Kathryn Marjorie Anderson-Holmes (Penn State Harrisburg)
On July 24, 1847, Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley and settled there. Two years later, a celebration commenced to mark this event. Decades later, parades, family gatherings and other events are used to commemorate this shared heritage of pioneer fortitude and religious convictions. In recent years, those who do not align with Mormonism and its history have developed a new tradition called “Pie and Beer Day.” This celebration is promoted as Utah’s “other” holiday, signaling it as transgressive. This paper examines the rise of this tradition as a way for non-Mormons in Utah to assert their cultural identity.
Part of 04-11 Liminal and Transgressive Spaces, Friday, October 14, 8:30 am–10:00 am