WASHINGTON CITY – Helpings of fresh pancakes served with eggs and sausage were devoured to the music of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” delivered by a community band Saturday morning as Washington City kicked of its Pioneer Day celebration.
The Lions Club served up breakfast while the Washington City Community Band played a mix of patriotic tunes and gospel hymns at Veterans Park prior to the Days of ’47 Dixie Parade at 9 a.m.
“We’re celebrating the ‘Days of ’47’ in the state of Utah,” Washington City Mayor Ken Neilson said.
The Days of ’47 – or more specifically the Days of ’47 Dixie for this part of the state – derives its name from the year 1847 when Mormon pioneers first entered the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24 of that year.
“The 24th of July is a celebration really for the state of Utah where the Mormons left Nauvoo, Illinois, in a big trek to find a place, to get away from everybody basically,” Neilson said.
Mormons, a popular nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, left their city of Nauvoo in Illinois following the death of church president Joseph Smith at the hands of a mob.
The Mormons, led by Smith’s successor Brigham Young, moved West in order to get away from mounting persecution – something which had dogged the church since its organization in 1830.
The territory that would become Utah was still a part of Mexico when the first Mormons arrived in 1847.
“I think it’s a really special,” said Sister Megan Hooson, an LDS missionary from York, England. Before coming to Utah for an LDS mission, Hooson was not familiar with the pioneer stories from the church’s history.
“It’s really cool to see how the pioneers were able to come over here – like people from my county – who were able to come and help with the growth of the church,” Hooson said. “It’s really neat to learn about it.”
The celebration of Pioneer Day goes beyond the initial arrival and settlement in the Great Salt Lake Valley, the mayor said. It also extends to the early history of Washington City.
“Washington City was the first community established (in the area) in 1857,” Neilson said. “And every year they’ve done a celebration.”
Washington City was originally colonized by 40 families sent by Brigham Young to grow cotton in an effort to build self-sufficiency, Neilson said. Cotton production lasted for about 20 years, then was replaced with general agriculture.
These days tourism is a big driver for the area, the mayor said.
The Days of ’47 Dixie parade started shortly after 9 a.m. and hundreds of people lined the parade route down Telegraph Street while little children clamored about with glee as candy was thrown their way from passing floats.
“I can’t live without candy,” one little girl shouted, making a dentist somewhere very happy.
Over the span of about 40 minutes various LDS and pioneer-themed floats floats and vehicles passed by, as did others representing area veterans and local rock-crawling enthusiasts, area businesses and other groups.
Following the parade the festivities continued in Veterans Park for a time.
The day’s events are set to conclude with a party at the Washington City Community Center from 6-10 p.m. featuring live entertainment, a pool party, dancing and other activities.
A fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
“You know, I really enjoy it. I really enjoy the tradition that we try and have,” Neilson said.
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Semper Fi. Marine Corps League Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 Color Guard leading the Pioneer Day Parade with Color Guard. From L-R: Larry Mineer, Gary Boothroyd, Gordon Farr, Rick Massey, Billion Johnston
Dave Waters, Commandant seated, Bernie Henkel standing in the background.Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo courtesy of William Fortune, Utah Dixie Detachment 1270, Marine Corps League St. George; St. George News
Semper Fi. Marine Corps League Utah Dixie Detachment 1270, dress right dress, leading the Pioneer Day Parade. From L-R: Larry Mineer, Gary Boothroyd, Gordon Farr, Rick Massey, Billion Johnston. Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo courtesy of William Fortune, Utah Dixie Detachment 1270, Marine Corps League St. George; St. George News
Marine Corps League Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 on the march leading the Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo courtesy of William Fortune, Utah Dixie Detachment 1270, Marine Corps League St. George; St. George News
Semper Fi. Marine Corps League Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 forward march, lead the Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo courtesy of William Fortune, Utah Dixie Detachment 1270, Marine Corps League St. George; St. George News
Semper Fi. Marine Corps League Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 "float" is pulled by a restored 1943 USMC Jeep driven by the owner, Tuffy Ruth, of Mesquite, Nevada. Seated next to him is Dave Waters,
commandant of the Detachment. Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo courtesy of William Fortune, Utah Dixie Detachment 1270, Marine Corps League St. George; St. George News
Pioneer Day activities at Veterans Park, Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Semper Fi. Marine Corps League Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 Color Guard passes by, followed by the Detachment Banner and Bagpiper playing the "Marine Corps Hymn" in the Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo courtesy of William Fortune, Utah Dixie Detachment 1270, Marine Corps League St. George; St. George News
Washington City Mayor Ken Neilson serving up pancakes at the Lions Club breakfast for Pioneer Day at Veterans Park, Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Pioneer Day activities at Veterans Park, Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Pioneer Day activities at Veterans Park, Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Pioneer Day activities at Veterans Park, Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Pioneer Day activities at Veterans Park, Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Elder Steve Snow of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, seated the carriage with his wife, acting as the Pioneer Day parade's grand marshal, Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
At the 2016 Days of '47 Pioneer Day Parade in Washington City, Utah, July 23, 2016 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mori Kessler serves as a Senior Reporter for St. George News, having previously contributed as a writer and Interim Editor in 2011-12, and an assistant editor from 2012 to mid-2014. He began writing news as a freelancer in 2009 for Today in Dixie, and joined the writing staff of St. George News in mid-2010. He enjoys photography and won an award for photojournalism from the Society of Professional Journalists for a 2018 photo of a bee inspector removing ferals bees from a Washington City home. He is also a shameless nerd and has a bad sense of direction.
Elder Bob and Bishop Real Life have invited me two go and spend the day with them and their beloved Mormon brethren. .that was so sweet of them
The dope has done made you stupid son.
Bless you Bishop RealLowlife for your love and kindness you represent your Mormon brethren quite well