Riverdale Lions Club

Tonight I gathered at the Riverdale Lions Club meeting with Chenae Shiner, Martina Wardle, and Ogden Pioneer Days Chairman Dave Halverson to further promote Ogden Pioneer Days and some of the great events that are part of the celebration.

Dave shared some stories tonight that made me even more passionate about the Ogden Celebration. He told about how Mayor Harmon Peery organized the western festival during the Great Depression in 1934 to boost the spirits of the locals and bring tourists to the city. Those traditions are living today when families come together in the community to boost moral while honoring all pioneers.

We also talked about the three parades that are held every year as part of the original tradition. The Children's Parade where all children and families are encouraged to come and participate and the kids receive a free ticket to the first night of the rodeo. The Horse & Hitch Parade, one of the largest in the west with over 600 entries of horses, wagons, and carriages. And finally the Ogden Pioneer Day Parade with thousands of spectators to watch marching bands, floats, horse drawn carriages, antique automobiles, youth groups, and of course Miss Rodeo Utah Contestants.

There truly is something for everyone at Ogden Pioneer Days and it really has become more than just a local community celebration. It involves people from all over.