make it a lot different with how much it pays," said Anderson, who is from Genola, Utah.
READ: Latest plans for return of Utah's summer concerts, festivals
The events and activities will be subject to state and local public health requirements.
Public events include:
POPS CONCERT
- Online Virtual Concert Featuring Arts Society of Utah, Salt Lake Symphony Performing a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Man’s first steps on the moon.
- Friday, July 9 and Saturday July 10, 2021, 8:00 p.m.
PIONEERS OF PROGRESS
- Awards Gala Banquet honoring modern-day Utahans exhibiting pioneer spirit through industry and integrity.
- Thursday, July 15, 2021, The Grand America (Tickets are limited.)
- Reception, 6:30 p.m.; Dinner and Awards, 7:00 p.m.
RODEO AND COWBOY GAMES
- Featuring a $1 million rodeo celebrating the modern-day pioneer spirit.
- Tuesday through Saturday, July 20-24; 8:00 p.m.
- Days of ’47 Arena at Utah State Fair Park, 1000 West 155 North Temple
FLOAT PREVIEW PARTY
- See parade floats and meet their creators. Free to the public.
- Monday and Tuesday, July, 19-20, 2021, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 South State Street
DAYS OF ’47 PARADE
- One of the oldest parades in the United States Floats, bands, horses, clowns, and more!
- Friday, July 23, 2021; 9:00 a.m.
- Route begins at South Temple and State Street; Ends at Liberty Park
SUNRISE SERVICE
- Music provided by The Salt Lake Valley Combined Institute Choir, directed by Alan C. Sackett
- Friday, July 23, 2021, 7:00 A.M. (Must be seated by 6:50 a.m.)
- The Assembly Hall on Temple Square, 50 West North Temple
FIRST ENCAMPMENT HIKE (Free)
- Walk in the footsteps of the 1847 pioneers, commemorating the first pioneer campsite in the.
- Saturday, July 17, 2021; 7:00 a.m.
- Donner Park, 2770 East 990 South (East of Hogle Zoo)
Full details on these and other events (some not public) can be found on the Days of '47 website. [daysof47.com]
There will NOT be a Royalty Pageant this year, but there will be a "Royalty selection" event. However, it is not open to the public.
