ST. GEORGE — For some tourists and people new to the state, it may seem that Utah has two Fourth of Julys.
But for so many, Pioneer Day holds deep meaning as a remembrance and celebration of the settlement by Latter-day Saint pioneers where for them, Utah was “the place.”
Cities and towns across Southern Utah will mark the July 24 holiday throughout the weekend with parades, festivals and fireworks. The biggest events will be in Washington City and Hurricane in Washington County and Enoch and Brian Head in Iron County.
While Pioneer Day officially is Monday, many local cities and towns will be holding their Pioneer Day festivities on Saturday.
After years where either the pandemic or excessively dry conditions forced increased fireworks restrictions, as well as scaled-down celebrations, “normal” has returned as far as Pioneer Day is concerned.
Many local cities have lifted some restrictions, allowing more residential fireworks in areas beyond city parks. And many public displays that were postponed a year ago in extreme drought conditions are on again, thanks to a wet winter.
Per state law, each city can set its own restrictions on places, dates and times fireworks can be used. But state law does not allow for a municipality to entirely ban the use of holiday fireworks. Though the state government has yet to enforce its own rule, many cities – including some in Southern Utah – have mandated full bans anyway.
The state government also sets which fireworks are legal to use by the general public and which are not, though cities can add additional restrictions.
As far as asking which fireworks are legal in Utah, it’s more of a case of asking which are not.
All “Class C” fireworks are legal in Utah with the exception of those listed by the state as “dangerous explosives,” based on legislation passed and signed by then-Gov. Gary Herbert in 2011.
This includes some aerial fireworks that can go as high as 150 feet, such as multiple tube, repeater or cakes with under 500 grams of pyrotechnics lit by a single fuse.
A good way to guarantee a firework may be legally used for home display is to buy it in Utah.
Fireworks can be purchased across Utah from June 24-July 25 and Dec. 29-31, according to the Utah State Fire Marshall. While cities are likely to place additional restrictions on dates and hours, they can’t actually be used except for July 2-5, July 22-25 and Dec. 31 (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.), with those hours extended to midnight for the July holidays and to 1 a.m. for New Year’s Eve.
Below is a list of specific fireworks available for purchase that are legal to use in the state of Utah, according to state code, as well as those that are illegal. Also included is a listing of the restrictions, if any, in most local cities as well as where there will be large public displays and fireworks to celebrate Pioneer Day.
Fireworks banned in Utah
- A firecracker, cannon cracker, ground salute, M-80, cherry bomb or similar explosive that mainly makes a loud bang, rather than a visual effect.
- Fireworks utilizing a skyrocket or other missile-type rocket including Roman candles and bottle rockets as well as any rocket mounted on a wire or stick.
- A single shot or reloadable shell.
- An aerial salute, such as flash shells and comets, which mainly make a loud bang, rather than a visual effect.
- A cake firework containing more than 500 grams of pyrotechnics
Washington County
St. George
St. George doesn’t have many Pioneer Day events or fireworks. Neighboring Washington City will be the place to be.
Traditionally, St. George stages the major Fourth of July events, and Pioneer Day falls to Washington City.
For those who want to put on their own Pioneer Day fireworks, St. George has restricted fireworks usage to certain neighborhoods and parks. And not every park will be a fireworks zone.
The city has published an interactive map that can be accessed at this link that includes the 18 city parks where fireworks can be used. A good rule of thumb: If you’re near the hills or amid vegetation, fireworks may not be allowed.
The largest restricted areas are between Tuweap Drive and Warrior Way, all of Tech Ridge and the Black Hill area, Cottonwood Cove Park, Town Square Park, the Dixie Sunbowl, Pioneer Park, along Red Hills Parkway and much of the area north of St. George Boulevard and east of 100 East.
In addition, no fireworks are permitted within 200 feet of dry washes and drainages, river and stream corridors, hillsides, plateaus and mesa tops and undeveloped open space or natural terrain.
Along with residential fireworks that are restricted in Utah, sky lanterns or Asian-style mini hot air balloons made of paper also are prohibited in St. George. Also banned are residential bonfires unless it is in an area pre-approved by the Fire Department.
