City Hall in Park City, Utah. Photo: TownLift // Bailey Edelstein

PARK CITY, Utah — Several city and county offices will close on Thursday, July 24 in observance of Pioneer Day, a statewide holiday that honors the arrival of Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley — and brings parades, fireworks, and festivities to communities across Utah.

Closures include City Hall and administrative offices, Summit County government offices, the Park City Library, and all branches of the Summit County Library. All liquor stores in Utah will also be closed.

Park City Recreation Center will be open regular hours from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the Park City Ice Arena will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with public skating from 2:15 to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day commemorates July 24, 1847, when Brigham Young and the first company of Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. After months of travel across the American frontier, these settlers declared the valley their new home.

The Utah Pioneer Day celebration began just one year later in 1848, making it one of America’s oldest continuously celebrated pioneer holidays.

Want to join in on Pioneer Day celebrations? Salt Lake City hosts the Days of ‘47 celebration every year, including games and pioneer-themed activities at This Is The Place Heritage Park, the Days of ‘47 Parade and Rodeo, and a Pioneer Day drone show in Liberty Park at 10 p.m. Festivities and events will run from July 17 through 26.

The town of Charleston is celebrating the holiday on July 19 with a 5k, evening parade, fireworks, and more. Learn about how to join in on the celebration. The Heber Valley Railroad is also running a special event on July 19 to celebrate Pioneer Day. A ticket for the event includes live music, a fried chicken dinner, and the train ride, which will stop along the reservoir to catch the Charleston fireworks.