People were delighted by the surprise participation of President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Friday, July 24, 2026.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The annual parade marks the arrival of the first company of Latter-day Saint pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. The cherished tradition also honors the history and heritage of Utah’s pioneers of many faith traditions.
Along the parade route, people immediately recognized President Oaks and his wife, Kristen, as their vehicle made its way through downtown Salt Lake City. Their vehicle appeared in the parade route following that of President Camille N. Johnson, General Relief Society President, who serves as this year’s grand marshal.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Prior to the parade, President and Sister Oaks greeted Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd and his wife, Erin, on Temple Square.
This year’s parade included many familiar themes and even featured messages previewing the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, which will take place from April to October of 2027.