The Pioneer Legacy

Merrill Osmond’s “Youth Pioneer Production” comes to St. George, July 24
 
St. George, UT — Merrill Osmond is excited to bring The Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration to southern Utah on Monday, July 24. In partnership with Dixie State University, this year’s celebration will be held at their beautiful, new Legend Solar Stadium. Working with Dixie Days of ’47 and our title sponsors, Canyon Media, Albertsons, Camping World, Intermountain Audiology, and Safari Hospitality, which includes Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn, and Hyatt Place, we are proud to honor the legacy and heritage of our beloved Dixie pioneers. 
 
Before the production begins, the 2017 Pioneer Legacy Award will be presented to the Atkin Family, whose ancestors, William and Rachel Atkin, settled on 160 acres of uninhabited land they named Atkinville, known today as Sun River. We celebrate their pioneer heritage, and the legacy that has contributed so much to our communities.
 
The Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration is based on Merrill’s strong belief that today’s youth are the hope and future of tomorrow. Wagons, handcarts, tepees, the Flying Rocket Man, local entertainment, special guests, and one of the LARGEST firework displays in the valley will delight all in attendance. 
 
Through song and dance, this year’s production features more than 150 youth from Vista Charter School, and celebrates the journey and sacrifice of the Dixie trailblazers and their attempt to settle the untamed expanse of southern Utah. Reenactments of Catholic missionary colonizers, Greek and Italian pioneers, Chinese, Jewish, and Mormon settlers, as well as Native Americans will showcase Utah’s history.
 
SAVE the DATE and plan now to enjoy a musical celebration of Utah’s rich cultural heritage with your family and friends. This Youth Pioneer Productionfeatures original music written by Merrill Osmond, Sam Cardon, Cliff Maag, and Sam Payne. The Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration is FREE to the public, so come early to get the best seats.
 
“Come and join us as we celebrate the trailblazers of Dixie,” said Merrill Osmond. “While the Mormon pioneers are a huge part of Utah’s history, this production is non-denominational and celebrates all pioneers who made the trek to southern Utah and sacrificed so much for what we enjoy today.” 
 
Proceeds from this charity-based event will go to the Olive Osmond Hearing Fund to provide three local deaf children from the Washington County School District with the gift of hearing. Thanks to Intermountain Audiology, one of our wonderful sponsors, for helping to make this possible. Over the years, the Youth Pioneer Production has raised more than $100,000 to help local children hear life’s precious sounds. The Olive Osmond Hearing Fund was established in 2010 by Merrill’s son, Justin. Since its inception, the Foundation has helped more than 3,000 children with hearing loss.  www.hearingfund.org