Lily Larsen of West Jordan walks with the Sons of Utah Pioneers in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. Laura Seitz, Deseret News
Thousands of people lined the streets of Salt Lake City Friday — some after camping out overnight — to take in the sights and sounds of the annual Days of ’47 Parade.
This year’s rendition looked a bit different, as the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was folded into the traditional celebration of pioneers formally reaching the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
A pair of Apache helicopters and another pair of Black Hawk helicopters kicked things off with a bang, flying over the route before the first floats began trickling down 200 East.
For the Andersen family, the parade marked the meeting ground for their family reunion of around 35 family members.
Men dressed as the Founding Fathers of the United States ride on a float in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
And while large families are far from unusual at an event like the Days of ’47 Parade, the Andersens came from all over — including Georgia, Florida, Alabama, California and Colorado.
“We’ve come to the parade a couple times, but this is our meeting spot for our family reunion this year,” Shayla Andersen said. “It’s an amazing place. There’s amazing food. There’s amazing drinks. The sense of family unity. The mountains. The weather. It’s amazing.”
Her parade highlight?
A surprise appearance of President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who, along with his wife Sister Kristen Oaks, appeared in the parade route following President Camille N. Johnson, general president of the Relief Society, who served as this year’s grand marshal.
President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rides in a vehicle in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
“Everybody always goes all out on the floats — the policemen and their trucks, the fire department — everybody’s just in good spirits,” Andersen said. “I’m just thankful for the weather and to be here with my family and for our freedom.”
While the parade is a July staple for many families from the Beehive State and beyond, others found themselves enjoying the spectacle for the first time in a while.
Such was the case for West Valley City resident Bryan Sundstrom, who was attending the parade for the first time since he was a child and, now, with a family of his own.
“They’re loving it. Having a good time,” Sundstrom said, adding that the parade brings back childhood feelings of seeing floats, music and all the sights associated with a parade.
“It’s really nice to bring that experience to them,” Sundstrom said. “If anybody’s wondering if they should come — definitely.”
This year saw a record-setting 147 parade entries passing through downtown Salt Lake City, according to Parade Chair Jodene Smith.
While the parade commemorates the arrival of the pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, many attendees said the event has become just as much about family traditions and creating memories that span generations.
Boy Scouts and adults leaders from Scouting America carry the Utah State Flag during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
For some spectators, the highlights are the floats, horses and marching bands. For others, the annual gathering is a chance to honor their ancestors and celebrate Utah’s heritage alongside friends and family.
The Days of ’47 Parade has celebrated Utah’s pioneer history for more than 175 years.
“It’s very special,” attendee Dylan Elliot said. “Sometimes we get hot, sweaty or tired spending one night, and we think about the pioneers trekking across the Rockies, pulling handcarts, and those who didn’t make it and those who did. We’re incredibly grateful they did so we can enjoy parades like today.”
Along with colorful floats, the parade includes marching bands, equestrian groups, giant balloons and community organizations, many of which spend months preparing for the annual event.
