Days of '47 Parade

Days of '47 Parade
Tillman at en.wikipedia · Public domain · source
Name	Days of '47 Parade
Date	July 24
Frequency	Annual
Location	Salt Lake City, Utah
First	1947
Participants	Marching bands; Equestrian units; Drill teams; Civic organizations

Days of '47 Parade is an annual civic procession held in Salt Lake City, Utah, commemorating the arrival of Brigham Young and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. The event functions as a focal point for state celebrations tied to Utah identity and intersects with institutions such as the State of Utah, Salt Lake County, and municipal authorities in Salt Lake City. Parade participants have historically included units from Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Utah State University, and civic groups representing communities across the Intermountain West.

History

The parade originated in 1947 to mark the centennial of Pioneer Day and was established by leaders associated with Utah State Historical Society, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints auxiliaries, and local civic boosters from Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. Early iterations featured reenactors portraying Brigham Young and pioneer companies, with floats sponsored by entities such as Union Pacific Railroad, Utah Pacific mining interests, and agricultural cooperatives linked to ZCMI. Over decades, the procession evolved alongside events like the expansion of Interstate 15 and the growth of institutions including Salt Lake City International Airport. The parade has mirrored political shifts in Utah Republican Party and engagements with cultural institutions like the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and Pioneer Memorial Museum.

Organization and Sponsorship

Organizing responsibility has rotated among bodies including the Days of '47, Inc., civic committees linked to Salt Lake City Corporation, and nonprofit arts organizations connected with Utah Arts Festival. Sponsorships historically involved corporations such as Zions Bank, Ken Garff Automotive Group, Delta Air Lines, and energy firms tied to Anadarko Petroleum and GenOn Energy. Educational institutions—Brigham Young University–Idaho, Weber State University, and Salt Lake Community College—regularly provide marching bands and performance units, while cultural institutions like the Utah Symphony and Ballet West have participated in special performances. Volunteer coordination draws on service groups such as Boy Scouts of America councils in Utah National Parks Council and Girl Scouts of Utah.

Parade Route and Features

The traditional route proceeds down major downtown arteries near landmarks including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, Salt Lake Tabernacle, and the Salt Palace Convention Center. Floats often reference regional industries linked to Kennecott Utah Copper, Rio Tinto Group, and Stansbury Park agricultural communities. Typical features encompass equestrian units from the Utah Rodeo Cowboys Association, veterans’ contingents associated with Utah National Guard, and historical reenactment groups representing wagon companies inspired by routes such as the California Trail, Oregon Trail, and Mormon Trail. Marching bands from institutions like Highland High School (Salt Lake City), Kearns High School, and Skyline High School (Salt Lake City) comprise a substantial portion of performers, alongside drill teams affiliated with Utah Air National Guard and Utah Army National Guard.

Cultural Significance and Traditions

As a centerpiece of Pioneer Day observances, the parade embodies rituals linked to pioneer commemoration, family gatherings, and civic pride. It fosters collaborations with cultural organizations such as the Natural History Museum of Utah, Plan-B Theatre Company, and Utah Opera. Ceremonial roles—grand marshals drawn from figures like former governors J. Bracken Lee and Scott M. Matheson—connect political leadership to public commemoration. The procession has inspired parallel events statewide, including celebrations in Provo, Ogden, St. George, Utah, and communities in Davis County and Utah County. Culinary and craft traditions appear alongside vendors from Pioneer Village markets and county fairs like the Utah State Fairpark exhibitions.

Controversies and Changes

Over time the parade has encountered controversies involving representation, secularism, and inclusivity, especially debates involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints influence, state recognition policies, and participation by LGBTQ groups connected to organizations such as Utah Pride Center and advocacy groups like Equality Utah. Changes in sponsorship and corporate participation have followed economic shifts tied to companies including ExxonMobil and mining conglomerates like Freeport-McMoRan. Security adaptations after national events prompted coordination with agencies such as the FBI, Utah Highway Patrol, and Salt Lake City Police Department, while public health concerns during outbreaks led to modifications in consultation with Utah Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Debates over historical interpretation have engaged scholars from University of Utah Department of History and curators at the Utah State Historical Society.

Attendance and Media Coverage

Attendance figures have varied, with large turnouts reported in years of statewide centennials and during the tenure of popular grand marshals; local tourist bureaus like Visit Salt Lake and broadcasters such as KSL-TV, KUTV, and KUED provide coverage. National media interest has occasionally involved outlets including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Associated Press wire stories. Radio carriers such as KSOP (AM) and online platforms operated by Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune extend reach, and televised productions have featured partnerships with networks like ABC (American Broadcasting Company) affiliates. Tourism impacts tie into broader metrics for attractions like Temple Square visitation and hotel occupancy monitored by the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Category:Festivals in Utah