Utah is not the only place celebrating Pioneer Day , despite its Utah origins. Starting the day with parades and ending with fireworks, people celebrate Pioneer Day in different ways.
Pioneer Day commemorates the day Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This day is celebrated in honor of the bravery and endurance of the original settlers.
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“Growing up in California, Pioneer Day was just a stake activity,” said Andon Carling a 27-year-old BYU alumni. “Being new to Utah, it is exciting to go to North Park with my family and celebrate it with the whole city.”
To others, the day builds memories because most of their family members are home for the holiday.
“The 24th is an annual holiday in my family.” said Kent Lutz, from Idaho. “Growing up in southern Idaho many may not think we celebrated the 24th of July, but that’s not true. From parades in the morning to a firework spectacular at night, the 24th has always been a day for family and loved ones to get together. It’s a time when reunions are held, friends reunite and memories are made.”
For some this day represents good company.
“In my city, the volunteer firemen have an alarm that sounds when they are needed,” said Amos Oveson, a UVU student studying public relations. “It sounds like an alarm you’d hear in a WWII movie. On Pioneer Day they sound the alarm early in the morning to wake the city’s residents so they can prepare for the annual fireman’s breakfast at the firehouse. Everyone arrives and pays a few dollars for a hearty breakfast and great company. Proceeds go to the lean fire department and sustains them for most of the year. Post breakfast festivities are held and the tradition lives on.”
Others celebrate this day like any other holiday.
“I mostly try to go shopping for good deals,” said Bernice Djanie, a BYU student studying public health. “I spend time with my family cooking, watching movies or playing games and end the day with fireworks.”
