Last Thursday, July 24th, was the Utah state holiday “Pioneer Day”. I’m not absolutely certain what the day represents so bear with me as I attempt an explanation. I do know the year in question was 1847 (as most of the events are called the days of ’47). It’s just everything beyond the year that’s fuzzy. If my memory serves me it’s when the Pioneers and Columbus discovered America on the Mayflower. Shortly after sailing to Utah, Moses parted the Great Salt Lake so the Seagulls could eat the crickets out of the burning bush. Last but not least Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck saved the day by blowing up an asteroid headed for the temple in beautiful downtown Salt Lake City. Again a few of the facts might be slightly off as I was in the fifth grade the last time I was told the meaning behind the holiday. As an adult it’s basically a July forth do-over.
I can only assume that most states have some sort of comparable holiday. Please be kind enough to leave a comment about yours. When it is, what it’s about and how drunk everyone gets so I will know if a road trip is necessary or not. If someone beats you to your state please give your version as there is always an alternate viewpoint. Also any Utahans out there please feel free to add to my explanation if I missed anything…
Other TFT'ers to check out...
Jenny, Robyn, and Michelle so far...let me know if I missed you...
Closest thing Maryland probably has is the day of the Preakness Stakes, the second half of horse racings Triple Crown. It's basically an excuse for a bunch of people, from a disturbingly wide age range, to get "in-field" tickets and get sloshed.
Posted by: Bart | July 31, 2008 at 07:13 AM
Maybe I'm living in a hole, but I don't know of any such day in Cali. Hopefully someone will correct me if I am wrong....
Posted by: Jenna | July 31, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I've read a few times and laughed outloud at your posts, so I had to respond. But, I'm pretty sure MN doesn't have anything as far as a whole "state holiday". Maybe I'm wrong.
Posted by: Mel | July 31, 2008 at 10:10 AM
However, we Minnesotans don't need a reason to get drunk...we do it 7 days a week sometimes...just for fun!
Posted by: Mel | July 31, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Yeah, I'm not sure of one of those in MN, but man I wish we did have one! I know individual cities have similar celebrations, we have what they call Fete De Lacs which I think means party of the lakes or something. I don't speak french so who knows. People will celebrate whatever these days, as long as you have an excuse to drink and be merry, who really cares, right?
Posted by: Michelle | July 31, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Hmm, well you see, since I grew up in Utah I always celebrated the Days of '47. I think you pretty much got all the "facts" right, at least as far as I can remember. But I believe there are at least two other states who celebrate the exact same day, for slightly altered reasons. Utah of course because the Mormons arrived there, Illinois because they left here and California because they didn't make it all the way out there. So now Jenna has a reason to celebrate July 24th!
Posted by: WindyCity | July 31, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I think we are the only state that celebrates a "state holiday" I lived in oklahoma for 3 years and they only celebrate 2 state fairs and some quarter horse show or race... But its most def worth the drive to go to the Tulsa state fair! Its by far the best ever!
Posted by: tania | July 31, 2008 at 11:53 AM
I think we are the only state that celebrates a "state holiday" I lived in oklahoma for 3 years and they only celebrate 2 state fairs and some quarter horse show or race... But its most def worth the drive to go to the Tulsa state fair! Its by far the best ever!
Posted by: tania | July 31, 2008 at 11:53 AM
No state holiday, per se, but we have Summerfest and State Fair. I would recommend Summerfest for you as they haven't perfected the fried beer on a stick as far as I know. But Summerfest is a good time.
Posted by: Robyn | July 31, 2008 at 01:07 PM
The great city of Pittsburgh will celebrate 250 years in October.... Let's drink to that!!!
Posted by: Sunshine | July 31, 2008 at 01:28 PM