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President Dallin H. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, wave as they ride in the Days of ’47 Parade through downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Paradegoers rise and wave to President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, as they pass by during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret
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A float sponsored by the South Jordan Utah Eastlake Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Salt Lake Valley View Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Brigham Young Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Salt Lake Hunter East Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Ensign Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Draper Utah South Mountain Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Utah Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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Penny Reneer waves from the back of the float sponsored by the Salt Lake Hunter East Stake during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Ensign Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Bountiful Utah Mueller Park Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the North Salt Lake Utah Parkway Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Centerville Utah North Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Children’s Choice Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Salt Lake East Mill Creek North Stakesparticipates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Days of ’47 Sweepstakes Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Sandy Utah Cottonwood Creek Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Hilda Erickson Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Centerville Utah North Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Children’s Choice Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Salt Lake Canyon Rim Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Community Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Salt Lake Canyon Rim Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Community Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Farmington Utah West Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Herriman UtahSouth Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Herriman Utah Mountain View Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Riverton Utah Summerhill Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Pioneers Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Woods Cross Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Sandy Crecent South Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her husband, Brother Douglas R. Johnson, wave to the crowd as they participate in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. President Johnson is this year’s grand marshal. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the West Jordan Utah Heritage Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Spirit of Faith Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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The Brigham Young University float, featuring Cosmo the Cougar serving ice cream from the BYU Creamery, participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by KSL-TV and KSL.com participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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Boy Scouts and adults leaders from Scouting America carry the Utah State Flag during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret
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A float sponsored by the South Jordan Glenmoor Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the People’s Choice Award and features a flowing waterfall. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by Visit Salt Lake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Mayor’s Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret
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A float sponsored by the West Jordan Utah Heritage Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Spirit of Faith Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the West Jordan Wasatch Meadows Spanish Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Legacy Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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A float sponsored by the Bluffdale Utah South Stake participates during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Outstanding Animation Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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Members of a float entry sponsored by the West Jordan Utah Wasatch Meadows Stake (Spanish) participate with flags during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. The float was given the Legacy Award. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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The Days of ’47 Royalty, Queen Lindsey Christenson and attendants Daniela Bergantz and Sarah Lowry, ride on a float in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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Boy Scouts and adults leaders from Scouting America carry the Utah State Flag during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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The Calvary Baptist Church Choir performs in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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A horse with the Nuestra Señora Utah riding group participates in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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The crowd cheers during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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Safia Utai dances with the First Tongan Christian Church in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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The Sons of Utah Pioneers march in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints march in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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An armed service member talks on the phone as he awaits his turn to perform during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret
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President Dallin H. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, both wave to the crowd as they participate in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City Friday, July 24, 2026 | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret
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A group of missionaries wave to President Dallin H. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, as they pass by during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, both wave to the crowd as they participate in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her husband, Brother Douglas R. Johnson, wave beneath the Eagle Gate Monument as they participate in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. President Johnson is this year’s grand marshal. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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At left, Lyman Keith and other members of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers participate with handcarts during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, waves to the crowd as he participates in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret
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President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her husband, Brother Douglas R. Johnson, wave to the crowd as they participate in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. President Johnson is the parade’s grand marshal this year. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News
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President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her husband, Brother Douglas R. Johnson, wave beneath the Eagle Gate Monument as they participate in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. President Johnson is this year’s grand marshal. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret
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President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her husband, Brother Douglas R. Johnson, wave to the crowd as they participate in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. President Johnson is this year’s grand marshal. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret
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People march with the Herriman Utah South Stake in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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A man blows a conch shell while marching with the consulate of Mexico in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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The Davis High School Marching Band performs in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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Sandy City royalty wave to the crowd during the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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Charlotte Ita’aehau of Bountiful cheers while watching the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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The Farmington Color Guard marches in the aDays of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints waves as the grand marshal of the Days of ’47 Parade with her husband, Douglas R. Johnson, as they ride through downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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The Utah Pipe Band marches in the Days of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Cam VanBibber and Luke Andersen, front, cheer during the Days of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Mr. Zach clowns around with Angel Villasenor during the Days of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Ruth Barney and William Barney watch the Days of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Katie Buell waves to a passing float during the Days of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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People watch the Days of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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A Unified police officer dances on his motorcycle as other members of the Unified Police Motor Squad circle him in the Days of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Blake VanBibber dances with her father, Justin VanBibber, while watching the Days of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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People march with the Salt Lake East Mill Creek North Stake float, which won the Sweepstakes Award, in the Days of ’47 Parade in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rides in a vehicle in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
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Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints waves as the grand marshal of the Days of ’47 Parade with her husband, Brother Douglas R. Johnson, as they ride through downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
For spectators, however, the tradition often stretches back much longer. Scott Woodruff said his family’s connection to Utah’s pioneer history runs deep. “We are descendants of pioneers,” Woodruff said. “Wilford Woodruff actually drove the wagon that Brigham Young came in the valley in, so he’s my great-great-great-grandpa. It’s a direct tie to that.”
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Woodruff spent part of the morning sketching scenes from the parade, capturing runners, families waiting along the sidewalks and the traditions that make the celebration uniquely Utah. “This is the essence of the parade — waiting for the parade to start,” he said.
Many attendees said Pioneer Day is about more than reflecting on the past. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate Utah’s diverse communities while preserving traditions for future generations.
“We love celebrating the heritage of the pioneers and all the different cultures that are here; we love that,” attendee Lisa Pauley said.
The Days of ’47 festivities continue through the weekend with rodeos, concerts and other events taking place across Utah.
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