Pie and beer replaces Mormon holiday

While many Mormons in Utah will be celebrating Pioneer Day on Friday, honouring their religious ancestors who arrived in Salt Lake City in search of religious freedom, an increasing contingent will instead be bowing at the alter of baked goods and beer.

Pioneer Day is an official holiday celebrated on 24 July in Utah, marking the arrival of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

Held on the same day, Pie and Beer Day is an alternative holiday that has been growing in popularity among the non-Mormon community in Utah.

It does “make fun of predominant culture a little bit,” admits Michael Pezely, leader of the Lauter Day Brewers homebrew club, but is not intended to offend.  

Speaking to the Salt Lake Tribune, Pezely said the day gives non-Mormons a reason to feel good about a day that otherwise has very little meaning to them.

Alcohol is of course avoided for most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The occasion beings together the state’s breweries, including Red Rock, Uinta, Wasatch, 2 row, Squatters, Shades of Pale, Bohemian, Hoppers, Desert Edge and Epic Brewing, with its best bakeries and restaurants to celebrate the glorious pairing that is beer and pie.

For $20 guests can get five slices of pie and sample beers across a number of venues taking part, all in support of community radio station 90.9fm KRCL.