Thousands celebrate Pioneer Day at downtown parade

SALT LAKE CITY — Thousands flocked downtown Saturday morning to enjoy one of the largest and oldest parades in the U.S. — the Days of '47 Parade.

Not only has this parade become a celebrated Utah tradition, but it has also become an annual event for 100-year-old Della Pantos.

"I like parades," Pantos said, "and I like to celebrate how my mom and dad settled in Utah."

Pantos, who was born and raised in Green River, has attended the Days of '47 Parade more than 70 times.

"I don't know why, but I enjoy it," she said.

Pantos said she hopes to be back next year so she can continue her tradition of crying as all of the servicemen go by.

Sitting next to Pantos' family was a 70-year-old grandmother who camps out before the parade every year with her grandkids. She always saves a seat in the front for Pantos.

Another family along the parade route had been there since noon Friday.

Saturday was Ardell Gillespie's 78th birthday, and she wanted to go to the parade. So daughter D'Nell Gillespie, 32, camped along State Street with niece Mary Christensen, 15, nephew Joshua Christensen, 12, and a few hundred other people.

"It was like a giant hobo convention," Mary Christensen said. "It was great."

Joshua made it clear that he didn't sleep, though.

"I drank seven cans of Mountain Dew to get through it, but I would probably do it again," he said.

Ardell Gillespie had only been to the Pioneer Day parade a few times before. When she turned 50, she made everyone come to the parade, so when she was asked what to do for her 78th birthday by D'Nell Gillespie, she was sure she wanted to go to the parade again.

"I hated (Pioneer Day) on my birthday because I could never have a party," Ardell Gillespie said jokingly.

Many families camp out on the street the night before to ensure the perfect view for Saturday's parade. Coveted spots in the shade went fast and filled to capacity. More than six rows of camp chairs and hundreds of people filled one corner that was sheltered by a nearby building along the parade route.

Vuvuzelas, made famous during the World Cup in South Africa, filled the air with noise and enthusiasm as the parade began.

Multiple awards were given to floats.