The parade has been called the "Days of 47" only since 1947. It was originally "Pioneer Days," until 1931 when it became "Covered Wagon Days." But whatever the name, this parade celebrates Utah's unique history.
After traveling thousands of miles across the plains in wagons or pulling handcarts, the last thing the pioneers wanted was a parade. And they didn't celebrate the first anniversary of their arrival; they were too busy fighting crickets and trying to fend off starvation.
But on July 24th, 1849, Salt Lake residents were awakened by a blast of cannon fire and a brass band marking past their homes. It was the first parade marking the arrival of the pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley.
The early residents continued to celebrate the date, and by 1897 -- the 50th anniversary -- the pioneer processional, as it was called, had become a good-sized parade.
LDS Church wards and stakes, businesses and community groups have always sponsored floats in the parade. The military has always been well represented, and of course, it always includes horses, bands, children and queens.
From the beginning, the pioneers who arrived in the valley before 1869 were honored with dinner each July 24th. The last living pioneer died in 1967. Her name was Hilda Ericson and she was 108 yeas old.
In 1931 they began calling the celebration covered wagon days. In 1943 the Sons and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers took over the celebration and adopted the name, Days of 47.
The Royalty of 1943 did not ride in the parade because of gas rationing, but 50 years later -- in 1993 -- they finally got to take that ride.
Since its earliest days, patriotism and the military have been prominent, and every year, the Mormon Battalion is honored. But it was 1991 when Utahns welcomed home a victorious US military from the Gulf War; they received applause and a standing ovation.
Again in 1997, Utahns were brought to their feet. It was the sesquicentennial. Those who participated in a 93 day re-enactment of the pioneer trek across the plains made their final march through the streets of Salt Lake City. That sentiment of honoring pioneers is at the heart of every Days of 47 Parade.
The Sons and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers keep the memory alive. It is a procession of symbols, handcarts, beehives, sego lilies and crickets, which speak to themes of faith and sacrifice, solidarity and thrift, trial and deliverance.
It is our history preserved, teaching generation after generation about the values of the past, and perhaps give us the strength to endure our own challenges.
Are we there yet?
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