Native American Celebration in the Park

For the past 18 years, while much of Utah celebrates the arrival of white Mormon settlers in the Salt Lake Valley, the local American Indian population has taken the opportunity to remind folks that plenty of people were here before 1847. And an estimated 65,000 to 85,000 visitors join in the full day of cultural activities, food and fun at the Native American Celebration in the Park.

The centerpiece of the event is the intertribal powwow, which showcases performances of traditional dance and drumming. Following the downtown Days of ’47 Parade at approximately noon, dance-performance competitions for men and women—in categories including “fancy” and “traditional”—allow for a dazzling display of color and pageantry that highlights the rich heritage of First Nation people in Utah, both historically and into the present day.

Elsewhere on the festival grounds, find traditional arts and crafts for sale, including textiles, jewelry and visual arts that capture the culture and experience of American Indians. Food vendors provide visitors with examples of traditional Indian offerings, as well as more modern fare.

At the end of your day, join the community for a fireworks display that brings a colorful end to a colorful day. Whatever your own ethnic heritage, it’s an opportunity to remember that history in Utah involves more than 170 years. (Scott Renshaw)