Days of ’47 Parade celebrates rich pioneer history with heart

The streets of downtown Salt Lake City were turned into a full-fledged celebration on Thursday morning, complete with clowns, floats, royalty, horses and history. As the oldest parade in Utah, and one of the oldest in the country, the Days of ’47 Parade is a historical tribute to all things Utah.

The parade was led by grand marshal President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was followed by over 100 entries, ranging from pioneer-themed handcart companies to candy-themed floats, high school marching bands and rodeo queens.

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The streets were lined with families of all ages eager to celebrate the arrival of the pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Some camped out the night before to save their coveted parade spot.

“This is an annual tradition for at least 40 years,” said Carolyn Mellen, a grandmother with a campout family. “I think it’s history. The kids need to know what their ancestors did.”

“I come every year. It’s a family tradition,” said paradegoer Rachel VanBibber, accompanied by her children. “I think it’s (the next generation’s) heritage. It’s really important that they know where they come from and why the state was founded. It’s important to carry out the story.”

Rachel’s son, Cam VanBibber, was bursting with excitement to be at the parade.

“I’m excited to see the motorcycles,” Cam said.

Other children screamed with excitement at seeing real-life princesses, particularly the Days of ’47 royalty. With a pioneer heritage, each member of the royalty dedicates her time to serving the people of Salt Lake City and Utah. Queen Ellie Simmons and her attendants, Megan Haynie and Jacquelyn Bazinet, have loved being a part of the pioneer-style festivities.

“It’s fun to see everybody and honor the pioneer heritage as a community. When does that ever happen?” Bazinet said. “It’s 2025, and we are still celebrating something that happened 200 years ago. We still keep it alive.”

Simmons added, “There is definitely a different feeling around Pioneer Day. It’s different than any other holiday. This week, I’ve personally been remembering my ancestors and my pioneer heritage, which has made a little fire in me. I’ve seen that come to life when we’re doing events like this.”

The royalty’s float showcased the miracle of the seagulls, representing the California seagulls that ate the crop-destroying crickets in 1848. Through their float, they got to share a piece of Utah’s history with the children eager to take pictures and chat with the women.

Other floats showcased the pioneer spirit, spreading worldwide, the Tree of Life, the building of the Salt Lake Temple, Archibald Gardner’s legacy and that of Norwegian immigrants.

Those riding in smaller cars also had a story to share.

For Dennis Nielsen, the parade was a special opportunity for him to share his past. The restored 1956 Chevy that Dennis drove was a replica of the first car he received from his parents when he turned 16, down to the stitching on the bench seat. Adam, Dennis’ son, found the car and restored it through the stories his dad would tell about the car.

“It was a pleasure to drive it. It was a surprise; the day I turned 16 was when I got it,” Dennis reminisced.

For others, the parade was an opportunity to share stories about their direct ancestors crossing the plains to reach the Salt Lake Valley. Laura Anderson, executive director of the Mormon Battalion Association, took the chance to share about her ancestors who were a part of the Willie Handcart Company.

“It doesn’t really matter whether you have pioneer ancestry or you are just a member of the church. It’s all of our history,” Anderson said regarding members of the Church of Jesus Christ. “It’s not just if you happen to have someone who goes back that far.”

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Various awards were also presented to the floats, many the result of the float preview party held earlier this week. Each entry in the parade was truly a tribute to Utah’s pioneer history and bright future ahead.

This year’s theme was Pioneer Spirit — Pioneer Strong. The following awards were presented to floats:

• Days of ’47 Sweepstakes Award: Holladay South Stake
• Brigham Young Award: West Jordan River Stake
• Utah Award: Salt Lake Monument Park Stake
• Theme Award: West Jordan Maples Stake
• Governor Award: Taylorsville City
• Pioneers Award: Sons of the Utah Pioneers
• Legacy Award: Herriman Mirabella Stake
• Community Award: Bountiful Central Stake
• Outstanding Animation Award: Farmington North Stake
• Mayor’s Award: American Heritage School
• Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Award: Sandy Utah Lone Peak Stake
• Beehive Award: Consulate of Mexico in Salt Lake City
• People’s Choice Award: West Jordan River Oaks Stake
• President’s Award: Sons of Norway
• Judge’s Choice Award: Sandy Dimple Dell Stake
• Spirit of Faith: South Jordan Highland Park Stake
• Ensign Award: Taylorsville North Central Stake
• Captain’s Award: Salt Lake City South Tongan Stake

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