Pioneer Days

This year, Union Pacific celebrates 150 years since President Abraham Lincoln signed it into existence. The story of the railroad company is tied closely to the modernization of the American West. People and freight began using the railroad to travel across the country 150 years ago and continue to do so to this day.

OGDEN -- Carl Hodson's pioneer roots made him haul the last loads of sugar beets from his farm off of 12th Street in Ogden to the refinery with a horse and wagon.

It was 1951, so tractors were all over, and he had a big load, too.

But, still, "I hauled 350 tons of sugar beets with a team of horses and a wagon," he said last week.

OGDEN -- Beginning with a flyover by F-16 fighter jets from Hill Air Force Base, the Ogden Pioneer Days Parade set off along Washington Boulevard on Monday morning.

OGDEN -- The Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo may look the same this year, but one major component will be missing.

It's Jim Smith.

Smith was diagnosed with Angio Imuno Blastic Lymphoma early this year and has avoided the rodeo because he needs to keep up his immune system.

The disease is a rare form of cancer that's in his bones.

OGDEN -- The thunder of F-16 fighter jets will start off Ogden Pioneer Days Parade.

The parade with about 125 entries starts at 9 a.m. Monday and runs from 31st Street to 20th Street on Washington Boulevard.

LAYTON -- One of the big concerns surrounding Utah's new fireworks law was that the now-legal fireworks, and the extended time period when they can be ignited, would have a negative effect on pets.

MANTUA -- Mantua Reservoir will be closed to all aquatic activity this Saturday for the community's celebration of Pioneer Days.