This year’s Days of ‘47 celebration was a great success, from the royalty pageant to the parade and rodeo and every event in between. We can’t thank everyone enough who volunteered their time and talents to bring each event to life. We are also grateful for the hundreds of thousands of Utahans and visitors who participated in all of the events. We hope you had a lot of fun celebrating Utah’s Pioneer Spirit – Then and Now!

Rodeo

The Days of ‘47 Rodeo was held at the Maverik Center (formerly The “E” Center) in West Valley City beginning Monday, July 19th, through Saturday, the 24th, 2010. Visit the Days of ‘47 Rodeo website for more information.

Parade

The Parade on July 24th in downtown Salt Lake City began at 9:00 am.  The route started at South Temple and State Street running east to 200 East, turns south to 900 South, then turns east to Liberty Park at 600 East in Salt Lake City.

Colorful floats, bands, horses, clowns and other entries thrilled thousands of spectators this year. Scouting’s Centennial was recognized by The Days of ‘47 KSL 5 Parade with scouts in the parade lineup.  More about the Days of ‘47 – KSL 5 Parade.

1. The Days of ‘47 KSL 5 Parade Route Map
2. The Days of ‘47 KSL 5 Parade Line Up

Royalty Pageant

On April 24, 2010, Christine Messick of Bountiful was selected as Queen with Celeste Wouden as First Attendant and Nicole Graf  as Second Attendant.  Watch for them at the Parade, Rodeo and other Days of ‘47 events.  More information about the Days of ‘47 Royalty Pageant.

February 5 Pioneers of Progress Nomination Deadline

April 23 and 24 Royalty Pageant, LDS Conference Center Little Theater

May 21 Pioneer Kids, This Is The Place Heritage Park

July 3 and 5 *Liberty Days, This Is The Place Heritage Park

July 9 Family Fun Day, This Is The Place Herigage Park

July 9 and 10 Days of ’47 KUTV Pops Concert, Abravanel Hall

July 10 All Horse Parade, Sandy Towne Center, Sandy

July 16 *Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra, LDS Conference Center

July 17 *First Encampment Hike, Donner Park to First Encampment Park

July 17 Youth Parade, 600 East 500 South to Washington Square

July 17 Youth Festival, Washington Square

July 19 and 20 Float Preview Party, South Towne Expo Center

July 19 through 24 Days of ’47 Rodeo

July 22 Pioneers of Progress Awards Dinner, Little America Hotel

July 23 *Brother Brigham’s Ball, This Is The Place Heritage Park

July 24 *Deseret News Marathon/10K/5K Fitness Walk, Various Venues

July 24 Sunrise Service, Tabernacle on Temple Square

July 24 Days of ’47 KSL 5 Parade, State Street to Liberty Park

July 23 and 24 *Pioneer Heritage Days, This Is The Place Heritage Park/Heritage Village

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

July 9 – Family Fun Day

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This Is The Place Heritage Park, 2601 Sunnyside Avenue, SLC
Free admission

Start with festive rides and games, thousands of smiling children and lots of volunteers, then locate them all at This Is The Place Heritage Park with its trains and ponies. The result: Family Fun Day, an event for all ages.

How can all the carnival rides, crafts, games and entertainment be free? Who loves this event more—the parents or the children? There are lots of smiling children and photo ops here!

Contact Ken Shields, ken_shields@hamiltonpartners.com, 801.931.5526 for information about Family Fun Day.

Contact JaNeanne Webster, jwebster@daysof47.com, 801.531.8721 for information about the mini-royalty contest.

July 10 – All Horse Parade

10:00 a.m.
South Towne Center, Sandy
Free admission

Fun for people of all ages, this parade showcases the finest horses, carriages, drill teams, and authentic costumes in the West. Watch out for the “Cool Water Gang,” who tends to stir up trouble before, during and after the parade! This is one of the oldest Days of ’47 events and among the largest of all-horse parades in the country. What does it take to choreograph a production involving so many animals? Ever wonder what’s involved in raising and riding mounts of this caliber—cost, time, effort, equipment, travel?

Contact: Jerry King, 801.254.4432

July 19 through 24 – Days of ’47 Rodeo

7:00 p.m.
The E Center, West Valley City

Utahns are spoiled with this annual rodeo, as it is consistently voted one of the top rodeos in the nation by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Get an up-close look at high-intensity competitions including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and even wild cow milking. The rodeo kicks off July 19 with a special promotion!

