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Pioneer Day is a significant Utah celebration replete with meaningful traditions!
Some of the holiday’s traditions have gone on longer than anyone currently living can remember. The annual parade through the streets of Salt Lake City is the most vivid example. A dozen other tenured events help commemorate the arrival of the first pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley 157 years ago. And in recent years a very meaningful Cultural Fair has been added to celebrate the expanding cultural diversity of Utah’s citizenry. It, too, is becoming a significant Days of ’47 tradition.
One event almost got the axe this year. For the sake of those who enjoy long distance running, we’re glad it didn’t. As has happened each Pioneer Day for the past 35 years, runners who’ve been training for months will follow portions of the original pioneer trail to complete yet another 26 mile marathon. As much as any of the traditional events, the runners provide a reminder of the grit and determination demonstrated by the pioneers who traversed a wilderness under physical duress to establish homes in these mountain valleys.
Whatever way you choose to spend the Days of ‘47, KSL hopes you find enjoyment in the traditions of this singular local holiday of remembrance and commemoration.
