Rodeo Days
Rodeo Days, by Eric Dowdle
I can’t quite put my finger on why I love this painting so much. It eludes me. Could it be the clowns? No. I’m not a big clown person. Maybe the beauty queens on horses? Total respect … but no. The action in the ring? Hmmm maybe. Important people in the stands? Perhaps. It’s gnawing at me. What could it be?
Hmmmm. Oh well. Maybe it will come to me later. Moving on….
July 24th is just another regular day in all parts of the world … EXCEPT UTAH!!! 
Buckin' Bronco
This is our Pioneer Day. It’s a holiday celebrated by Utah and other states who were 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 – hence the 47.
We celebrate with parades, fireworks, and rodeos, similar to July 4th. We celebrate our love of freedom and country. And we do it well!
Mormon Pioneer Reenactment
Eric has done a number of paintings commemorating this day. I’m highlighting the rodeo this year. As we have done for generations, the Days of ’47 Rodeo will bring you plenty of bucking broncos, chap ridden cowboys [giggle] and racing cowgirls. Festivities beginning on July 19th and go through the 24th (except Sunday of course).
We also do reenactments of our Utah settlers through pioneer wagon trains and handcarts. It is a nostalgic experience for all.
“Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation and freedom in all just pursuits.” Thomas Jefferson
