By May Hunter, For Iron County Today
The Osmond family’s legacy in Cedar City is centered around The Pioneer Legacy Celebration, a free annual musical production and fireworks spectacular founded by Merrill Osmond and his son, Justin.
The celebration highlights the values, sacrifices, and enduring spirit of America’s pioneers. As settlers moved westward, they carried with them the principles and ideals that helped shape the nation’s identity. Throughout history, countless pioneers have left lasting legacies, and The Pioneer Legacy Celebration honors their courage, perseverance, and contributions.
On June 23, 2026, several thousand people filled Southern Utah University’s Eccles Coliseum to experience this inspiring production.
The Olive Osmond Hearing Fund, established in 2010 by Olive’s grandson, Justin Osmond, is dedicated to bringing the gift of hearing to children around the world. Since its founding, the organization has helped provide more than $200,000 in hearing aids and critical hearing resources to children throughout Utah.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, SUU Aviation performed a choreographed patriotic air show, making several impressive passes over the stadium in precision formation. The helicopters seen flying over Cedar City in the days leading up to the event were part of the Aviation Flight School’s preparations for the performance.
Southern Utah University honored the life and sacrifice of fallen U.S. Army Capt. Tyler James Feehan, where family, friends and community members gathered to pay their respects. Organizers Merrill and Justin Osmond dedicated the evening to Feehan, a Cedar City native who was posthumously promoted to captain after being killed in an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. The tribute also recognized the service and sacrifice of Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, Army Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad and Army Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, who also lost their lives while serving overseas.
Just after 10:30 p.m., the evening concluded with Justin and Merrill Osmond announcing their plans to bring The Pioneer Legacy Celebration back to Cedar City next year.
“We believe that the pioneers who traveled across this nation and tamed the wilds of southern Utah passed on a great legacy to those of us living here today. Yet there is so much more to their story than the traditional Pioneer Day narration of their migration, with its hardships and sacrifices.”
Merrill Osmond envisioned sharing those stories through music, dance, and fireworks, believing that young people could communicate powerful messages with sincerity and emotion.
“Children are often able to express messages more clearly and draw out deep emotions when adults sometimes cannot. The pioneer stories of faith, sacrifice, endurance, and miracles in the face of enormous trials and adversity are important for us to know and understand as we encounter our own challenges.” — Merrill Osmond
The production reflects the belief that today’s youth are the hope and future of tomorrow. More than 100 of Utah’s talented young performers, vocalists, and dancers brought pioneer stories to life while celebrating the diverse cultures that helped build Utah. The performance honored Chinese, Greek, Italian, Jewish, Mormon, Catholic, and Indigenous histories, recognizing that Southern Utah University and Cedar City are located on the ancestral homelands of the Southern Paiute people.
The Cedar City Children’s Musical Theatre performed alongside the cast, recreating the pioneer trek west through music, dance, live storytelling, authentic wagons and handcarts, special guests, and one of the region’s largest fireworks displays. Patriotic musical numbers and dramatic performances honored the courage, sacrifices, and perseverance of Southern Utah’s early settlers.
At 9:30 p.m., fireworks became an integral part of the performance rather than simply a grand finale. The pyrotechnics illuminated the sky throughout the production, emphasizing key moments in the pioneers’ journey.
“The rising generation needs to be strong and be a positive voice to overcome the voices of darkness and despair. Our amazing cast is a magical mix of this remarkable generation of future leaders, especially our little ones. We hope this show will plant in the hearts of children the promises made to their fathers… and that the hearts of the children will turn to their fathers, grandfathers, and pioneer ancestors.” — Merrill Osmond
Justin Osmond expressed gratitude for the many organizations and volunteers who helped make the production possible, including Southern Utah University, Iron County, Visit Cedar City, the Cedar City Children’s Musical Theatre, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family, the Dixie & Ann Leavitt Family Foundation, and numerous community sponsors.
Merrill Osmond shared that the idea for The Pioneer Legacy Celebration came to him in a vivid dream while relaxing on a beach in Hawaii with his wife. Inspired by that experience, he spent three days writing the entire production. Today, the show honors the stories of early settlers, celebrates Utah’s diverse cultural heritage, and showcases the talents of young performers.
The Osmond family expressed heartfelt appreciation to the many volunteers, performers, sponsors, and Southern Utah University for providing a home where The Pioneer Legacy Celebration can continue to inspire future generations.
