Pioneer Day

Hello, Friends and Visitors!
Did you know that here in Utah we have an extra holiday? That's right! July 24th is Pioneer Day. It's a state holiday, banks and post offices are closed, and many people are off of work. This is the day that we commemorate Brigham Young's arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, after moving the Latter-Day Saints from terrible persecutions in the East. Brigham Young, leader of the people following the murder of Joseph Smith, was in the first party of people to arrive here. He came in through what is now Emmigration Canyon, looked out over the Salt Lake Valley and declared, "This is the right place" (or, "This here, it!", as my Southern mama use to tease!).

So, today is "This here, it!" Day. :)

The nation's oldest parade re-routes downtown traffic in the morning. There are carnivals in various places and, tonight, there will be fireworks!! Hurrah. I missed July 4th fireworks this year, so I will be thrilled to see some tonight.

So, this Southern gal is happy to have fun today and to honor the hard work of those early pioneers. I often wonder what they thought, coming from the green of the East, to be plopped down here in the high desert. Well, I guess after all that persecution and traveling over the prairies for months, they were happy to be anywhere! What a great job they did, turning this desert area into a lovely, thriving city.

Have a great day!
Elizabeth