1. Celebrating Independence Day in Utah can be traced back to 1848 when Mormon pioneers first settled in the Salt Lake Valley after being forced out of Missouri and Illinois. To commemorate the Fourth of July that year, church leaders organized a patriotic parade and raised the American flag on a flagpole made from a tree.

2. Utah's first official Fourth of July celebration was held in 1854 in Salt Lake City. The festivities included parades, speeches, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

3. In 1896, Utah became the 45th state to join the Union on July 4th, making it one of only a few states that were admitted to the U.S. on the national holiday. The state's admission followed years of debate and a long struggle for statehood.

4. During World War I, July 4th celebrations in Utah and across the country shifted focus to support the war effort. Along with patriotic parades and speeches, the holiday became a time to raise funds for soldiers and their families, hold bond drives, and promote food conservation.

5. In recent years, Utah has become known for its unique Fourth of July celebrations. One of the most popular events is the Stadium of Fire in Provo, featuring a fireworks finale that has been called one of the best in the country. Other notable celebrations include the Park City pancake breakfast, the Freedom Festival in Provo, and the Cherry Peak Resort Independence Day Celebration.