Pioneer Day

One of the biggest days of the year is Pioneer Day on the 24th of July. Pioneer Day celebrates the day that the Mormon Pioneers came into the Salt Lake Valley to settle Utah in 1847. It is a time for parades, games, food, and lots of fun for Mendon residents, folks who come back home, and those who celebrate from other Cache Valley towns. Mendon began celebrating Pioneer day during the early 1900s. The celebration waned for a while, but resumed in earnest during the mid-1970s. The weeklong celebration involves an elaborate fireworks show, parade, and softball tournament.

Some of the best memories include: watching the parade on the 24th of July in front of our family home, seeing the fireworks while lying on a blanket on the Mendon Square, and dancing around the May Pole and being a part of the May Day celebration. I remember warm summer evenings getting a cheeseburger at the Mendon Food stand and watching ball games with my family. —Laura Lloyd Morgan

May Day, and Pioneer Day Celebrations. I loved getting a hamburger at the food stand and watching the softball tournament then watching an amazing fireworks show with my whole extended family. —Kevin Muir

The Pioneer Day celebration was always a favorite. We would have a huge water fight throughout the day, ride a bike in the parade, and the fireworks are amazing to this day! —Mandy Powell

It’s hard to find small towns who still gather as a community on a regular basis. I love the traditions of Mendon like May Day and Pioneer Day. I appreciate the effort people are willing to put forth to make activities like that viable. I feel like Mendon is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the world. We help each other and serve like no other place I know. —Mandy Powell

May day was always fun, so was the 24th of July celebration. —Craig Maughan

Eating [Navajo] tacos on the square at the 24th of July celebration. Talking with friends that we don't see all that often because everyone comes to eat the [Navajo] tacos. —28 year resident

Because they are preserving the rural lifestyle and the pioneer heritage. I love the small-town feel. I love that we can legally ride our ATVs on the city streets. —L