Pioneer celebration: This Is the Place offers lots to do over the 24th

Brigham Young and the final wagons of the first pioneer company entered the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.

Because it was so late in the season and the pioneers had crops to plant and houses to build, there was little time to celebrate their arrival, although one can imagine the joy they felt in finally reaching their journey's end.

It wasn't until 1849 that the first official commemoration celebration of the arrival took place. The festivities included a procession led by Brigham Young from his home to a bowery on Temple Square where members of nearly 20 local wards had marched earlier behind each of their bishops. President Young conducted a devotional service, which was followed with a thanksgiving feast.

Since that time, July 24 had developed into an official state holiday, and the annual Days of '47 is a weeks-long event filled with parades, concerts, fireworks and other activities.

But to capture the flavor of those early celebrations, there's hardly a better place than This Is the Place Heritage Park and its Old Deseret Village, which celebrate Pioneer Days Friday and Saturday.

Activities are ongoing through both days and include pie-eating contests, old-fashioned games and races, pioneer crafts, music and train rides. The Candy Cannon will shoot out candy for the kids. There will be mini-theatrical presentations: help for all that ails you by Doctor Quackenbush, the trial of cattle rustler LeRoy Wildhorn and the latest from Liza Jean's Gossip Scene.

There will be a mini-Days of '47 parade; visitors to the park will get to march in it if they want.

The Heritage Youth Art Show, featuring artwork by artists up to age 18 will be on display. Artists on the Plaza will be Kathy J. Hodgman, artist and author of "The Trail of Sunflowers"; and Paula and Nancy Durrant, artists and authors of "The Old Red Barn — Grandma's Tales of Long Ago." A special printing of "Early Pioneer Life in Utah" by Olinda Reynolds will also be available.

Plus, says Viki Strong, "there will be all the regular park activities," so there's something for everyone.

The second annual Brother Brigham's Ball takes place July 23. Attendees are invited to wear pioneer dress if they want, and to come kick up their heels to the music of the 7th Infantry Regimental Band. The Old Glory Dancers will be on hand to provide instruction in the Two-Step and other dances. There will be poetry readings, and historical games and activities for the whole family.