World is welcome
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In 1847 pioneers came to the Salt Lake Valley to get away — to live in relative obscurity. Now in 2001, their descendants are shaking off an image of isolation and, in anticipation of being the focal point during the upcoming 2002 Winter Olympics, rolled out the red carpet to welcome the world.
The 152nd annual Days of '47 Parade had little in common with the day the original pioneers entered the Valley in 1847. Survival was the order of the day then and it wasn't until 1849 when an early-morning cannon awoke residents that the first commemoration was held.
This year, where there was once sun-baked soil and tumbling tumble weeds, throngs of parade watchers cheered and clapped under pleasant summer skies as float after float proclaimed that the world is welcome in Utah.
"All are welcome, the water's fine," proclaimed the Bountiful Utah South Stake float highlighted by a cuddly old codger spewing water as if floating in the Great Salt Lake.
"No matter the size or nationality, all are welcome here," stated the float by the Salt Lake Wells Stake, depicted by large pink elephants living peacefully among purple mice.
The South Jordan Utah River Stake drew applause from parade watchers with its depiction of missionaries currently serving in the Salt Lake City area from around the world. Forty-five missionaries from the Salt Lake City South Mission either rode on the float or walked behind waving the flags of their countries.
The Sandy Utah Granite Stake was recognized with three awards, namely, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, People's Choice and Children's Choice awards. Their theme, "From Footsteps to Friendships," was sparked by ideas from the Primary children. With cowboy boots and Dutch clogs moving as if walking, the float pointed out how pioneers stepped out of their homelands into new friendships in Utah.
The Salt Lake Millcreek Stake received the Utah Award for depicting how the world is being welcomed by the state sharing of its unique great outdoors.
The Midvale Utah North Stake earned the Ensign Award for its colorful and large three-piece train titled, "Bridging Cultures Over Time." The float consisted of a steam locomotive pulling a car of townspeople representing long-time residents, and a TRAX caboose symbolizing growth.
The West Bountiful Utah Stake won the Sweepstakes Award and the Outstanding Animation Award for depicting how unity and strength in a family are developed through the sharing of roots from all nations.
The float featured children from 16 countries, nine animated with the Spanish and African children teeter-tottering, a Polynesian child kicking his feet through a tire swing, and a North American boy fishing in a bubbling brook.
