Utah’s pioneer pride shines at the Days of ’47 Parade

Salt Lake City — Salt Lake City’s streets filled with music, laughter and heartfelt memories as the 2025 Days of ’47 Parade honored Utah’s history.

From elaborately decorated floats to high-energy marching bands, the event celebrated the spirit of resilience and community that defines the state.

Watch a replay of the parade here: 

Families gather to celebrate tradition at Days of ’47

“This is my husband’s entire family—most of them. There’s usually more,” said Nichole Hind, surrounded by loved ones. “It’s a good time to spend with our family and the floats are awesome. It’s just the tradition of it.”

For Hind, the parade also represents something deeper.

“It means freedom of religion—our ancestors coming here, being able to practice their religion how they want to. And live in this beautiful place.”

Sarah Stone, another Days of ’47 Parade attendee echoed that sentiment, tying the celebration to her own family’s history.

“We have pioneer ancestors that settled this area, so we think it’s important to think about the sacrifices that they made. It’s also a beautiful day—it’s a way to get out in the community and just enjoy celebrating together.”

Floats, bands and horses: A feast for the senses

This year’s theme, “Pioneer Spirit, Pioneer Strong,” inspired floats that were visually stunning and thought-provoking.

“There was a float that was about ‘What are you going to pioneer?’ and I thought that was a cool message—thinking about all the ways you can be an inventor or a trailblazer in your own way,” Stone said.

The parade also featured a wide array of performances, from traditional bagpipes to high-energy dance routines.

“My favorite part are the marching bands because they’re so insane—and I like their dances,” said one young attendee.

“The bands for sure—and the bagpipe band,” attendee Erin Shiflett added.

For others, the horses were a highlight.

“I like the horsies,” said young Bowen Lowther with a grin.

Games, gratitude, and generational memories

For many Utah families, the Days of ’47 Parade is just one part of a larger tradition of gathering for a giant sleepover and night filled with activities.

“We kind of just play games—board games, scooters, skateboards, bikes—or we’re just running, jogging, playing volleyball,” said Apaau Mailau. “It’s just a family tradition. We’ve always grown up here—it’s just something that’s normal to us.”

Mailau added that the day leaves her feeling full—both emotionally and literally.

“A grateful heart, because sometimes we don’t see each other very often as a family. So it’s nice to just come and gather as a family here. I just leave with a grateful heart… and a full stomach.”

Jason Scoggan shared how the parade helps build lasting memories.

“We love it—we come down here every year. I love it personally, but I love watching the kids have fun, build memories for them, and hopefully they remember grandma and grandpa bringing them down here,” Scoggan said. “It’s the Utah spirit.”

Although the parade ended around 12 p.m., festivities aren’t over. A drone show is slated to light up Liberty Park at 10 pm.