Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Days of '47 Parade and its activities will return in July 2021 after being canceled in the summer of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Days of '47 Board said Friday.
According to a press release, the events will still be subject to state and local COVID-19 requirements but the Parade and Float Preview Party, Days of '47 Rodeo, Sunrise Service, Pops Concert, Pioneers of Progress, The First Encampment Hike, and the Deseret News Marathon are scheduled to proceed in July 2021. In addition to these events, the Pioneer Children's Memorial will be open at This is the Place State Park. Tradition will continue with royalty being selected, said the release.
"We're excited to continue these beloved Utah traditions," says Lane Summerhays, President of the Days of '47 Board in the release. "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 Days of '47 Parade events schedule is below, with descriptions from the organizer:
Royalty Selection
- March 26-27: Closed to the public
Pops Concert
- July 9-10, 8 p.m.: 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.
Pioneers of Progress
- Thursday, July 15: The Grand America (tickets are limited); reception, 6:30 p.m.; dinner and awards, 7 p.m. Awards Gala Banquet honoring modern-day Utahns exhibiting pioneer spirit through industry and integrity
Rodeo and Cowboy Games
- July 20-24, 8 p.m.: Days of '47 Arena at Utah State Fair Park, 1000 W. 155 North Temple. Featuring a $1 million rodeo celebrating the modern-day pioneer spirit.
Float Preview Party
- July 19-20, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 S. State Street. See parade floats and meet their creators. Free to the public.
Days of '47 Parade
- Friday, July 23, 9 a.m. Route begins at South Temple and State Street, ends at Liberty Park. One of the oldest parades in the United States Floats, bands, horses, clowns, and more!
Sunrise Service
- Friday, July 23, 7 a.m. (must be seated by 6:50 a.m.), Assembly Hall on Temple Square, 50 W. North Temple. Music provided by The Salt Lake Valley Combined Institute Choir, directed by Alan C. Sackett.
First Encampment Hike (Free)
- Saturday, July 17, 7 a.m., Donner Park, 2770 E. 990 South (east of Hogle Zoo). Walk in the footsteps of the 1847 pioneers, commemorating the first pioneer campsite in the valley.
For more information regarding the Days of '47 Parade and events go to www.daysof47.com.
