For some Utahns, the Days of '47 celebrates more than the trek of Mormon pioneers to Utah. To Indra Neelamegham, it is a celebration of the pioneer spirit of the Hindu community in Utah.
"For us, it's really an honor to be invited to the parade," Neelamegham said. "Most of the older Hindus came to America for a better life. (Hindus) who have come to Utah rarely move out because of the culture of Utah, the family community."
Neelamegham helped with a float made by Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah India Cultural Center, and it is one of many floats that will be in the Days of '47 KSL 5 Parade on July 24. Community members had the opportunity to view the floats Saturday, a week before their parade debut, at a preview party in the Salt Palace Exhibit Hall.
Julie Christofferson, member of the parade committee, said the float preview party was an idea based on the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in California.
"People put a lot of time and money into these floats and it just goes by for 45 minutes in the parade," she said. "At the preview, they get more out of it."
Another reason for the preview party is so the elderly, young or people with disabilities who can't sit through the parade can see the floats.
"There are times when I literally get tears in my eyes," Christofferson said, referring to times she has seen care centers and preschool groups come to the preview.
Floats represented the 2004 theme of this year's parade: "Bridges to our future."
Neelamegham said the float by the India Cultural Center represents the Hindu community bridging the ways of life between two continents. The float itself carries various elements of the Hindu culture, including a Mandap (canopy), Lord Ganesha (symbolic elephant) and a mini-version of the inspiring temple towers of India. Even the fabric used on the float was handcrafted in India.
A float made by the Latter-day Saint Sandy Crescent 5th Ward was one of the popular creations at the event. The float, which features a giant fish and two giant people fishing for it, took seven months and the efforts of more than 200 people to create.
Janis Westley, one of the ward members in charge of the float, said they wanted to involve as many people as they could, which was evident at the preview. Ward members help operate moving parts as about 20 children practiced their parade "dance" with large toy fish on poles.
The float, which cost more than $3,200, was made out of unique resources, including soda bottles, packing foam, toy swimming "noodles," padding from a mirror and items found in neighbors' yards.
"I haven't missed a parade in 50 years, so I guess it's my turn," she said.
Lauren Tuttle, 11, said she "practically lived at the float garage," and helped out by spray painting flowers and "glittering lots of stuff." Lauren will be dressed up as a frog on the float during the parade.
Lauren's father, Eric, designed the unique float.
"We were trying to think of something that represented Utah," he said. "Two weeks ago, it was pretty much ugly; it looked like a big marshmallow. But soon it came to life."
Eric estimated he has invested a couple hundred hours of his time to help create the float.
"I need a break," Eric said, laughing. "I need to mow the lawn, pick weeds, wash the car — things we've put aside for two months."
A preview party will also be held on Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Salt Palace Exhibit Hall. For more information, visit www.daysof47.com.
E-mail: astowell@desnews.com