A Pioneer Day Activity

I've been meaning to blog about the activity that our Elder Quorum had for the 24th of July. Unfortunately Alan wasn't able to go because we were still trying to settle in. They forwarded us these pictures and we've heard all about the fun it was. Also, they planned the activity, and the Relief Society planned an activity for the same day. I think this would have been fun to do with families.
For those of you who are following our blog and don't know the significance of the 24th of July in Utah, Pioneer Day is an official holiday celebrated on July 24 in Utah, with some celebrations in regions of surrounding states originally settled by Mormon pioneers. It commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, where the Latter-day Saints settled after being forced from Nauvoo, Illinois and other locations in the eastern United States. Parades, fireworks, rodeos, and other festivities help commemorate the event.
In addition to being an official holiday in Utah, Pioneer Day is considered a special occasion by many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). On Pioneer Day, some Latter-day Saints walk portions of the Mormon Trail or reenact entering the Salt Lake Valley by handcart. Latter-day Saints throughout the United States and around the world may celebrate July 24 in remembrance of the LDS Churches' pioneer era, with songs, dances, and pioneer related activities. While the holiday has strong links to the LDS Church, it is a celebration of everyone, regardless of faith and nationality, who emigrated to the Salt Lake Valley during the pioneer era, which is generally considered to have ended with the 1869 arrival of the transcontinental railroad. (taken from Wikipedia)
These guys are all dressed in their pioneer clothes. The man 2nd in on the left is the District President, and in the middle is the EQ President, I don't recognize the others with their beards on though but I think the guy on the left might be the counselor in the Branch Presidency.
They met at the Branch building and built their covered wagons, and then began their trek. The branch building represented Nauvoo I think.
They made stops at Far West and Winter Quarters for food.

They trekked through Bangalore with their covered wagons.

When they finally reached the Salt Lake Valley (church property, site for our new chapel) they played pioneer games like water balloon toss and hoola hoop contest.

I looks like they had a lot of fun!