Those violating any of the restrictions face up to a $1,000 fine.
Enterprise
The city has no restrictions on where legally purchased fireworks can be used, though they are prohibited in nearby unincorporated and Bureau of Land Management areas.
Pioneer Day in Enterprise is always about the rodeo.
Held each Pioneer Day weekend since 1908, the rodeo will see more than 400 bull riding, roping and barrel racing participants at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 21-23. General admission at the American Legion Rodeo Grounds at 1003 E. 100 North is $6, with kids 11 and under $3, and those 2 and under free.
Pioneer Day itself will be celebrated Saturday in Enterprise with the Pioneer Day parade down Main Street starting at 8:30 a.m., at 400 East and ending at 200 West. This year’s theme is “Pioneer Courage.”
There are no public fireworks displays planned.
Hurricane
Discharge of consumer fireworks is permitted at four designated sites: The Spillsbury Sports Complex (803 N. 200 West), American Legion Sports Complex (802 N. 200 West), Three Falls Park (889 S. 700 West) and Dixie Springs Park (South 3680 West).
Discharge of fireworks in residential areas is prohibited.
What isn’t prohibited is one of the larger Pioneer Day events in Southern Utah at the Sand Hollow Resort (5662 W. Clubhouse Drive) on Monday. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and is co-sponsored by Canyon Media partner KONY Country 99.9-FM who are bringing along chart-topping country music duo Thompson Square followed by fireworks.
Food will include a fleet of the top local food trucks and there will be other family-friendly activities. Cost of admission is $10 to $35 depending on seating and age.
Ivins
After limiting consumer fireworks to city parks for the last two years, residents are getting a little more freedom to do their own displays this year. However, neighborhoods that are allowed to use fireworks are limited mostly to the center of town in an area bordered by 400 East, 200 North, 400 West and Pioneer Parkway.
A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here.
Along with residential fireworks that are restricted in Utah, sky lanterns or Asian-style mini hot air balloons made of paper are prohibited in Ivins.
There are no public fireworks displays or Pioneer Day events planned.
LaVerkin
Per local ordinance, LaVerkin’s fireworks restrictions change yearly based on which of four “stages” is announced by the City Council.
This year, Stage 2 was declared with some minimal restrictions. Fireworks in the city are permitted on any city street as long as it is at least 100 feet from any hillside, as well as at Wanlass Park (320 N. Main St.) and Riverwood Park (314 W. 900 North).
There will be a free Pioneer Day celebration at Wanlass Park (320 N. Main St.) on Monday starting at 8 a.m.
Santa Clara
While there are some areas that are restricted from fireworks usage — especially along Santa Clara Drive — fireworks are mostly allowed north of Crestview Drive and south of Pioneer Parkway. A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here.
In addition, along with residential fireworks that are restricted in Utah, sky lanterns or Asian-style mini hot air balloons made of paper are also prohibited.
There are no public fireworks shows or Pioneer Day events scheduled within city limits.
Springdale
Springdale prohibits the use of all fireworks in city limits. It is unlawful to ignite or discharge fireworks in the towns
of Springdale and Rockville from June 1 through Sept. 15, according to a city ordinance.
There are no public firework shows or Pioneer Day events scheduled within city limits.
Toquerville
Toquerville’s City Council has implemented fireworks restrictions for Pioneer Day including only allowing them in two parks at certain times and banning all aerial fireworks.
Along with the aerial firework prohibition, consumer fireworks can only be discharged at Trail Ridge Estates Park and Center
Street Park on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday between 7 and 11 p.m., and on Pioneer Day from 7 p.m. until midnight.
Pioneer Day events in Toquerville are run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not the city. Events are open to the public but may be subject to church oversight and rules.
Center Street Park will host Toquerville’s Pioneer Day celebration, including a parade that will culminate at the park after starting at the corner of Ash Creek Drive and Old Church Road.
There are no public firework shows scheduled within city limits.
