'Catch the Vision' of Utah's pioneer heritage
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Children's eyes lit up and smiles spread across their faces as they walked around looking at the Days of '47 Parade floats housed at the South Towne Expo Center during the float preview party July 20-21. The preview party gave spectators a chance to ask questions of the creators and see the decorated floats close up.
For the creators, it was a chance to show off their work.
"It has been fun and surprising how much work goes into it," said Kevin Hemmert, from the West Jordan Utah Mountain Shadows Stake. "It was an opportunity to do something I haven't done before."
With months of preparation and hours of hard work, 22 stakes around the valley created a float to fit the theme "Utah's Pioneers: Catch the Vision."
Not only does the parade bring wards and stakes together, it unifies members of the community, reminding them of the legacy of the pioneers.
"I hope participants remember the pioneers — remember the past — so they can press forward for the future," said Jolene Smith, Days of '47 Parade coordinator. "I love the process of the parade. It touches peoples' hearts of all walks of life."
Many of the floats featured LDS themes, including temples; a tribute to some of the inventions that have come out of Utah; a float celebrating missionary work by honoring the first missionary, Samuel Smith; and even a float that looks to generations past in "Grandma's Attic."
All were products of people coming together, working hard, building friendships and strengthening testimony.
"It's been an amazing experience," said Bryce Larsen of the Salt Lake Jordan North Stake. "We have seen miracles all along the way."
For the Salt Lake Jordan North Stake, a charge was given by the stake president to involve as many people as possible.
For their theme, they chose "Catch the Vision of Dance," looking to the example of the pioneers who often, in times of trial and hardship, would dance to bring joy and lift spirits. Their float included young women and young men dancing from three different eras of time.
"It has been fun getting to know people," Max Bassett, 15, said. "I'm looking forward to the crowd and making them smile. And it's fun doing the swing."
The float's co-chairwomen, Sherri Winder, said building the float was more than an assignment, it was an opportunity to work together with her ward.
"You're not just building a float, you're building a ward family," she said. "That is the joy. I feel like I got to know people better and discover their unique talents."
The Days of '47 Parade is held every 24th of July as part of Utah's celebration of past and present pioneers.
