Connections seemed to be the unwritten theme of this year's Days of '47 Parade — the connections between generations of parade-goers of all ages. The connection that forever binds the Mormon Pioneers and today's Church members and their neighbors.
As always, thousands gathered July 24 along the streets of downtown Salt Lake City to watch the long procession as it began near Temple Square on South Temple, before turning south on 200 East and ending at Liberty Park at 900 South. Many more ducked the July heat and watched the event on television.
However they watched the parade, viewers were again rewarded with dozens of floats, marching bands, horse posses, and dignitaries seated in classic cars and sporty convertibles. This year's edition enjoyed a prominent LDS flavor. Seventeen stakes from Utah contributed floats, as did Brigham Young University and LDS Business College. Each of the floats offered a unique interpretation of this year's Days of '47 event's "connection" theme: Pioneer Dreams — Stepping Stones for Generations.
Among the parade front-runners were President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, and his wife, Sister Frances Monson. Riding in the back seat of a silver convertible and sporting a cowboy hat and bolo tie, President Monson smiled and waved at the many who called out his name.
Also included in the parade was an entry honoring the late wife of President Gordon B. Hinckley, Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley, as a "Pioneer of Progress." Seated in honor of Sister Hinckley was a Hinckley daughter, Virginia Pearce, and her husband, James Pearce.
The LDS-themed floats captured the enthusiasm and spirit of the holiday. Generally, the entries are designed by folks with little or no float-building experience. Still, each represented the time, effort and whimsical joy of the hundreds who pitched in with the design and labor.
Highlights included the Salt Lake Valley View Stake's Sweepstakes Award-winning float depicting a wing-flapping seagull hovering over a collection of mischievous green crickets. Meanwhile, the Legacy Award was given to the Salt Lake Holladay North Stake for its majestic float that included a massive lion resting placidly next to a lamb "without any ire." The float's Eden-like theme suggested peace and unity.
It's no surprise the Riverton Utah Central Stake snagged the Children's Choice Award with its enticing float replete with all-day suckers, chocolate kisses, cupcakes and a giant tap dispensing root beer into a T-Rex-sized frosted mug.
Other award winners from LDS stakes included the Farmington Utah Oakridge Stake, the Sandy Utah Granite Stake, the West Jordan Utah East Stake and the Salt Lake Rose Park North Stake. The Magna Utah Central Stake was a multi-award winner, receiving the Outstanding Animation Award and the People's Choice Award.