On Saturday, Oct. 26, people lined Cedar City’s main street and watched approximately 1,000 sheep walk by. The annual Sheep Parade is part of the Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival, one the most beloved events of the year.
The Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival serves as an annual celebration of Cedar City’s agricultural history. During its early years, sheep herds would migrate from the mountains into the surrounding pastures for the winter. These sheep herds would travel right down main street, a route that the parade honors today.
While the traditional parade was built around Cedar City’s history with sheep, it has expanded to much more than that. It now shows off many different animals, which include cattle, horses, mules, dogs and even miniature horses. The event also includes vintage cars, tractors both new and old, covered wagons and various types of farming equipment.
However, the parade has grown beyond just agriculture. While the sheep are definitely the main draw, many aspects of Cedar City life are showcased. This includes floats representing local businesses, organizations and even Iron County’s new hockey team.
The parade isn’t just for Cedar City residents to enjoy. A woman and her family traveled from St. George just to see the parade. This was her first time seeing the parade, and she decided to go after getting a recommendation from a friend.
“My kids loved seeing all the animals and tractors. They’re already excited to come back next year,” she said.
After the parade, the tractors, campers and farming equipment remained on display at the Cross Hollow Event Center for the remainder of the day. For more information about this event and others like it visit the Cedar City Livestock Festival’s website.
Author: Cole Garney
Editor: Heather Tuner
Copy Editor: Kayd Johanson
Photos by Gannon Lovisa and Margaux Feret
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