On Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. approximately 1,000 sheep walked down Main Street as part of Cedar City’s annual Sheep Parade. The parade kicked off at 10 a.m., and the sheep arrived as the final attraction.
The Sheep Parade is a yearly tradition where sheep are brought down from Cedar Mountain in preparation of winter. The event happens on the third Saturday in October. In addition to sheep, the parade showcased antique tractors, giant farm machinery, horses and community organizations that are tied to Cedar City’s heritage.
Thousands of people showed up for the parade, and there was a lot of excitement throughout.
“My absolute favorite part of the parade was getting to see a miniature horse, Pickle, pull his little cart,” said Rory Quill, a bystander. “I always get excited to see my favorite parts returning and look forward to what’s new.”
The Sheep Parade is a highly anticipated event for Cedar City citizens, and is “probably one of the most unique parades in the country,” according to the Cedar Livestock Festival website.
Southern Utah University loves to show their support for the event, and they list it as one of their 50 traditions that students can attend throughout their college career. To encourage students to participate, the Student Alumni Association offered stickers and hot chocolate to the first 300 students who stopped by.
The parade was part of the Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival, which began on Oct. 23 with two historical marker unveilings for Bulloch Drug and Vittles Cafe. The festival also included a quilt show, art and photo displays, a junior rodeo and many other events.
To learn more about this event and details for next year’s festival, visit the Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival website.
Author: Austyn Clark
Photos by Austyn Clark
Editor: Briar Adams
outdoors@suunews.net
