The Church

Concert performances and return of award-winning float to Days of ’47 Parade mark anniversary

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) will mark its 50th anniversary with several special events in Utah in July. 

The PCC’s popular “Ha: Breath of Life” will be performed at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley on July 25-26 and at the Quad at Utah Valley University on July 27. The show features performers from across the Pacific, drums, dance, music and special effects and a world-renowned fire knife performance.

Guests will identify with the lead character, Mana, as he evolves through universal life themes of boyhood, young love, respect and admiration for elders, and the importance of community for individuals and families. All themes are central to the Polynesian cultures and are applicable to everyone, relaying the message of family, hope, pride and heritage.

Tickets will go fast, as they sold out quickly last year.

The West Vest Valley performances on Thursday, July 25, and Friday, July 26, at 8 p.m. will be held in the Utah Cultural Celebration Center Outdoor Amphitheater at 1355 West 3100 South in West Valley City Tickets are $10 and are available at Polynesia.com/Utah..

The UVU performance on July 27 will be held in the Quad at Utah Valley University at 800 W University Parkway in Orem. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through UVU’s Campus Connection or by calling 801-863-8797.

Performers and local alumni from the PCC will also participate in the Days of ’47 KSL 5 Parade. The PCC’s float entry, “Voyage of Faith,” honors the center’s 50^th anniversary and the pioneers of the Pacific who, through inspiration, dedication and hard work have made the PCC what it is today.

The float brings to life the island’s spirit of Aloha with symbols of the migration of the Polynesian people to distant lands. This migration is still going on today as students go to the PCC to work their way through college at BYU-Hawaii. The dancers accompanying the float are alumni who made their migration to work and school at the PCC/BYU-Hawaii and now reside all over the world. The PCC’s float was honored with the 2012 Days of ’47 Sweepstakes Award for best overall float.

Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the PCC has entertained more than 34 million visitors while preserving and portraying the culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia to the rest of the world. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to 17,000 young people from more than 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of the PCC’s revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.