Spanish Fork's Pioneer Day celebration stretches back to 1877 when the city had a co-op, a broom factory and horses tied to a hitching post.
In 1877, Spanish Fork erected a platform on the north side of City Hall for a July 24 program preceded by a parade.Youths from local religious congregations made up the early parades, each riding the same kind of horses. There were also horse-drawn floats.
In 1909, residents watched the parade from the first concrete sidewalks on Main Street. In 1919 they honored World War I veterans.
The Chamber of Commerce came up with the idea of a "Fiesta Celebration" in 1943, but the only celebration that year was a community campout in Spanish Fork Canyon. Newspapers of the day reported, "There were too many crops to get in and the women had too much canning to do," so the celebration was small. The chamber sponsored the outing, relieving stakes and wards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of the responsibility.
In 1944, the Palmyra Stake organized a celebration that included a miniature parade with five divisions and prizes for the best floats. There was also a program in the park and games for children.
In 1945, the celebration officially became "Fiesta Days." Diamond Fork Riding Club organized several evenings of rodeo with members of the club putting up $30 each to pay for the rodeo stock, which came from Montana. Parade floats were horse-drawn that year because of World War II and gas rationing.
The celebration remained with the LDS Church and Diamond Fork Riding Club through the 1960s, with the LDS Church managing the parade, concession booth, program and other activities.
The city took full responsibility for Fiesta Days in the 1980s. They provided all the funding and the Fiesta Day's Committee became appointed through the City Council.
This year's Fiesta Days, Friday, July 22, to Monday, July 25, marks the 51st anniversary of an idea that has grown into a weeklong celebration. It still includes three nights of PRCA rodeo; a stock parade, a children's parade and a grand parade; five athletic competitions; and 15 other events.
For information call the city offices at 798-5000.