Camas, WA — More than 1,100 local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and their friends, gathered at Doc Harris Stadium Saturday to commemorate a cherished milestone in the faith’s U.S. history — namely Pioneer Day. The annual event helps contemporary members of their faith recall the legacy 19th century members left while on trek from Illinois to what is known today as Utah.

The early members of the faith were forced numerous times to leave their homes in various mid-Western states, and they had hoped to settle in Nauvoo, Illinois. But it wasn’t meant to be, as they were persecuted, and forced to escape to Utah.

Andrew and Calvin Wight enjoy a tug-of-war game.

Many struggled and lost their lives in their effort to cross the Plains to arrive in the great Salt Lake Valley.

The first LDS pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, and began to built up new cities.

Local east Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal church members convened at Doc Harris Stadium on Saturday to eat, celebrate, play games and learn about early church history. There were running events, tugs-of-war, music, talks, etc.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has a presence in nearly every nation.

To learn more about Pioneer Day, visit www.lds.org