President Dallin H. Oaks and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, made a surprise appearance in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 24, 2026, following behind grand marshal Camille N. Johnson. The parade commemorates the arrival of the first company of Latter-day Saint pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.
Surprise Parade Appearance
The surprise participation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife drew immediate recognition from onlookers as their vehicle traveled through the downtown Salt Lake City parade route. The Oaks family's vehicle appeared in the procession following the vehicle of Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and her husband, Brother Douglas R. Johnson.
Prior to the commencement of the parade, President Oaks and Sister Oaks met with Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd and his wife, Erin, on Temple Square to greet them.
Honoring Pioneer Heritage
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson served as this year's parade grand marshal. She is the second woman to receive the honor, following Sister Jean B. Bingham, who became the first female grand marshal in 2022 while serving as Relief Society general president.
In an interview conducted before the parade, Johnson stated she was thrilled to have the opportunity to honor her own pioneer ancestors and to celebrate all those who serve as pioneers within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints globally.
Theme and Traditions
The 2026 festivities were centered around the theme "Like, Learn, Love Pioneers." The parade also included messages previewing the upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration, which is scheduled to take place between April and October of 2027.
Various Utah stakes of the Church participated by creating parade floats. Many of the volunteers involved in the preparations were inspired by personal stories of their own ancestors, the history of pioneers around the world, and the significance of temple work.
Awarded Parade Entries
The parade serves as a cherished tradition to honor the history and heritage of Utah's pioneers across many different faith traditions. This year, the event highlighted the significance of the date July 24, 1847, when the first company of Latter-day Saint pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.
Several local stakes received awards for their contributions to the parade. The Salt Lake East Mill Creek North Stake earned the Sweepstakes Award, while the Bluffdale Utah South Stake received the Outstanding Animation Award. Other recognized entries included the West Jordan Utah Heritage Stake, which received the Spirit of Faith Award, and the West Jordan Utah Wasatch Meadows Stake (Spanish), which received the Legacy Award.
Recognition for Participants
Additional awards were presented to various participating groups. The South Jordan Utah Glenmoor Stake received the People's Choice Award for its float featuring a flowing waterfall. The Herriman Utah South Stake was honored with the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Award.
Other award recipients included the Salt Lake Valley View Stake, which received the Brigham Young Award, and the Salt Lake Hunter East Stake, which received the Ensign Award. The West Jordan Utah Wasatch Meadows Stake (Spanish) also received a Legacy Award.
Community Participation
The parade featured a wide range of participants, including missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and members of the Sons of Utah Pioneers marching with handcarts. Scouting America also participated, with Boy Scouts and adult leaders carrying the Utah State Flag through the downtown route.
