ST. GEORGE — It’s going to be a little more complicated for people wanting to celebrate Pioneer Day with parades and fireworks this year. Since Pioneer Day falls on a Sunday, festivities will be split locally to mark the anniversary of the pioneers’ entry into Utah. 

Events will take place on Friday, Saturday, Sunday night and Monday, with Monday as the official public holiday. 

Washington City and Hurricane will stage their big celebrations on Saturday. On the same day, Enoch will take the mantle from Cedar City as the Pioneer Day hub in Iron County.  

Then there are fireworks. With temperatures likely to surpass 110 even in Zion National Park this weekend, reminders may not be needed about the drought and fire danger.

Per state law, each city can set its own restrictions on places, dates and times fireworks can be used. State law, however, does not allow for a municipality to ban the use of holiday fireworks entirely. Though the state government has yet to enforce its own rule, many cities – including some in Southern Utah –  have mandated full bans anyway.

The state government also sets which fireworks are legal to use by the general public and which are not – though cities can add additional restrictions, as in the case of Toquerville, which bans all aerial fireworks.

As far as asking which fireworks are legal in Utah, it’s more of a case of asking which are not. 

All “Class C” fireworks are legal in Utah with the exception of those listed by the state as “dangerous explosives” in legislation passed and signed by then-Gov. Gary Herbert in 2011. 

That includes some aerial fireworks that can go as high as 150 feet, such as multiple tube, repeater or cakes with under 500 grams of pyrotechnics lit by a single fuse.

As for when the same fireworks can be purchased and used across Utah, the dates they can be on sale are June 24-July 25 and Dec. 29-31, according to the Utah State Fire Marshall. While cities are likely to place additional restrictions on dates and hours, they can’t actually be used anywhere in the state except for July 2-5, July 22-25 and Dec. 31 (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.), with those hours extended to midnight on Sunday for the Pioneer Day holiday and to 1 a.m. for New Year’s Eve. 

Below is a list of specific fireworks available for purchase are legal to use in the state of Utah, according to state code, as well as those that are illegal. Also included is a listing of the restrictions, if any, in most local cities as well as parades, fireworks and other events and the dates for Pioneer Day festivities. 

Whether you can use consumer fireworks in St. George will depend on where you’re standing. 

Similar to 2021, the city has restricted fireworks usage to certain neighborhoods and parks. And not every park will be a fireworks zone. 

The city has published an interactive map that can be accessed here that includes the city parks where fireworks can be used. A good rule of thumb: If you’re near the hills or amid vegetation, fireworks may not be workable. 

The largest restricted areas are the open area between Tuweap Drive and Warrior Way, all of Tech Ridge and the Black Hill area, Cottonwood Cove Park, Town Square Park, the Dixie Sunbowl, Pioneer Park and much of the area north of St. George Boulevard and east of 100 East.

In addition, no fireworks are permitted within 200 feet of dry washes and drainages, river and stream corridors, hillsides, plateaus and mesa tops and undeveloped open space or natural terrain.

Along with residential fireworks that are restricted in Utah, sky lanterns, or Asian-style mini hot air balloons made of paper, also are prohibited in St. George.

Those violating any of the restrictions face up to a $1,000 fine.

St. George doesn’t have many Pioneer Day events or fireworks. Neighboring Washington City will be the place to be.

Traditionally, St. George takes on the big July Fourth events while the Pioneer Day falls to the Washington City neighbors to the east.

The city has no restrictions on where legally purchased fireworks can be used, though they are prohibited in nearby unincorporated areas. 

Pioneer Day in Enterprise will be less about rockets red glare and more about prancing, pancakes, parades and bucking broncos. 

All events will be on Saturday, starting with the annual Fun Run at 6:30 a.m., at the corner of 100 West and Main Street. That will be followed by a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Stake Center Pavillion followed right after at 9 a.m., by the Pioneer Day parade down Main Street. The Enterprise Rodeo starts at the Rodeo Grounds (1003 E. 100 N.) at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

A year after all fireworks usage was banned within city limits in 2021, consumer fireworks are mostly banned again this year but will be permitted at certain designated sites. 

F ireworks will only be allowed at the following parks and ballfields: The Spilsbury Sports Complex (803 N. 200 West), American Legion Sports Complex (802 N. 200 West), Three Falls Park (889 S. 700 West) and Dixie Springs Park  3605 W. 2900 South).

