Happy 24th of July. In Utah we celebrate Pioneer day AKA Days of ’47 because July 24 is the day the Mormon pioneers finished their long trek from Iowa to the Salt Lake Valley. It is fun having two patriotic days to celebrate in July with parades, fireworks and fairs. It is a Utah State holiday.

In Bountiful our parade is on the 23rd so it won’t interfere with the really big one on the 24th in Salt Lake City. We went last night and it was so much fun. We sat in the perfect place—where the bands play and the Highway Patrol do their fancy maneuvering on motorcycles. Everyone stood up as the flag bearers came by; carried this year by fire fighters instead of military personnel.

When the float came by with about 25 veterans from World War II on down to our current conflict we stood and clapped. I know I for one am grateful for those who have fought for me so I can have the freedoms I enjoy today.

As I was watching this morning the SLC parade on T.V. they said there are camps and classes for people to learn how to make floats. I had no idea. It just goes to show—no matter what you want to do or what you want to learn there is an expert teaching how to do it. And you know how my mind works–I marveled at all the organization that goes into coordinating the making of a float and the putting together a parade.

Had you ever heard of a camp to teach how to make a float? What is the most unusual camp or class you have heard being taught? Do you have a holiday specific to your state?