Contact: Brad Harmon, 801.550.1847, brad@daysof47rodeo.com or Lois Harmon, 801.250.6832

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

This five-mile walk retraces the steps of the first pioneers to enter the valley. 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. What are the thoughts of those who make the walk? Are they descendents of those early pioneers or are they folks interested in a summer morning walk? 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 18 – Youth Parade

Parade 10:00 a.m.
Parade route begins at 600 East and 500 South and ends at City/County Building, 200 East 500 South, SLC (Festival at City/County Building)
Free admission

Head downtown for this ideal family event featuring one of the largest youth parades in the United States with nearly 5,000 children involved. Grandparents will be snap-happy with the camera and mom and dad will enjoy the chance to let the kids exhaust some of their pent-up energy.

Contact Youth Parade chairs Jodene Smith, 801.580.2938, jsmith@daysof47.com or Jim Williams, 801.694.9828, jwilliams@daysof47.com

Youth Festival

After the Youth Parade, stay for the Youth Festival at Washington Sqare! There are booths with games, crafts and hands-on learning activities, face painting, inflatable slides and other entertainment. Food for the entire family is available. The estimated Festival attendance in 2009 was more than 12,000 people! Who are the volunteers who make this happen for the children who participate and what does it take to pull off a community event of this size?

Contact Youth Festival Chair Mitch Hall, 801.243.8774, mitch@somethingoodinc.com

July 19 & 20 – Float Preview Party

11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
South Towne Expo Center, 9575 South State Street, Sandy
Free admission

Want a sneak peek at the Days of ‘47 KSL Parade floats? Unlike some other famous parades across the country, most of The Days of ’47 Parade floats are not created by professionals, but by civic organizations, a variety of church groups and local businesses. Come meet the creators and technicians to learn how the massive extravaganza of The Days of ’47 KSL 5 Parade comes together. Enjoy bands, clowns, entertainment and much more. Be sure to vote for your favorite float, then watch for prize banners in the Parade on the 24th to see if your favorite won!

Contact Tom and Cheri Colligan, 801.254.3207, callagain@peoplepc.com

July 24 – Days of ’47 KSL 5 Parade

9:00 a.m.
Route starts at South Temple and State Street, travels east to 200 East, south to 900 South, then east to Liberty Park at 600 East, Salt Lake City
Free

Celebrate Utah’s pioneers at this fun-filled parade, which is one of the largest and oldest in the United States. Colorful floats, bands, horses, clowns and other entries thrill tens of thousands of spectators every year. What are the logistics involved — from traffic and law enforcement, to getting all the entrants in line at the staging area, to the final disbandment after the parade? Who wields the baton?

Contact our Parade Co-Chairs, Jodene Smith, 801.254.4656, jsmith@daysof47.com and Jim Williams, 801.295.1914, jwilliams@daysof47.com.

July 23 and 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 you are 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 ponies. Many Pioneer Day-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.

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.

10 a.m.
South Towne Center, Sandy
Free admission

Fun for people of all ages, this parade showcases the finest horses, carriages, drill teams and authentic costumes in the West. Watch out for the “Cold Water Gang” who tend to stir up trouble before, during and after the parade! This is one of the oldest Days of ’47 events and among the largest all-horse parades in the country. What does it take to choreograph a production involving so many animals? Ever wonder what is involved in raising and riding mounts of this caliber—cost, time, effort, equipment, travel?

Contact: Jerry King, 801.254.4432

July 17 – Youth Parade

Parade 10:00 a.m.
Parade route begins at 60 East 500 South, Salt Lake City
Free admission

Head downtown for this ideal family event, featuring one of the largest youth parades in the United States with nearly 5,000 children involved. Who are the volunteers who make this happen for the children who participate and what does it take to pull off a community event of this size?

Contact Youth Parade Co-Chairs Jim Williams, 801.694.9828, jwilliams@daysof47.com, and Jodene Smith, 801.580.2938, jsmith@daysof47.com

July 19 & 20 – Float Preview Party

11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
South Towne Expo Center, 9575 South State Street, Sandy
Free admission

Want a sneak peek at the floats for The Days of ‘47 KSL 5 Parade? Unlike some other famous parades across the country, most of these parade floats are not created by professionals, but by civic organizations, a variety of church groups and local businesses. Meet the creators and technicians to see how the massive extravaganza called The Days of ’47 KSL 5 Parade comes together. Enjoy bands, clowns, entertainment and much more. Be sure to vote for your favorite float, then watch for prize banners during the Parade on the 24th!