Washington City
Fireworks are permitted in many of the residential areas of Washington City, though restricted in hillside areas.
A map of the restricted and unrestricted areas can be found here.
One of the larger Pioneer Day celebrations and fireworks displays in the area is once again planned for Washington City on Monday.
It all starts at 8 a.m., with the Pioneer Day parade down Telegraph Street ending at Veterans Park, where there will be children’s booths. Later in the day, the action shifts to an afternoon to evening Pioneer Day party at the Washington City Community Center with swimming for a fee and a free, large fireworks display starting at 10 p.m.
Zion National Park
It’s not the busiest Fourth of July, but it’s still busy season at Zion National Park for visitors. A holiday weekend may mean the entrances to the park may be closed at times over the holiday weekend and the holiday itself.
Visitors are asked to check this site over the holiday weekend to ensure they will be able to enter the park.
There are no public fireworks displays within the park and it is illegal for campers to fire them within the park.
Iron County
Cedar City
While the Cedar City Fire Department released a statement that discouraged personal firework use “as it can be life-threatening in a variety of ways,” fireworks are allowed in much of the city. A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here.
The city also has set up several recommended areas to set off fireworks, including: the south parking lot of Cedar High School; Iron Springs Elementary parking lot; Canyon View High School parking lot; and the Aquatic Center parking lot. In addition, the street between the Bicentennial Soccer Complex parking lots will be closed to traffic for the use of fireworks on the state discharge dates.
Cedar City will hold a free Pioneer Day event on Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Main Street Park (200 N. Main St.) that will include inflatables, food vendors, craft vendors and activity booths.
Brian Head
The Pioneer Day weekend will offer people a chance to see the best downhill mountain bikers in the nation and take in the kind of mostly untouched nature that the pioneers of 1861 experienced entering Southern Utah.
The Brian Head Resort, normally only open from Friday to Sunday in the summer, will be open Thursday and Monday as well. That includes the scenic lift, family activities and restaurants.
The highlight will be the Big Mountain Enduro races featuring more than 400 professional and amateur mountain bike riders competing in downhill events that are free for spectators.
It also will be a place to get away from the heat. Even during the 110-plus temperatures in much of Southern Utah over the past week, Brian Head has remained in the high 60s to low 70s.
After last year’s restrictions banned the use of fireworks by residents, there are no such restrictions this year. No public fireworks show is planned.
Enoch
Fireworks are not allowed in any area within Enoch City limits per an ordinance passed in 2012 except for two designated areas: the Enoch City Office paved parking lot at 900 E. Midvalley Road and the Enoch Elementary School west paved parking lot on Tomahawk Drive.
For Pioneer Day, Enoch holds one of the bigger Iron County celebrations including a parade, 5K run, festival and fireworks.
It starts Monday with the Pioneer Day 5K that begins at 7 a.m. at the LDS church located at 451 E. Midvalley Road. The Enoch Pioneer Day Parade will go down Tomahawk Drive starting at 10 a.m., followed by games, food and activities at the church lot until 2 p.m. Lunch, starting at 11:30 a.m., is $5 per plate or $20 per family and cash only.
After dark, a fireworks display will be launched around 10 p.m. at Old Enoch Park, 1600 E. 5250 North.
Parowan
The city only allows consumer fireworks to be shot off at one site: Lions Park at 145 S. 300 East.
Pioneer Day events in Parowan are run by the LDS church and not the city. Events are open to the public but may be subject to church oversight and rules.
Saturday afternoon will be the day for Pioneer Day activities in town. A children’s parade will march at Parowan City Park at 16 S. Main St., starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by free dinner and activities from 6-8 p.m. Tables and chairs are provided but people are also welcome to bring their own camp chairs and blankets.
Beaver County
Beaver
The city has no restrictions on where legally purchased fireworks can be used, though they are prohibited in nearby unincorporated and BLM areas.
The Pioneer Day schedule starts Saturday in the home county of rodeo champion Stetson Wright with the first day of the Beaver Stampede Rodeo at the Canyon Breeze Race Track, 371 N. Highway 153. After a day off, the rodeo resumes Monday. The rodeo starts at 7 p.m., both days with admission at the gate between $5 and $10 depending on age.
