This is the greatest holiday since Festivus.
The large Mormon population of Utah celebrates Pioneer Day on July 24, the day that Brigham Young and his settlers first entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. But another contingent is celebrating the same day, sans any reference to history or traditional Mormon values. Enter: Pie and Beer day.
Pioneer. Pie and Beer. Get it?
Utah Beer Blog says that "It's [sic] origins are vague and it's time in Utah is unknown, but what we do know that it has been deemed important and it's here to stay." It seems to have started in people's backyards and caught on from there. With a name like that, it's not a hard sell.
Pie and Beer Day is approaching Pioneer Day's level of popularity and recognition, too. It's totally focused on relaxing with friends — friends with pie and beer. Many of the state's bars and restaurants feature specials, and a KRCL radio station fundraiser actually features pie and beer pairing.
Perhaps the coolest part of this holiday is that as it gains momentum, it hasn't pitted pioneer against pie. Both holidays exist harmoniously. As Salt Lake City baker Amber Billingsley says to the Salt Lake Tribune, "I like that people who aren't of the dominant religion or culture are claiming the day for themselves," she said. "Besides, it's a fun play on words."