Youth Pioneer Production” Comes to St

Contact: Justin Osmond Producer / Public Relations

801-718-8437

June 12, 2017

For Immediate Release

Merrill Osmond’s “Youth Pioneer Production” comes to St. George, July 24

St. George, UT — Merrill Osmond is excited to bring The Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration to southern Utah on Monday, July 24. In partnership with Dixie State University, this year’s celebration will be held at their beautiful, new Legend Solar Stadium. Working with Dixie Days of ’47 and our title sponsors, Canyon Media, Albertsons, Camping World, Intermountain Audiology, and Safari Hospitality, which includes Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn, and Hyatt Place, we are proud to honor the legacy and heritage of our beloved Dixie pioneers.

Before the production begins, the 2017 Pioneer Legacy Award will be presented to the Atkin Family, whose ancestors, William and Rachel Atkin, settled on 160 acres of uninhabited land they named Atkinville, known today as Sun River. We celebrate their pioneer heritage, and the legacy that has contributed so much to our communities.

The Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration is based on Merrill’s strong belief that today’s youth are the hope and future of tomorrow. Wagons, handcarts, tepees, the Flying Rocket Man, local entertainment, special guests, and one of the LARGEST firework displays in the valley will delight all in attendance.

Through song and dance, this year’s production features more than 150 youth from Vista Charter School, and celebrates the journey and sacrifice of the Dixie trailblazers and their attempt to settle the untamed expanse of southern Utah. Reenactments of Catholic missionary colonizers, Greek and Italian pioneers, Chinese, Jewish, and Mormon settlers, as well as Native Americans will showcase Utah’s history.

SAVE the DATE and plan now to enjoy a musical celebration of Utah’s rich cultural heritage with your family and friends. This Youth Pioneer Production features original music written by Merrill Osmond, Sam Cardon, Cliff Maag, and Sam Payne. The Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration is FREE to the public, so come early to get the best seats.

“Come and join us as we celebrate the trailblazers of Dixie,” said Merrill Osmond. “While the Mormon pioneers are a huge part of Utah’s history, this production is non-denominational and celebrates all pioneers who made the trek to southern Utah and sacrificed so much for what we enjoy today.”

Proceeds from this charity-based event will go to the Olive Osmond Hearing Fund to provide three local deaf children from the Washington County School District with the gift of hearing. Thanks to Intermountain Audiology, one of our wonderful sponsors, for helping to make this possible. Over the years, the Youth Pioneer Production has raised more than $100,000 to help local children hear life’s precious sounds. The Olive Osmond Hearing Fund was established in 2010 by Merrill’s son, Justin. Since its inception, the Foundation has helped more than 3,000 children with hearing loss. www.hearingfund.org

For more information, please visit ThePioneerLegacy.com or call Justin Osmond at 801-718-8437. ###

Fact Sheet and Schedule of Events

Background: The Pioneer Legacy& Firework Celebration includes a firework spectacular and a theatrical representation of the joys and tribulations experienced by the Dixie pioneers on their trek west.

The Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration is produced by Merrill Osmond, world-renowned entertainer, songwriter, lead singer of the Osmonds, and executive producer for both Stadium of Fire and The Donny & Marie Show. He began composing, directing, and producing The Pioneer Legacy during the 1980s, and it has been performed for thousands of attendees throughout the country. Every line and song in this production was written by Merrill, along with the talents of Sam Cardon, Cliff Maag, and Sam Payne. Dixie State University’s Legend Solar Stadium is the new home of this musical spectacular.

The primary purpose for this musical celebration is to bring the community together with the support of local youth to celebrate the life and struggles of every pioneer that helped settle southern Utah. This musical celebration also helps raise hearing-health awareness and benefits local deaf children with the gift of better hearing. This annual event provides good, clean family entertainment that celebrates our Utah Dixie pioneers and the legacy they left behind.

WHAT: The Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration **FREE Admission** www.thePioneerLegacy.com

WHO: More than 150 talented local youth from Vista Charter School bring Merrill Osmond’s Youth Pioneer Production to life. Nathan Osmond will emcee, as well as provide pre-show entertainment, along with the Flying Rocket Man, and other local entertainment. The gift of hearing will be provided to three local children. Come and enjoy good, clean, fun entertainment for the whole family!

WHEN: Monday July 24, 2017 Gates open: 6:30 p.m. Pre-Show: 8:15 p.m. – 9:05 p.m. Intermission: 9:05 p.m. – 9:20 p.m. Merrill Osmond’s Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration: 9:20 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. Firework Spectacular: 10:15 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

WHERE: Dixie State University’s Legend Solar Stadium 501-551 South 700 East, St. George, UT 84770

**For more information, contact Justin Osmond at 801-718-8437 or visit ThePioneerLegacy.com** ###