101 Bits Of Summer Fun

Thanks to Erin Pearce for sharing this with us!

You can download this free book of 101 Bits Of Summer Fun HERE. It has GREAT ideas in it!

Summer Reading Kickoff Party

SUMMER ADVENTURE SERIES: Stockton Jail, Ophir, and Mercur Cemetery

Wednesday July 6th 2011


This Summer Adventure will be a day packed with adventure! Because we have a lot to see, we are going to be getting an early start!


(This adventure will be weather permitting. We will be outside 99% of the time, so if it rains we will have to schedule it for a different day.)


UPDATE 7/5/2011: The forecast says scattered showers off and on throughout the day, so we will still be holding this event. Make sure to bring your umbrellas just in case! 

Stockton Jail

Ophir Ghost Town

Mercur Cemetery

SCHEDULE:

• At 10am: We will meet at the McDonalds parking lot in Tooele 970 N. Main Street, where we can all carpool or caravan to our destinations.
• Approximately 10:15am: Shortly after leaving from the McDonalds, we will head south and go see the Stockton Jail, where we will spend about 10 minutes there, then about 20-30 minutes at the Stockton Cemetery. (There isn't much to see there, but we have had a few people request to see it.)
• Approximately 11am: Ophir Ghost Town will be next on our list, and we will plan to spend at least 2 hours there, and have lunch there.
• Approximately 2pm: After lunch we will drive further south to see the Mercur Cemetery. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND DO TO PREPARE FOR THIS ADVENTURE:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Although the walking will be appropriate for all ages and abilities, you will not want to be wearing sandals or uncomfortable shoes.
• We want to make sure we don't leave anybody. If you get lost trying to find a place, my # is (801) 661-2027.
• Read up on the Stockton Jail, Ophir Ghost Town, and Mercur Cemetery to give you an idea of what we will be seeing that day. 
• Bring a sack lunch prepared for each person in your group so that we can eat in Ophir. Enjoy Utah will not be providing lunch for everybody, and you will all be responsible for your own food.
• Please bring plenty of water or drinks for each person in your party.
• Make sure your vehicle has at least 1/2 to 3/4 tank of gas when we leave Tooele. Because we will be travelling south of Tooele, there are not many gas stations after leaving Tooele. We are only going about 20-30 minutes South of Tooele, so not too far, but a yucky place to run out of gas!
• DISCLAIMER: Everybody is responsible for their own safety, and the safety of those kids and anybody else they bring with them. Enjoy Utah will not be responsible for any vehicle accidents or any other kind of accidents while on a Summer Adventure. You are also in charge of watching your own children.

You can RSVP on Facebook and forward the invitation on to anybody you think might want to come. Everybody is welcome, and this is a free adventure!

Visit our Summer Adventure Series page for more fun adventures to come this summer!

Family Vacation Series: St. George

St. George is one of our favorite places to vacation! There is so much to see and do, and it's only about a 4 1/2 hour drive from Salt Lake City. View a short video at the end of this post! You can also go to the St George Visitors Bureau site for much more information on the area.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Take I-15 south until you reach St. George. Use the map below for complete directions according to your starting point.

On there way there, or on the way home, you might want to stop at the following places:

• Cove Fort
• Fremont Indian State Park
• Fillmore Territorial State House

View Larger Map

WHERE TO STAY:
There are many hotels in the St George area. Our favorite place to stay is in Green Valley, just on the other side of the bluff with the D on it. You can also check out the many campgrounds available in the area.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

• Johnson Farm Dinosaur Tracks
• Dinosaur Walkway
• Mountain Meadows Massacre Site
• Climbing on red rocks
• St George Tabernacle
• St George Temple Visitors Center
• Brigham Young Winter Home
• Jacob Hamblin Home
• See a play at the Tuacahn Theater
• St George has many golf courses
• Pine Valley "Boat Church": This church was built in 1868. The person who was assigned to build the church didn't know much about making buildings, but he did know about building boats. He designed the church like an upside down boat. You can go in the attic of this church and see how the roof is shaped like a boat. 
• Grafton Ghost Town
• Silver Reef Ghost Town
• Zion National Park
• Tuacahn Theater
• Scenic Byways and Drives
• There are many surrounding cities to explore!
• Many recreational activities available!

