Pioneer Day — Utahns celebrate in big way

Sugar House may own the site for prominent Fourth of July fireworks, but Pioneer Day is celebrated in style in Salt Lake City.

Beginning Saturday, the Avenues and Salt Lake City will be crowded with Utahns celebrating their pioneer heritage.

Activities range from a youth parade and children's fair to free fireworks at the Gallivan Center. All are organized by the Days of '47.

Because July 24 falls on Sunday, this Monday will be the day for big events, starting with a marathon and other races. Then, the parade through Salt Lake City.

In Liberty Park, a Native American powwow and other activities will be held throughout the day. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m.

Ron Snarr, owner of Snarr Brother's maintenance in Murray, said Pioneer Day celebrations are about family and fun and excitement. He's watched fireworks from Liberty Park but also from the mountains with his family.

"It's a fun atmosphere," he said. "I think there's a general excitement in the air when you're going to an activity like that. I enjoy that feeling."

Snarr continued: "Pioneer Day is about family and the oohs and the ahhs and the people. Usually they're in a good mood and friendly. It's also a time to remember the pioneers. I don't think they had any fireworks when they came into the valley."

This year, according to event organizers, will also be about pioneers from other cultures.

"We really want to recognize the diversity of our community," said Scott Loveless, president of the Days of '47 executive committee. "We want to recognize the real contribution that many cultures and religions make."

2005 Native American Celebration in the Park:

For the past 11 years, Cal Nez has worked as president and founder of the Native American Celebration in the Park. While the nighttime fireworks and food booths at Liberty Park are fun, events scheduled for Monday are also about sharing between cultures — modern-day pioneers, he said.

"With the Native American Celebration, our philosophy has been about walking together," he said. "I like to have people come to celebrate our cultures, whatever culture that we come from, to be able to reach out to one another and to accept the diversity of each culture . . . to taste, to hear, to share and to celebrate together."