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Boot the bull: Pioneer Day activities that aren't rodeos

(Emily Crooks / The Signpost)
A Sam Stagg style saddle is on display at the Utah Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. (Emily Crooks / The Signpost)

Rodeos are a huge part of Pioneer Days, but they’re not something everyone enjoys. Luckily, Ogden provides a wide array of things to do for the non-rodeo fan during the state’s biggest summer holiday. While the rodeo is all week, most of these events take place July 24, the biggest day of the celebration.

1. Grand Parade, Friday, 9 a.m.

One of the main Pioneer Days events in downtown Ogden is the parade on Washington Boulevard from 30th Street to 20th Street. People line the streets to watch marching bands, service organizations and student body representatives from Ogden area schools. Floats, horse drawn carriages, antique cars and dance groups feature in this event.

2. Cowboy Poetry Tribute to Don Kennington, Friday, 7 p.m.

The Ogden Amphitheater will host a celebration of legendary Utah cowboy poet Don Kennington. He was born and raised on ranches, and when he moved to Utah, he was a horseshoer for 40 years. He wrote poetry for 25 years, performing it across the country. He won many awards and has been featured at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada.

Chris Wade's Miss Rodeo Utah attire is on display at the Utah Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. (Emily Crooks / The Signpost)
Chris Wade’s Miss Rodeo Utah attire is on display at the Utah Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. (Emily Crooks / The Signpost)

3. Egyptian Theater Foundation showing of ‘Silverado,’ Friday, 11:15 a.m.

The iconic Egyptian Theater on 24th and Washington is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year during Pioneer Days. The movie “Silverado” will be shown after the Grand Parade around 11:15 a.m. Released in 1985, the movie follows four heroes who cross paths on their journey to the town of Silverado.

4. Traces of the West Exhibit at Eccles Community Art Center, July 10-31

This exhibit features works from numerous Intermountain West artists. The exhibit opened on July 10 and ends on July 31. The Western themed exhibition features recent work from the artists, including drawings, paintings and sculptures.

5. Utah Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum at Union Station, ongoing exhibit

This museum inside Union Station is designed to honor the cowboy, but it also pays tribute to artists, entertainers, musicians, ranchers and writers who have promoted the Western lifestyle. The museum’s website describes a collection “that paints a historical picture of the diversity related to the establishment and development of Western ethic.”

The museum inducts members into its hall of fame in May each year. The 2015 Utah Cowboy Hall of Fame Inductees are featured in the museum along with short biographies of their accomplishments.

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