2010 Heritage Celebration Events Calendar

7/31/2008

Days of ’47 Royalty Court

The Days of ’47 Royalty Pageant has been an annual event ever since 1947. In fact, over the years, several of our judges have been an attendant in the past! Every year a queen and two attendants are chosen from among a number of Utah’s finest young women—all of whom are descendents of Utah pioneers. The annual pageant includes judges’ interviews and on-stage questioning in street and formal wear. How does this pageant compare to other beauty contests? How do the winners spend their summer with their crowns?

Contact: Collette Liddell, 801.450.1909, liddellec@msn.com

July 23 – Pioneers of Progress Awards Banquet

6:30 p.m. reception; 7:00 p.m. dinner
Little America Hotel

The Pioneers of Progress Awards recognize service and achievement in modern-day pioneering. These awards honor those who continue Utah’s rich pioneer heritage of vision, industry, integrity, sacrifice and courage, and whose work benefits present and future generations. Recipients are chosen in six categories each year: Business and Enterprise; Sportsmanship and Athletics; Historic and Creative Arts; Science and Technology Development; Education, Health and Humanitarian Assistance; and Postumous Legacy. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the recipients, their background, their hometown, their educational and professional achievements, and so much more!

Chery Evans, 801.577.0900, cherylyn_evans@hotmail.com

July 17 – *First Encampment Hike

7:00 a.m.
Meet at Donner Park, corner of Crestview (2770 East) and Kennedy (990 South), SLC
Free admission

At this family-oriented event, the First Encampment Hike recalls the arrival of the first contingent of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley two days before an ailing Brigham Young. The five-mile hike allows for wagons and strollers for children. Hikers must bring their own water. Participants are encouraged to bring a flag, make a name-tag or wear pioneer clothing to honor the pioneers.

Contact: Kathi Izatt, 801.257.7959, kizatt@parrbrown.com

July 24 – Sunrise Service

7:00 a.m.
LDS Tabernacle on Temple Square
Free admission

Feel the fortitude and faith of the pioneers who blazed the trail to the crossroads of the West. The Sunrise Service features a combined choir from the valley with an inspiration speaker. Experience first-hand the ambience of the newly renovated Salt Lake Tabernacle and energize your 24th of July with a flag ceremony conducted by the Mormon Battalion while honoring the Days of ’47 Royalty.

Amid the month-long festivities, this service reminds us of the solemn event that is the root of the state-wide celebration and holiday. The pioneer trek was long, arduous and dangerous, and yet they sang, “…and should we die before our journey’s through, happy day, all is well…”

Contact: John Swallow, 801.949.9450, jswallow@daysof47.com

July 24 – *Deseret News Marathon/10K/5K Fitness Walk

Somewhere in that mass of runners and walkers, there may be a multi-generational trio (grandma, mom, daughter) and several father-son combos. Maybe someone has been in the mix every year since the run began. The starting time for the Marathon is 5:30 a.m., beginning at the top of Big Mountain, above Emigration Canyon. Prizes will be awarded to male and female 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. The 10K starts at 6 a.m. at Research Park, 500 South Wakara Way, on the University of Utah campus. The 5K Walk begins at 7 a.m. at the EnergySolutions Arena, 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City. All participants will receive a T-shirt and a souvenir.

Contact: Bob Wood, 801.333.7473, bwood@desnews.com

July 23-24 – *Pioneer Heritage Festival

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This Is The Place Heritage Park, 2601 East Sunnyside Avenue, SLC
Tickets available at 801.582.1847, www.thisistheplace.org

If we’re going to celebrate the entrance of the pioneers into the valley in 1847, why not do it where they actually entered the valley – and do it with Living History trade and craft demonstrations, original homes and shops and lots of other educational activities to learn about the heritage of Utah? Spectators can experience life as the pioneers lived it at This Is The Place Heritage Park, right at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Enjoy a mini-train ride, watch skilled tradesmen demonstrate pioneer crafts, pet the farm animals and ride the ponies. Many Pioneer Days-appropriate photo ops here.

Contact: Matt Dahl, 801.924.7510, mdahl@thisistheplace.org or Rod Clifford, 801.924.7510, rodclifford@thisistheplace.org

*These events are not sponsored by The Days of ‘47, Inc.