Burlington celebrates Pioneer Day

 The town of Burlington’s annual Pioneer Day celebration was last Friday and Saturday 

Pioneer Day is an official legal holiday in Utah to celebrate the arrival of pioneers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints into the Utah valley after escaping religious persecution in other states. 

As members of the church spread out to develop other areas in western states, the celebration continued and many towns across Utah, Arizona, Idaho and Wyoming continue to celebrate to this day. 

Burlington was founded in 1893 and while not many records show when exactly the first celebration was held, it’s become an annual tradition for the towns and surrounding areas. 

Events started Friday with both a Pickleball and Corn Hole tournament. Matt Thompson and Cruz Allen won the tournament. They beat out Jess McNiven and Brad Davidson, who came in second. 

On the Pickleball side, Bronson and Mark Davidson won the Beginner Division. Layla Baer and Davanni Wagner coming in second. Chris and Christine Bullinger coming in third. Tom and Misti Loveland took first in the Intermediate division, with Janna and Matt Pedersen in second and Taft Winters and Casey Pedersen in third. 

Saturday morning the Fun Run held some excitement as long time winner Robby Lee was outrun by Kellen Winters with James McNiven coming in 3rd. Katy Neves won the female division with Kelli McNiven coming in 2nd and Brandy Lee coming in 3rd. 

With local businesses, families and hopeful political candidates, the parade was one of the larger ones for Burlington with over 30 entries. 

A program honoring pioneers was held in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building. It featured musical numbers from a community choir and a primary choir with square dancing from local youth around the community. Local pioneers from some of the founding families of Burlington were also highlighted. 

Jenna, Courtney and Coulter Neves, Paige Downing, Ethan and Sadie Bryce won the volleyball tournament. Dallen, Crystal, Bitner, Clair Philpott with Shani Peterson and Brittani Wallis coming in second. Nichole Hessenthaler, Kurt and Jared McIntosh, Kira and Kindle Collins coming in third. 

Jerry George held a historical presentation in his classroom, this year focusing on the Bridger Trail, Community Halls and the history of Burlington and Otto. 

The Los Werquillos, Wing It and Scoop of Hope Food trucks provided food and cold treats both days. The weekend ended with a Family Dance with Harry McNiven as the DJ plus an incredible Fireworks show put on by Thunder Fireworks.