Hurricane is also home to one of the larger Pioneer Day events in Southern Utah at the Sand Hollow Resort (5662 W. Clubhouse Drive) on Saturday. The event, starting at 5 p.m., will include food, performances by Beach Boys tribute band Good Vibrations and fireworks at 10 p.m. Cost of admission is $15 to $30 depending on seating. 

Repeating a move made in 2021 , the city of Ivins is limiting any fireworks usage to the baseball fields at Ivins City Park and UNITY Park. 

Ivins City Park is located at Main Street and 100 West, while UNITY Park is at 200 W. 400 South. 

A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here .  

The Center Street Fire Station, which has been unmanned since last fall , will be fully staffed for the Pioneer Day weekend. 

In addition, no fireworks are permitted within 200 feet of dry washes and drainages, river and stream corridors, hillsides, plateaus, and mesa tops and undeveloped open space or natural terrain.

Along with residential fireworks that are restricted in Utah, sky lanterns or Asian-style mini hot air balloons made of paper, are also prohibited in Ivins.

As for Pioneer Day celebrations, Ivins is going to the beach. The Ivins Youth Council will host a free Pioneer Day beach party on Friday for those ages 13-17 at Fire Lake Park 3-6 p.m. Free hot dogs and drinks will be included, as will ice cream available to purchase. 

Per local ordinance , LaVerkin’s fireworks restrictions change yearly based on which of four “stages” is announced by the City Council. 

This year, Stage 2 was declared with some minimal restrictions. Fireworks in the city are permitted on any city street as long as it is at least 100 feet from any hillside, as well as at Wanlass Park (320 N. Main St.) and Riverwood Park (314 W. 900 North).

There will be a Pioneer Day celebration at Wanlass Park on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Instead of restricting fireworks use to certain parks like in 2021 , the Santa Clara-Ivins Fire Department and city officials are asking the public that while Gubler Park is still preferred, there are other areas of the city where the discharge of fireworks are permitted.

Much of the area where fireworks are allowed is north of Santa Clara Drive while also west of Canyon View, Red Mountain and Rachel drives. A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here .  

In addition, no fireworks are permitted within 200 feet of dry washes and drainages, river and stream corridors, hillsides, plateaus, and mesa tops, and undeveloped open space or natural terrain.

Sky lanterns, or Asian-style mini hot air balloons made of paper, are also prohibited.

In May, the Springdale City Council enacted an ordinance that made the use of all fireworks illegal in Springdale from June 1 to Sept. 15.

After banning the discharge of any fireworks in the city limits in 2021, Toquerville is allowing them this year but restricting their use to two parks at certain times and also not allowing any aerial fireworks.

Per an ordinance passed by the Toquerville City Council on June 15, non-aerial fireworks can be used only at Center Street Park at 250 W. Center St. and the Trail Ridge Estates Park (1210 S. Arches St.).

They are also limited to Saturday and Monday from 7 -11 p.m. and Sunday from 7 p.m.-midnight.

A person who violates the ordinance faces a fine of up to $1,000. 

Center Street Park will host Toquerville’s free Pioneer Day celebration starting at 8 a.m., including a parade that will culminate at the park after starting down Ash Creek south at 8 a.m.

Similar to its neighbor St. George, Washington City this year will have a patchwork of area and streets where fireworks are restricted and others where they are not.

A map of the restricted and unrestricted areas can be found here .  

One of the larger Pioneer Day celebrations and fireworks displays in the area is once again planned for Washington City on Saturday. 

It all starts at 8 a.m., with the Pioneer Day parade down Telegraph Street ending at Veterans Park, where there will be children’s booths. Later in the day, the action shifts to an afternoon to evening Pioneer Day party at the Washington City Community Center with swimming for a fee and a free, large fireworks display starting at 10 p.m.

All fireworks are restricted, as they are in all unincorporated county, state and federal unincorporated lands in Utah this year. 

While the Cedar City Fire Department released a statement that discouraged personal firework use “as it can be life-threatening in a variety of ways,”  fireworks are allowed in much of the city. A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here .  

The city also has set up several recommended areas to set off fireworks, including: south parking lot of Cedar High School; parking lot at the Bicentennial Softball Complex; Iron Springs Elementary parking lot; Canyon View High School parking lot; and the Aquatic Center parking lot. In addition, the street between the Bicentennial Soccer Complex parking lots will be closed to traffic for the use of fireworks on the state discharge dates.

