- Pioneer Day celebrations in Utah have evolved since the first event in 1849.
- The Days of '47 Parade and Rodeo are key events, celebrating pioneer spirit.
- Modern additions include the Deseret News Marathon and "Pie and Beer Day."
The pioneers reached the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 after an arduous 1,300-mile journey from Illinois, and Utah has been celebrating ever since. While the particulars may have changed over the years, our enthusiasm hasn't ebbed.
Utah's first Pioneer Day
The first official state celebration happened in 1849, in the typical fashion of festivities of the time. Think your city's single cannon blast is obnoxious at 6 a.m.? Try nine rounds of artillery fire.
The first Pioneer Day rousing salute was followed by music and speeches — patriotic and religious. There was even a reading of the official Declaration of Independence.
And as a forerunner to the barbecues of today, the day culminated with a communal Thanksgiving meal for everyone — settlers, Native Americans and even gold miners passing through town.
Days of '47 Parade
When weary pioneers first arrived in the valley, we're pretty sure they weren't interested in walking any more miles just for show. And the year after? Too many crickets to contend with. But in 1849, Salt Lake residents were ready to celebrate. Following the gunfire salute, they were treated to the Nauvoo brass band marching past their homes and local leaders carrying banners.
As the years passed, horses and children joined the processions. The parade continued to grow as stakes and individual wards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other community groups sponsored floats.
In 1943, the Sons and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers took over, officially naming it the Days of '47 Parade.
For the sesquicentennial parade in 1997, a few modern-day pioneers and five wagons joined the procession. They, along with roughly 10,000 other people, had reenacted parts of the 1,070-mile trek from Winter Quarters, Nebraska. A few of those hearty souls did the entire 93-day trek.
A golden jubilee
By 1899, just 50 years after that first parade, Utah had grown up. Although the pioneers had moved west to escape persecution, they were now connected to the rest of the nation by the transcontinental railroad. Utah was also now an official state of the U.S.
To celebrate, Utah held a five-day jubilee with parades featuring the Pony Express, Native Americans from the area, and, of course, pioneers.
Earning the ultimate senior discount, individuals who arrived in the valley before 1869 were recognized at a dinner on Pioneer Day. That tradition continued until the last honoree died in 1967.
Great Depression-era festivities
Money was tight in the U.S. following the 1929 stock market crash, and Utah was no different. In 1934, Ogden's mayor devised a plan to expand the city's festivities in hopes of bringing paying patrons to the northern Utah city, and Ogden Pioneer Days was born.
Back then, there were three days of mostly free activities, including parades, a carnival and a beard-growing contest — with a cash prize. There were three rodeos too, with a 50-cent admission charge.
Deseret News Marathon
An estimated 25 million people began running/jogging for exercise in the 1970s, so it tracks that the Deseret News began its annual marathon in 1970.
Initially, the Pioneer Day event began at the Farmington courthouse and wound its way to the finish line in downtown Salt Lake City. Today, the course follows the route taken by those first pioneers, from the top of Emigration Canyon, down through the canyon and ending at Liberty Park.
Only 73 people, all men, ran that first race. In 2024, there were about 300 participants. The half-marathon and 5K races were added in 2013.
Utah Days of '47 Rodeo
Cattle ranching was an integral part of western life, and rodeos have celebrated those cowboys from the beginning. At the first Days of '47 rodeo held in 1894, cowboys and roughriders were joined by Shoshones who performed a war dance.
It wasn't always just ranch life on display. In 1919, the rodeo featured the usual cowboys alongside a parade of bands and army tanks.
In 2017, the Days of '47 Arena was dedicated at the Utah State Fairpark by the late President Russell M. Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now a Pioneer Day staple, at the rodeo you will find favorites such as bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding, along with team roping and steer wrestling.
'Pie and beer' day
Today, Pioneer Day celebrates not only the literal pioneers, but also their spirit and tenacity — and maybe their creativity, too. For instance, in 1980, the cheeky Beer Bar in Salt Lake City began promoting the day as "Pie and Beer Day."
The alternative holiday is still celebrated today. People gather for all kinds of pies — sweet and savory — made by local bakeries.
What are some of your favorite memories of Pioneer Day? Share them in the comments below.
