the mommy avenger

I’ll be honest — when I first heard about the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo, I wasn’t sure what to expect. We’re not a rodeo family. I would consider myself a city girl. I didn’t grow up around horses or ranch life, and outside of a few country songs on my playlist, I’m not exactly knee-deep in western culture. But something about it intrigued me. Maybe it was the Pioneer Day buzz in the air or just the need to do something different to do with the family besides popsicles in the backyard and a movie night.

So we went. Opening night. No expectations, no idea what we were walking into. And friends — it was magic.

You could feel the energy the second we stepped into the Utah State Fairpark. It was that perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement — families laughing, teens snapping selfies in cowboy hats, toddlers waving light-up toys, and food trucks lined up like a dream. It smelled like caramel corn and spicy BBQ and that dry summer air that feels like Utah in July.

Live music was thumping, the crowd buzzing, and I immediately thought this was something I could get behind.

I had no idea what kind of athleticism went into these events. The second the first bull rider flew out of the chute, the crowd roared and so did we. These athletes are fearless. Every single event — from barrel racing to team roping — was intense, fast, and jaw-dropping. The precision. The strength. The danger.

I kept looking over at the kids in the stands— eyes wide, jaws dropped. No screens. No whining. Just total awe. (10/10 parenting win.) But, it was not just the kids that were impressed. Everyone was amazed!

Somewhere between the cowboy boots, the country music, and the roar of the crowd, it hit me: this is more than just a show. This is Utah’s history on full display. The Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo honors the arrival of the pioneers in 1847, and you feel it everywhere — not in a dry, textbook way, but in a “we are all part of something bigger” kind of way.

A celebration rooted in courage, community, and heritage — plus funnel cake and fireworks? Yes, please.

If you’ve never been, let me be the one to say: GO. There are still several nights left this week, and it’s 100% worth it. You can grab tickets online. Just be warned: it fills up fast, so go early, and wear something comfy. (And yes, cowboy boots are optional but highly encouraged.)

After one night of attending the rodeo, we’re hooked. This is now officially part of our Pioneer Day tradition. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Utah that’s loud, proud, family-friendly, and deeply fun — this is it. We’ll be back next year, no question. And next time, we’re bringing more friends.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}