Hello!
Looking for something fun and free to do in Salt Lake City in July?
One of our favorite events at Salt Lake City's annual Days of '47 celebration is the Float Preview Party. It will be held on July 17 and 18, 2017 at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, Utah from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is a free event.
Pioneer Day on July 24th is a big day here in Utah. It's the day the state commemorates the entrance of the Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. As Brigham Young gazed over the valley for the first time, he announced, “This is the right place.” To which, at least a couple of his followers responded, “Are you sure?” They'd been hoping that California would be the right place. Nevertheless, these hardy souls built houses and planted crops and founded cities throughout the West, making Utah the great state it is today.
The Days of '47 Float Preview Party is a fun opportunity to get an up-close look the beautiful floats that will roll in the Days of '47 parade on Pioneer Day. Some of the floats have giveaways or kids' activities. There are bands and balloon artists and face painters.
Most of the floats are sponsored by businesses or church groups, but it's also fun to find gorgeous floats created by local groups such as Salt Lake City's Chinese community. Don't forget to cast a ballot for Crowd Favorite or Kids' Favorite.
Here are my top tips for attending this fun, free family event:
- Bring a brown-bag lunch or dinner if you expect to be there during mealtime. Tables and chairs are set up near the entertainment. There is a snack bar if you prefer to purchase food at the venue.
- Go early to beat the crowds. Some of the giveaways are first-come, first-served.
- Bring $1 bills to tip the balloon artists and face painters. My favorite balloon artist is the guy with the Santa beard. He can make anything!
jadebroadus
I haven’t ever been to a days of 47 event- but I’d love to! Looks like a lot of fun!
Steve
Love the story about “This is the place”. I probably would have been hoping for California too, but it’s pretty hard to argue with Utah’s beauty.
Allison
So true. Can you imagine being the first settler to happen across Bryce Canyon or Arches?
Jamie
Thanks for the tip – we are taking my niece and nephew today.
Allison
I hope you have a good time! We attended yesterday and it was our best year yet. The floats are beautiful and nearly every one has fun activities or treats for kids.