FUN TIMES TO VISIT ST GEORGE:

• St George Marathon
• Utah Shakespearean Festival
• Dickens Christmas Festival
• Cotton Days Celebration
• Washington County Fair
• Huntsman World Senior Games

HISTORY OF ST GEORGE:
Early settlers started coming to St George as early as 1852, and St George was officially settled in 1861. Mormon president Brigham Young sent settlers there to grow cotton and wine grapes, and to harvest silk for the northern states during the Civil War. The St George area with its smaller surrounding towns make up what is known as "Utah's Dixie".  Nobody knows exactly where the name "St George" came from, but there are two people who may be credited with the name: George Albert Smith, a Mormon Apostle; and Philip St George Cooke, a friend of Brigham Young. George Albert Smith earned the name "The Potato Saint" when he urged settlers to eat raw, unpeeled potatoes to help cure them of scurvy. Philip St George Cooke donated much equipment and many wagons for the settlement of Dixie.



TIPS FROM OUR READERS:
We always love hearing tips from our readers! If you have more information to share about vacationing in St George, please email us at contact@enjoyutah.org and we will add it to this post!

For more fun family vacation ideas, visit our Family Vacation Series page!

Moab Art Walk

Saturday June 11th 2011
5pm to 8pm
Moab, UT

Stroll Moab’s galleries, shops, and cafés and view fine locally created, Moab art. The Moab Art Walk includes featured artists and receptions. Most exhibits run for a month or more so feel free to stop in anytime at participating locations!

For a list of all participating art galleries, visit the Moab Art Walk website, or view the map below:

View Moab Art Walk in a larger map

Dinosaur Origami

This new exhibit will feature origami models of many different prehistoric animals created by over a dozen top origami artists from all over the world. Featured models include the flying reptile Pteranodon, the sail-backed mammal relative Dimetrodon, a wooly mammoth, even a skeleton of Tyrannosaurus.


Over thirty-five, intricately-folded creatures from the past will be part of this display. Nothing like this unique exhibit has ever been seen in southern Utah, and visitors will have an opportunity to learn to fold an origami crane to take home.


The Grand Opening for the public will include free admission and a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony. Refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday June 8th 2011
5:30pm to 7:00pm

St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm museum
2180 East Riverside Drive
St George, UT

Butch Cassidy Days 2011

Ancestor Square Concert Series

FREE! Thursday June 2nd 7pm to 9pm

Sit near the rippling brook on the green facing the old Jail House patio, with the aromas of Italian, Mexican and Tai food wafting through a soft evening breeze as you sit back and enjoy the original tunes of new SUSWA songwriters and performers. Bring your blanket/lawn chair and come and enjoy the evening. 

This evenings performance will feature Rich Panessa and the Honky Tonk Heroes. 

Ancestor Square
Corner of Main and St George Blvd
St George, UT

DID YOU KNOW: Utah's State Fruit

DID YOU KNOW that Utah had a State Fruit? I didn't!

The Utah State Fruit is the Cherry.


WHY is Utah's State Fruit the cherry?
House Bill HB33, which designated the cherry as the official state fruit in 1997, was sponsored by Rep. Fred Hunsanker, R-Logan; the 2nd graders at Millville Elementary School in Millville, Utah were responsible for presenting the new state fruit (Utah Code). 

The Millville Elementary School children selected fruit as their choice to support as a new state symbol and chose the apple, peach, and cherry as candidates. After compiling some basic information concerning each of these fruits and their economic impact upon Utah and polling elementary schools throughout the state, the cherry came out the strong leader. (The school children are to thank for compiling the list of information on cherries found below.)