Contact: Tom and Cheri Colligan, 801.254.3207, callagain@peoplepc.com

July 24 – The Days of ’47 KSL 5 Parade

9:00 a.m.
Route starts at South Temple and State Street, travels east to 200 East, south to 900 South, then east to Liberty Park at 600 East, Salt Lake City
Free

Celebrate Utah’s pioneers at this fun-filled parade, which is one of the largest and oldest in the United States. Colorful floats, bands, horses, clowns and other entries thrill tens of thousands of spectators every year. What are the logistics involved? Who handles traffic and law enforcement? How are all the entrants lined up in the staging area? Where do they all go after the Parade? Who is the ultimate conductor wielding the baton?

Contact our Parade Co-Chairs Jim Williams, 801.295.1914, ewilliam01@msn.com and Jodene Smith, 801.254.4656, jodenesmith@q.com

The Days of ’47 activities commemorate the arrival of Mormon pioneer leader Brigham Young and the 60,000 – 80,000 other pioneers who arrived in the Salt Lake Valley between 1847 and 1869.

* The first recorded Pioneer Day Celebration took place on 24 July 1849
* The Days of ’47, Inc. was officially organized in 1943, as a private, non-profit organization
* Prior to the establishment of The Days of ’47, Inc., the celebration was known as “Covered Wagon Days,” mainly staged by the Sons and Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
* The inaugural Days of ’47 Celebration in 1943 included:
o Governor Herbert B. Maw crowning the Royalty on the Capitol steps
o A Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert
o A Coronation Ball
o Four days of street shows
o A Sunrise Service
o A rodeo at what is now called the Utah Fair Park

In 2010, there will be 11 official Days of ‘47 events and five more we encourage you to attend including:

o A royalty pageant (all contestants must have pioneer ancestry)
o Three parades (the main parade, a youth parade, an all-horse parade
o Marathon/10K/5K races
o A Sunrise Service in the Tabernacle on Temple Square
o A Pops Concert at Abravanel Hall
o A Pioneers of Progress Awards Banquet (honoring modern-day pioneers in six categories)
o A re-enactment hike allowing participants to retrace the path the first pioneers took when they entered the Salt Lake Valley
o A number of family- and children-oriented festivities, including free carnival rides, games, entertainment, crafts, etc.
o A six-night Rodeo with Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association performances
o A Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square
* The Days of ’47 Parade is one of the largest parades in the nation (closely rivaling the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California)
* The Days of ’47 Youth Parade is one of the largest of its kind in the nation (several thousand children participate)
* The floats from the July 24th parade can be seen at the South Towne Expo Center on July 19th and 20th
* Almost all events are free and open to the public
* For more information, see www.daysof47.com

July 9 and 10 – Days of ’47 KUTV Pops Concert

7:30 p.m.
Abravanel Hall, 123 W. So. Temple, SLC
Free to the public, but tickets required. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

The program features polished vocal and instrumental musicians under the direction of Sterling Poulson. This concert has been held for 60 years. Who are some of the big-name guest artists who have appeared at this concert over all those years? What’s the story behind this year’s guest artist? Who are the members of the Choral Arts Society of Utah?

Contact: Danette Poulson, 801.390.1567

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. This Sunrise Service will feature choir members from throughout the valley with a keynote 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.

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

July 16 – *Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square

7:30 p.m.
LDS Conference Center, Salt Lake City
Free but tickets required from www.lds.org or 801-570-0080

Mack Wilberg, music director, will be conducting the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. The program will showcase the Choir while featuring a wonderful variety of a songs. What could be more representative of Utah than the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?

Contact: Michael von Rosen, 801.240.6360 or Scott Trotter, 801.240.6375

*This event is not sponsored by The Days of ‘47, Inc.

3 of the local networks and other press were here along with around 50 others. Lieutenant Governor Bell and representatives from the state’s Economic Development Council and the West Valley City mayor’s office were also in attendance. The Days of 47 president Bruce Bingham kicked off the conference and we enjoyed addresses from a number of speakers discussing the importance of the Days of ‘47 events and their ability to address the potential disconnect between today’s society and the pioneers of yesteryear that established Utah.

The Days of 47 celebration in general commemorates the sacrifices of pioneers and other Utah residents that came before us. In particular, the rodeo attracts the best rodeo stars in the world. Utah produces more rodeo champions per capita than any other state. This year the rodeo will introduce a $5 ticket to enable anyone to visit the rodeo who wants to. The rodeo will also be sponsoring a western art gallery. The E-Center grounds will be surrounded by a festival including family games and food.