Garfield County
Bryce Canyon City
The setting off of any consumer fireworks is prohibited in Bryce Canyon City as well as nearby Tropic except for two designated sites: The Ruby’s Inn Rodeo Grounds at 115 E. 100 North and the Tropic Park at W. 100 North.
The Rodeo Grounds will also be the site of a rodeo and Pioneer Day celebration on Saturday that will include fireworks at 10 p.m. Tickets to see the rodeo are $10 to $15 based on age.
Earlier Saturday at 10 a.m., a free parade and pie-eating contest will take place at Tropic Park.
Panguitch
According to city code, both the use and sale of consumer fireworks are banned in Panguitch with the exception of sparklers.
What isn’t restricted will be Pioneer Day festivities throughout Saturday in town.
That includes the Pioneer Day Parade starting at 10 a.m. along Center and Main Street and kids games starting at 2 p.m., at City Park, 770 N. Main St.
It’s also rodeo weekend with the finals of the 2023 Panguitch Invitational Rodeo taking place Saturday at the Triple C Arena, 50 800 North. Admission at the gate is between $5 and $10 depending on age.
Kane County
Kanab
Legal fireworks use is limited to all areas south of 750 South, west of 300 West and east of 600 East. A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here.
Saturday night will see dancing and fireworks in Kanab at a free event that culminates with fireworks over the Jackson Flats Reservoir. The Pioneer Day Fireworks on the Water will include free hot dogs and kids’ activities. There will also be a church history walk and live music as well as a dance starting at 8 p.m.
That will be followed at 10 p.m., by fireworks launched over the Jackson Flats Reservoir.
Fireworks safety tips courtesy of the city of St. George.
- Use only fireworks purchased in Utah from licensed dealers or retailers. If you purchased the fireworks out of state, they are more than likely not legal in Utah. You will be cited if caught and will be responsible to pay for any damages and the cost to extinguish any fires that you cause.
- Use only with responsible adult supervision at all times.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Light the fireworks in an open area and on a non-combustible surface such as a driveway or paved area.
- If windy conditions exist, do not light fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water available.
- Handle used and “dud” fireworks with a shovel.
- Soak fireworks thoroughly in a bucket of water or hose prior to disposal.
- Keep clear while lighting fireworks. Do not lean over them at any time.
- Do not relight “dud” fireworks.
- Watch out for your pets and animals. Preferably keep them indoors and away from the displays.
- Check for any restrictions that may apply to your area.
Treating fireworks-caused injuries, from Intermountain Health:
What is the first thing I should do if a burn occurs?
The most important thing to do first is to make sure it is clean and dry. In all cases, you should be able to use a mild soap and lukewarm water to clean and sanitize the wound.
Are topical ointments recommended?
Using Neosporin or other topical ointment isn’t necessarily required in all situations. Sometimes, using it excessively can keep the wound moist and can delay the healing process to some degree. If you initially cleaned the wound and can keep it clean and dry, you may not need an antibiotic ointment at all.
How can I manage the pain if I’ve been burned?
Most individuals with burns can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol at the recommended over-the-counter dosage to manage pain. There are also some topical pain relievers that can be used, such as burn-free wipes; which have a light dose of numbing medication in them. Always be sure to follow the guidelines provided on the packaging of the pain-relieving medications.
When should I seek the help of a physician or practitioner for my burn?
As a general guideline, if the size of the wound is bigger than the palm of your hand it may need a second opinion or further evaluation. If the burn occurs around the eyes, nose, ears, toes, and fingers, regardless of size, it’s recommended that a practitioner evaluate you – as the wound may become problematic. Lastly, if you notice symptoms of the wound becoming infected (i.e. increased pain, fever, streaking redness, etc.) you should see a physician.
Ed. Note: A previous version of this story erroneously stated that Springdale had no restrictions on fireworks. The story has been corrected.
Update July 21, 9 a.m. Adding additional Pioneer Day restrictions in Toquerville.
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