WASHINGTON CITY – Streets in downtown Washington City filled with floats, marching bands, color guards, horses and more as families lined the blocks Monday to watch the Days of ’47 Dixie pioneer heritage parade.
In Utah, the 24th of July marks an important celebration of pioneer heritage and family traditions. Arriving in Utah by covered wagon, handcart and walking on foot, Mormon pioneers first settled in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
Two years after their arrival, pioneer settlers began honoring their journey with an annual parade, a Utah tradition continued through present day.
The 2017 parade in Washington began at 9 a.m., with participants driving motorcycles, riding on floats, horses, wagons and even a train, while others were biking and walking from the intersection of 300 North and 300 East to Telegraph Street and ending on 300 East.
Following the parade, the festivities continued in Veterans Park with foot races for the whole family and live entertainment, along with game and vendor booths offered until 2 p.m.
The day’s festivities are set to conclude with a party at the Washington City Community Center from 6-10 p.m., featuring live entertainment, a pool party and other activities followed by a fireworks show scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Read more: TGIF Show: Your Pioneer Day weekend adventure guide brought to you by Maverik
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Days of ’47 Dixie pioneer heritage parade, Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News
Days of ’47 Dixie pioneer heritage parade, Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News
Days of ’47 Dixie pioneer heritage parade, Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News
Days of ’47 Dixie pioneer heritage parade, Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News
Days of ’47 Dixie pioneer heritage parade, Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News
Days of ’47 Dixie pioneer heritage parade, Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News
The parade moves down Telegraph in Washington City with the Marine Color Guard leading the way. Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo courtesy of Bill Fortune, St. George News
Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 Marine Corps League color guard. Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo courtesy of Bill Fortune, St. George News
Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 Marine Corps League participated in the Washington City Pioneer Day Parade. Pictured (L to R) Col. Dave Waters, USMC (Retired) Tuffy Ruth, Detachment member and restorer of the 1943 Ford Jeep. Other detachment members are in the trailer behind the jeep. Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo courtesy of Bill Fortune, St. George News
A view from the trailer as the parade moves down Telegraph in Washington City. D’Arcy Grisier, and other members wave to the crowd. Washington, Utah, July 24, 2017 | Photo courtesy of Bill Fortune, St. George News
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