Days of '47 Parade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Days of '47 Parade |
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Re-enactment of Mormon pioneers in the 1912 Pioneer Days Parade at Liberty Park, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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| Genre | Parade |
| Date(s) | July 24 |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Location(s) | Salt Lake City |
| Coordinates | 40°46′10″N 111°53′28″W / 40.76944°N 111.89111°W |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | July 24, 1849 |
| Website | Official site of The Days of '47 Parade: http://www.daysof47.com/events/days-of-47-parade |
The Days of '47 Parade is a big annual parade held in Salt Lake City, Utah. It takes place every year on or around July 24th. This date is special because it's also Pioneer Day, a state holiday in Utah. The parade is a three-hour event that usually starts at 9:00 a.m.
Contents
History of the Parade
The First Pioneers
On July 24, 1847, a group of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. These pioneers were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They had traveled a long way from places like Nauvoo, Illinois, in the eastern United States. Many pulled handcarts or drove wagons pulled by oxen or horses. Thousands of these early settlers made the difficult journey across the plains. They settled in what was then a vast desert, which later became known as the Utah Territory.
Why We Celebrate
The Days of '47 organization says that the journey of these early Utah pioneers shows great courage and faith. They believe that remembering these pioneers helps inspire people today. The parade and other events celebrate their achievements and the challenges they overcame. It's a way to keep their story alive for new generations.
Parade Beginnings
The very first parade celebrating the pioneers happened on July 24, 1849, in Salt Lake City. This was long before the Days of '47 became an official group. In 1931, the parade became an annual event and was called "Covered Wagon Days." Since the 1940s, it has been known by its current name, the Days of '47 Parade.
Who Participates
Many different groups help make the parade special. Local church groups, businesses, and community organizations often create colorful floats. In recent years, the parade has welcomed more participants from other churches. These groups also celebrate their own pioneer heritage in Utah. Native Americans often march in a special pre-parade section. The military is always well-represented, and you can always see horses, marching bands, children, and parade queens.
Times Without a Parade
There have been a few times when the parade did not happen.
- From 1932 to 1934, it was canceled because of the Great Depression, a time of serious economic hardship.
- In 1943, it was stopped due to World War II.
- In 2020, the parade was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parade Performers
Besides the amazing floats, the parade also features live music and other performances. High school marching bands from all over Utah come to participate. Their performances are often shown on television during the parade broadcast.
Television Coverage
The Days of '47 Parade is a popular event. It is shown on television throughout the Intermountain West region. You can usually watch it on KSL-TV, which is an NBC channel.
Parade Route
The parade route starts at South Temple and State Street in Salt Lake City. It then goes east to 200 East, turns south to 900 South, and then heads east again to Liberty Park at 600 East. After the parade, a fun fair is traditionally held at Liberty Park, with games and rides for everyone.
For many years, the parade used to start at Temple Square. It would then go south on Main Street, turn east at 9th South, and continue east towards Liberty Park, where it always finished.
Images for kids
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Re-enactment of Mormon pioneers in the 1912 Pioneer Days Parade at Liberty Park, Salt Lake City, Utah.
