By The Ogden Standard-Examiner – June 7, 2024
Alan Hall, Chair of the Ogden Pioneer Days Foundation, announces that extensive renovations are underway at Pioneer Stadium in Ogden’s historic Lorin Farr Park at 668 17th Street. “We have raised nearly $4 million from private and public sources over the past few years as the rodeo has grown and is in need of a major facelift to ensure that both competitors and attendees have an outstanding experience,” said Hall.
Although yearly July 24th celebrations had been occurring since the arrival of the Mormon Pioneers in 1847 and Ogden had some early rodeos, it was during the heights of the 1930’s Great Depression with unemployment soaring at 25% when Ogden Pioneer Days officially got underway. Ogden’s then “Cowboy Mayor,” Harman W. “Harm” Perry, and other leading Ogden citizens launched an official Ogden City-sponsored celebration around July 24th to both commemorate the arrival of Brigham Young’s Mormon Pioneers 87 years previously and to give the people a way to appreciate their heritage and lift them from the doldrums of the depression.
Highlights of the $4 million renovation include:
According to Rick Davis, Vice Chair of Rodeo Operations, who is also overseeing re-construction efforts, “These plans have been talked about for a number of years and it’s exciting to see them come together. Our goal is to enhance the overall experience for everyone who will participate be they our top cowboys and cowgirls, the stock contractor, concessionaires and especially the thousands of attendees who look forward to this annual July tradition.”
Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo has steadily increased prize money to ensure that top contestants will be motivated to compete. The road to the National Finals Rodeo, NFR, held each December in Las Vegas, literally, passes through the state of Utah during the month of July where contestants can maximize opportunities to fatten their winnings as they compete over a five-day period along a 100-mile corridor in Utah from Ogden Pioneer Days in the north, to Days of ’47 in Salt Lake City, and Spanish Fork Fiesta Days to the south. All told, cowboys and cowgirls will compete for nearly $2 million in prize money.
Davis also remarked that Ogden Pioneer Days has been recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, PRCA, and nominated as a Top 5 Large Outdoor Rodeo placing Ogden in the same ranks as Cheyenne Frontier Days and The Pendleton Roundup. Additionally, the rodeo has been inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
In 2022, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, WPRA, recognized Ogden Pioneer Days with its Large Rodeo of the Year award.
According to Gena Blonquist Black, Vice Chair of Special Events and Hospitality, the WPRA award is a significant milestone. Black, a former Miss Rodeo Ogden and Miss Rodeo Utah remarked, “We have worked hard for years to achieve this notoriety and it’s another recognition to be proud of.”
Hall also makes mention of numerous activities to celebrate this year’s 90th edition of Ogden Pioneer Days. “Throughout the celebration, attendees at numerous events that begin on July 5th and run through the 24th , will be reminded of Ogden’s heritage and rich traditions dating from early settlement days to the beginnings of Ogden Pioneer Days in 1934.
An article in The Ogden Standard-Examiner extolling the city’s first celebration in 1934 reported:
“Eighty-seven years ago, when Brigham Young led that hardy band of pioneers over the crest of the Wasatch, viewed Great Salt Lake and its valley, and uttered those immortal words, “This is the place,” they wanted most of all rest, peace and relaxation.
Today, in these same valleys, those who would pay honor to the pioneers are seeking anything but rest. Most of all in this modern day they want action, and Ogden, with her celebration is giving them just that.”
Shannon Noble, Vice Chair of Sponsorships agreed, “We second that sentiment 90 years later because action and quality are what we and our numerous volunteers and committees are going to give everyone this year and for years to come.”
Finally, both Hall paid tribute to Ogden City. “We recognize that Pioneer Stadium is a critical asset of Ogden City and has been enjoyed by many thousands over the years. We are especially grateful to Mayor Ben Nadolski, the city council and previous mayors, city councils and especially the great staff of Ogden City with whom we work and without whom the celebration would not be possible,” said Hall.
“Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo is a treasured statehood tradition and we’re thrilled to welcome residents, guests, and participants to our community,” said Ogden Mayor, Ben Nadolski. “We are grateful to the volunteers who serve on the Pioneer Days Rodeo Foundation and their generous donors, as well as our hard-working Ogden City staff members who make this a PRCA Top 5 Rodeo. We extend a warm “Cowboy Nod” to rodeo fans, far and near, in anticipation of an exciting 2024 season.”
Hall noted that several major donors have made the renovation possible. They include:
Significant Ogden Pioneer Days Dates and Events for 2024:
July 5 First Friday Art Stroll, “Traces of the West” art exhibit
July 13 Utah Cowboy Hall of Fame Inductions
July 14 Devotional, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ogden Tabernacle
July 14 Lindquist Family Fireworks and Pops Concert, Weber State University
July 19 Miss Rodeo Utah Pageant begins
July 19 Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo—Military Appreciation and Patriot Night
July 20 Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo—National Day of the American Cowboy
July 22 Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo—Family Night and Education Appreciation
July 23 Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo—Cowboy and Community Cares Night
July 24 Ogden Pioneer Days Parade
July 24 Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo—Crowning of Miss Rodeo Utah
For online and in-person ticket information, plus a comprehensive Ogden Pioneer Days calendar, go to ogdenpioneerdays.com