Facts About Cherries:

• There are red, black and yellow cherries
• Both sweet and sour (tart or pie) cherries are grown in Utah
• Utah is the second largest tart cherry producing state in the nation and fifth in the nation in the production of sweet cherries. No other state ranks in the top five in both categories.
• About 2 billion cherries are harvested yearly and approx. 4,800 acres of agricultural land is used for cherry production.
• Another interesting fact, submitted to the Millville Elementary School children, is that cherry trees were sent to Utah by the Japanese following World War II. They surround the capitol building in Salt Lake City. The cherry tree is a symbol of friendship to the Japanese.
• The Cherry fruit is part of the Rosaceae family and this also includes almonds, peaches, apricots and plums.
• It is believed that the Romans discovered the sweet cherry fruit in the Asia Minor in about 70 BC. They then introduced them in the first century AD to Britain.
• Cherries are very easily perishable and they rarely ripen after harvest. Therefore, you need to refrigerate them soon after their purchase. These can remain fresh in the fridge for at least 2 days.
• Studies have shown the cherry fruit to have plenty of health benefits. These are known to provide pain relief for people who suffer from arthritis. It is said that eating 20 tart cherries in a day can prove to fight inflammation effectively.
• Red cherries are also very high in melatonin. These are known to destroy the toxins that cause diseases. The cherry fruit is also high in antioxidants that help to fight cancer and heart disease
• The cherry fruits are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. They are also a very good source of fiber and Vitamin C.
• Tart cherries and tart cherry juice are known to reduce the urate levels in the body. These are also known to reduce muscle pain and back pain. The benefits of tart cherries are also found even if they are frozen, in the form of juice or canned. Sweet cherries as well as tart cherries have very high levels of anthocyanins. This is the red pigment in the cherries, which helps to reduce the inflammation.
• The cherry fruit extract contains antioxidant flavanoids and are used in many tablets and capsules. These capsules are used to support the pH levels of the body.

Our Adventure With "Day Out With Thomas" On The Heber Valley Railroad

This year was our first time to experience "Day Out With Thomas," and it was a blast! 

Upon our arrival, we parked on the street North of the Heber Valley Railroad. Walking down the tracks towards the entrance, my kids spotted Thomas and said "Woah! It's actually Thomas!" They weren't expecting that Thomas himself would be on the tracks pulling the train!




Make sure you don't just plan your trip up there according to your ticket time. The tickets you receive are for the time you ride on the train with Thomas, but that is only half of the experience! Make sure you give yourself plenty of time before and after the train ride. The parking lot of the Heber Valley Railroad has been transformed to resemble the Island Of Sodor. Many different tents set up include pictures with Sir Topham Hat, live entertainment, a game tent with toy trains and other toys, a video viewing tent, a prize tent, and a food tent. Kids receive a map of each tent, and when they visit each tent they get a stamp on their map. After receiving all of your stamps, visit the prize tent for a special prize!

Your ride on the railroad with Thomas leading the way takes you past the beautiful scenery Heber City has to offer!

Remember, this event is only available on Memorial Weekend every year, so make sure to take advantage of experiencing it before it's gone another year!

Learn more about Thomas The Train and his friends!

Visit the Heber Valley Railroad for year-round fun and adventures!

Have A Safe Memorial Weekend!

Happy Memorial Day! We hope everybody has a safe and fun weekend. For a list of events going on this Memorial Weekend, they are listed HERE. You can also read about the history of Memorial Day HERE.

What fun things are you doing over this long weekend? If only the weather were warmer!

Day Out With Thomas Was A BLAST!

We went to Day Out With Thomas on the Heber Valley Railroad yesterday, and it was a blast! I will be posting a full review with a video and pictures tomorrow or Monday.

There are still tickets available! This event only goes until Monday, so hurry and catch it before it's gone for another year!

BLOG SPOTLIGHT: Simply Utah

Simply Utah is exactly that: "The best of Utah for everyone!"

Simply Utah is run by two sisters, Lyndsay and Leslie, that love living in Utah. They created Simply Utah because they realized that it was hard to find smaller, local businesses unless running into them at a boutique or other craft fair. They created Simply Utah in February 2010, and have added numerous businesses and local treasures since then. 

They have a list of upcoming boutiques and events. This is great because you only have to look in one place to find out where the best craft fairs are going to be! No more waiting for a friend or family member to pass the word on to you; Simply Utah is now that "friend/family member"!

