Eagle Mountain, Utah — Eagle Mountain City is calling upon its residents to nominate individuals for the esteemed role of Grand Marshal in the 2025 Pony Express Days parade. This honorary position is awarded to someone who has made a significant impact on the community through service, leadership, or dedication.
Pony Express Days: A Celebration of Heritage
Pony Express Days, named after the historic Pony Express Trail that traverses the area, is Eagle Mountain’s premier summer festival. The event honors the city’s rich history and the adventurous spirit of the legendary mail service that once connected the East and West coasts. The festival spans several days and features a variety of family-friendly events, including a rodeo, carnival, and fireworks show. The festivities culminate in the Grand Parade, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, where the Grand Marshal leads the procession.
Historical Significance of the Pony Express in Eagle Mountain
The Pony Express was a mail service that operated from April 1860 to October 1861, providing fast mail delivery across nearly 2,000 miles between Missouri and California. Riders would change horses at stations approximately every 10 to 15 miles, ensuring swift communication across the frontier. The trail passed through what is now Eagle Mountain, making the city a significant point along the route.
Incorporated in 1996, Eagle Mountain has embraced its historical connection to the Pony Express by dedicating monuments and hosting annual celebrations that commemorate the riders and their contributions to American history. The Pony Express Monuments in Eagle Mountain and nearby Fairfield were dedicated in 2007, serving as lasting tributes to this adventurous chapter in the nation’s past.
Nomination Process for Grand Marshal
Residents are encouraged to submit nominations for individuals who have made notable contributions to Eagle Mountain. Past honorees have included long-time community volunteers, educators, and local leaders who have helped shape the city. Nominations can be submitted through the city’s website and must include the nominee’s name, a brief explanation of why they deserve the honor, and any relevant background information. The selection will be announced in early May.
Festival Details
Pony Express Days will take place the week following Memorial Day, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to celebrate Eagle Mountain’s heritage and community pride. Alongside the parade, the festival will feature a variety of events, including a PRCA Rodeo, live entertainment, a carnival, and a fireworks display. The rodeo, in particular, has been recognized as one of the best in the circuit, having been honored as the best small and medium-sized rodeo for three consecutive years.
For more information or to submit a nomination, residents can visit the Pony Express Days page on Eagle Mountain City’s official website.
Photo by Chris Kofoed on Unsplash
Sources
- Eagle Mountain City official website (https://eaglemountain.gov)
- Herald Extra: “Eagle Mountain’s city celebration reflects history of Pony Express” (2020)
- Utah Valley Tourism: “Utah Valley History Itinerary”
(All sources accessed April 2, 2025)
This article was created with the help of OpenAI’s ChatGPT for research and draft development. All factual content and direct quotes were sourced from official city websites and local news outlets. The final article was reviewed and edited for accuracy and ethical reporting.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.