Thousands gather to watch Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City
Jul 23, 2022, 5:36 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — No matter how many bands or floats or people cheering for it all made up this year’s Day of ’47 Parade, there’s only one thing young Brizzy Richards wanted to see.
“Is that the princesses?” she asked while pointing to a float down the road. “I like the princesses.”
Seeing them made her about as happy as ever. But it also brought lots of questions.
“Why are the princesses wearing makeup and crowns?” she asked.
“Because they’re princesses,” her grandmother answered.
Kids during parades often have more questions than the number of floats in a parade.
“Who is she?” Brizzy asked.
“What is this for?” she asked when another float went by.
However, that’s kind of what the Days of ’47 Parade is all about.
We’re ready, are you? The Days of 47 Parade is about to begin! Join us for live coverage on @KSL5TV! #Utah #KSLTV #Daysof47 pic.twitter.com/u3Qf3dq1u0
— Shara Park ✨ (@KSLSharaPark) July 23, 2022
Learning about Utah’s heritage from the pioneers first entering the Salt Lake Valley 175 years ago is a big part of the parade. It’s also a tradition many Utah families have passed down for generations.
“We were so excited to come down and be a part of things. It’s one of our favorite things to do,” said Alecia Richards, Brizzy’s grandmother.
Richards couldn’t wait to bring her grandchildren to the parade.
They left West Jordan early Saturday morning to find a good spot and continue their family tradition.
“With the pandemic, we didn’t come at all,” Richards said. “It’s just been a long two years for all of us, and we were so excited to be able to come back and feel a part of the community and feel the excitement of being back out in public with people.”
Many people felt the same way.
Those we spoke with said just to be out again and feeling like normal while watching a parade is worth celebrating.
“I think this year, it’s a lot special, because 2020, we didn’t have the parade, and last year, like you said, the restrictions. So, I guess, we get to be free,” said Webber Ava, who lives in Salt Lake City and slept outside overnight to save a good spot along the route for his family.
For many people, the parade was a lot of fun. Especially when you get to see princesses.
“Why is there just two girls?” Brizzy asked.