They high-lite the best things about Utah and put them all in one place. I really like that they help the local economy by encouraging readers to buy local! This is something I am very passionate about! 

Simply Utah has a FREE directory of local blogs and companies that you can add your site to. I especially like their "Utah Specific" category: just one more place you can go for resources on Utah!

They also have Giveaways listed, so make sure to check those out and get entered!

Thanks Simply Utah for all your hard work, and for putting together this great resource! 

As seen on Studio 5:

Foursite Film Festival

June 9th - 11th 2011

Ogden's Union Station

We have made the film festival more accessible than ever! On Thursday, June 9, we will have our opening reception and film at the Wildcat Theater at Weber State University. Come meet filmmakers, help us share our appreciation to our sponsors and view the opening night films.

• Official Website
• View a complete schedule of events
• Purchase tickets
• Film Selections

Park City Children's Fair

June 5th 2011 from 10:30am to 3:00pm at City Park in Park City.

Enjoy bounce houses, giant slides, games, reptiles, magic and more!

Entrance is free, and tickets for the bounce houses and other activities are 50cents each. You can purchase them at the fair the day of.

How to get to the City Park:

View Larger Map

Guns and Hoses Kids' Safety Event

Antelope Island Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival

This looks like a TON of fun! :)

Click on picture to enlarge

What's Cooking At Daybreak?!

Get a taste of local flavor at this popular annual event, featuring cooking demonstrations in model home kitchens and food sampling from local restaurants. There'll be live music, an Iron Pig competition, and a kid-friendly activity. Friends and family are welcome, no reservation required. 

Get more information and sign up for the triathlon at www.ustrisports.com/Daybreak.


Saturday, June 11 · 11:00am - 2:00pm


Brookside Model Home Gallery

4863 West Fish Hook Road

South Jordan, UT

For homes in Utah and Daybreak new homes, visit the Daybreak website. You can also view more of their upcoming events, or follow Daybreak on Facebook.

Pony Express Days - Eagle Mountain

May 26th - June 4th 2011
Eagle Mountain



For more details, to buy tickets or to register events, please visit the Eagle Mountain Website. 


May 26


Veterans Cemetery Service Project
Veterans Memorial Park, 4‐8 p.m.
Contact Arnold at 801-680-2773 for more information and to sign up to help.
Sponsored by Broomhead Mortuary

Mutton Busting Preliminaries
Pony Express Rodeo Arena – 4447 Major Street, 7 p.m.
Audience admission free
Sponsored by Regtix

Charity Quilt Show & Silent Auction
City Hall, runs through May 28 ‐ $15 entry fee per item, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Proceeds go to The Cure Starts Now (pediatric cancer research)

May 27


Men’s 3‐on‐3 BasketballTournament
Rockwell Charter High School (through May 28), Times TBA
$40 per team (up to 4 players)
Proceeds go to Rockwell Charter High School

Opening Night PRCA Rodeo – Special Needs Night
Pony Express Rodeo Arena – 4447 Major Street, Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Ticket info: www.eaglemountaincity.com
Some proceeds will go to the Exceptional Kids Club, a City activities program for children with special needs.
Sponsored by Nord Orthodontics and Kids Dental Barn

Scavenger Hunt (ages 4‐17)
Instructions and entry forms posted on city website by 8 a.m. today. Free to enter – Complete by June 2 (follow entry instructions on form)
Sponsored by Coops Market

Youth Council Dance  
Mountain Trails Elementary School, 3951 N. Wood Rd. , 8‐11 p.m.
$5 in advance/$8 at the door

May 28


3‐D Archery Shoot
Wasatch Wing and Clay, 8000 N. 16800 West, Cedar Fort, 9 a.m.
$15 per person
Contact Brian Beckstead at 801‐540‐2466 to sign‐up

3rd Annual Tour of EM Family Bike Ride
Starts at City Hall, 7:30 a.m.
$10 per family/$5 per person (includes pancake breakfast)
Sponsored by Coops Market