What there will not be this year is a Cedar City Pioneer Day Parade. The parading and fireworks are being left to the Enoch neighbors to the north. However, Cedar City will hold a free Pioneer Day event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Main Street Park (200 N. Main St.) that will include inflatables, food vendors, craft vendors and activity booths.

Fireworks are prohibited throughout the area.

Fireworks are not allowed in any area within Enoch city limits per an ordinance passed in 2012 except for two designated areas: The Enoch City Office paved parking lot at 900 E. Midvalley Road and the Enoch Elementary School west paved parking lot on Tomahawk Drive.

Enoch is taking on the big Pioneer Day celebration for Iron County this year on Saturday, starting with the Pioneer Day 5K that begins at 7:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 451 E. Midvalley Road. The Enoch Pioneer Day Parade will go down Tomahawk Drive starting at 10 a.m., followed by games, food and activities at the church lot until 2 p.m.

After dark, a fireworks display will be launched around 10 p.m. at Old Enoch Park, 1600 E. 5250 North.  

The city only allows consumer fireworks to be shot off at one site: Lions Park at 145 S. 300 East.  

Saturday afternoon will see Pioneer Day activities in town. A children’s parade will march at Parowan City Park starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by free dinner and activities 6-8 p.m.

Beaver The city has no restrictions on where legally purchased fireworks can be used, though they are prohibited in nearby unincorporated areas. 

There is a loaded Pioneer Day schedule on Saturday. 

The setting off of any consumer fireworks is prohibited in Bryce Canyon City as well as nearby Tropic except for two designated sites: The Ruby’s Inn Rodeo Grounds at 115 E. 100 North and the Tropic baseball fields on W. 100 South. 

According to city code , both the use and sale of consumer fireworks are banned in Panguitch with the exception of sparklers.

What isn’t restricted will be Pioneer Day festivities throughout Saturday in town.  

That includes the Pioneer Day Parade starting at 10 a.m. along Center and Main Street and kids games through the day at City Park.

It’s also rodeo weekend with the finals of the 2022 Panguitch Invitational Rodeo taking place Saturday at the Triple C Arena, 800 N. Main St.

Legal fireworks use is restricted to all areas south of 750 South, west of 300 West and east of 600 East. A map of allowed and restricted areas can be found here.  

Saturday night will see dancing and fireworks in Kanab. A Pioneer Day country dance will take place at 8 p.m. at Button’s Haybarn (605 E. 1100 South). That will be followed after dusk by fireworks shot from the Jackson Flats Reservoir.

Fireworks safety tips courtesy of the city of St. George.

Treat fireworks-caused injuries , from Intermountain Healthcare :

What is the first thing I should do if a burn occurs?

The most important thing to do first is to make sure it is clean and dry. In all cases, you should be able to use a mild soap and lukewarm water to clean and sanitize the wound.

Using Neosporin or other topical ointment isn’t necessarily required in all situations. Sometimes, using it excessively can keep the wound moist and can delay the healing process to some degree. If you initially cleaned the wound and can keep it clean and dry, you may not need an antibiotic ointment at all.

How can I manage the pain if I’ve been burned?

Most individuals with burns can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol at the recommended over-the-counter dosage to manage pain. There are also some topical pain relievers that can be used, such as burn-free wipes; which have a light dose of numbing medication in them. Always be sure to follow the guidelines provided on the packaging of the pain-relieving medications.

When should I seek the help of a physician or practitioner for my burn?

As a general guideline, if the size of the wound is bigger than the palm of your hand it may need a second opinion or further evaluation. If the burn occurs around the eyes, nose, ears, toes, and fingers, regardless of size, it’s recommended that a practitioner evaluate you – as the wound may become problematic. Lastly, if you notice symptoms of the wound becoming infected (i.e. increased pain, fever, streaking redness, etc.) you should see a physician

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

Chris Reed serves as an editor and reporter for St. George News. He has steadily moved east after growing up among the Valley girls of Southern California’s San Fernando Valley. He graduated from Cal State Northridge before spending a decade in Las Vegas. As a sports reporter and editor, he once compared shoe sizes with Shaq. As a news reporter and editor, he has covered parades, triumphs and tragedies. He also once got close to the stars doing publicity for a space module builder. He came to St. George for love and has grown to love the community. He is the proud father of two boys, his youngest a champion against both autism and Type 1 diabetes.

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