Pioneer Day
Pioneer Day (also archaically called the Day of Deliverance[1]) is an official Utah state holiday celebrated on July 24 in the U.S. state of Utah, with some celebrations in regions of surrounding states originally settled by Mormon pioneers. It commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon Pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, where the Latter-day Saints settled after being forced from Nauvoo, Illinois and other locations in the eastern United States. Parades, fireworks, rodeos, and other festivities help commemorate the event.
In addition to being an official holiday in Utah, Pioneer Day is considered a special occasion by many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On Pioneer Day, some Latter-day Saints walk portions of the Mormon Trail or reenact entering the Salt Lake Valley by handcart. Even Latter-day Saints outside of the U.S. occasionally sing Mormon folk music around July 24 in remembrance of the pioneer era.
Utahns also celebrate the day by remembering other pioneers, such as Bishop Daniel Tuttle, who was responsible for Utah's first non-Mormon schools (Rowland Hall/St. Mark's) and first public hospital (St. Mark's) in the 1800's.[2] The Intertribal Powwow at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City honors the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the area's American Indians, helping Utahns to gain a deeper understanding of the region's history. [3]
Salt Lake City also celebrates with fireworks and the "Days of '47 Parade". Spanish Fork celebrates with "Fiesta Days".
Pie and Beer Day
Pie and Beer Day is an alternative to Pioneer Day celebrated by the non-LDS community in Utah. Pie and Beer Day is celebrated by consuming copious amounts of pie and beer as well as playing the popular game cornhole.
See also
References
- ^ Gross, Ernie. This Day In Religion. New York:Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc, 1990. ISBN 1-55570-045-4.
- ^ Quinn, Frederick Building the "Goodly Fellowship of Faith" - A History of the Episcopal Church in Utah - 1867-1996 Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah, 2004, chapter 1.
- ^ Mayorga, Carlos (2008-07-20), "Powwow honors Indian culture", The Salt Lake Tribune, pp. D3
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