Pancake Breakfast
City Hall, 8‐11 a.m.
$1 per person
Sponsored by Costco of Lehi

Exceptional Express Motorcycle Charity Ride
Starts at City Hall, Check‐in 9 a.m., Ride at 10 a.m.
$25 (includes lunch at Wing Nutz and a shirt)
Sponsored by Wing Nutz of Saratoga Springs

Jones Bones Skate Tournament
Pony Express Skate Park, 4447 Major Street, Noon
Pre‐registration: $10 , Day of: $15
Benefits Hidden Hollow Elementary
Sponsored by Jones Bones Skate

PRCA Rodeo – Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night
Pony Express Rodeo Arena, 4447 Major Street, Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Ticket info: www.eaglemountaincity.com
Some proceeds go to Save the Cure (pediatric cancer foundation)
Sponsored by Zenith Family Health

May 30

Special Needs Games at Eagle Mountain (ages 16 and under)  
Mountain Trails Elementary, 3951 N. Wood Rd., 10 a.m.‐Noon
Registration fee: $10, includes shirt, medals & prizes
Wristbands for special needs night at the carnival, June 1, available here.
Sponsored by IM Flash Technologies

Family Fun Night
Pony Express Memorial Park, 4447 Major Street, Noon‐4 p.m.
Admission is FREE
(Includes cotton candy, drink, carnival games, popcorn, balloons, face painting, etc.)
Sponsored by Saratoga Springs Physical Therapy

Final Night PRCA Rodeo – Patriot Day
Pony Express Rodeo Arena, 4447 Major Street, Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Ticket info: www.eaglemountaincity.com
Sponsored by Family First Dentistry

May 31

Health & Wellness Fair
Nolan Park, 7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, 4‐8 p.m.
Free admission
Sponsored by American Fork Hospital

Baby Contest
Rockwell Charter High School, 3535 E. Stonebridge Ln., 9 a.m.‐1 p.m.
Contestant fee: $5 in advance/$8 at the door
Proceeds benefit Rockwell Charter High School
Sponsored by Alpine Pediatrics

June 1

Geocache Treasure Hunt
Clues and information will be posted on the city website starting at 8 a.m. today
Free – Complete by June 3 (follow instructions on entry form)
Sponsored by Coops Market

The Ranches Golf Club Special Needs Kids Golf Clinic
The Ranches Golf Club, 4128 E. Clubhouse Ln., 4‐6 p.m.
$3 per child

Golf Date Night at The Ranches Golf Club
The Ranches Golf Club, 4128 E. Clubhouse Ln.
9 Holes of Golf for $9 per person, tee times start at 4 p.m.

Demolition Derby
Pony Express Rodeo Arena, 4447 Major Street, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 adults or $5 children ages 2‐12
Proceeds benefit Westlake High Football

Arts in the Park
Nolan Park, 7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, Noon ‐8 p.m.
Free
Sponsored by Eagle Mountain Community Theatre

Carnival  
Nolan Park, 7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, 6‐8 p.m.
FREE tonight for special needs children –wristband required (obtain wristband at
Special Needs Games May 30)
Dollar  Day, each ride one ticket, all tickets $1
Sponsored by Farmers Insurance Agent Curt Weaver

June 2

Carnival  
Nolan Park, 7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, 4‐10 p.m.
Pre‐sale wristbands: $15 per day or $24 for three days; buy at City Hall, EM elementary schools or Rockwell High
On site prices: wristbands: $25 per day, single tickets: $1, 20 tickets: $17, 30 tickets: $21
Sponsored by Farmers Insurance Agent Curt Weaver

Vendor Booths
Nolan Park, 7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, 4‐8 p.m.
Free admission

Helicopter Rides
The Ranches Academy, 7789 Tawny Owl Cir., 4‐8 p.m.
$30 per person
Contact Utah Helicopter at: 801.794.2480 or 801.561.7972 or email info@utahhelicopter.com for reservations.

Community Hero Award Gift Presentation
Location TBA, 4 p.m., check the city website for details June 2

Karaoke Talent Night at the Park
Nolan Park,7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, 5:30‐8:30 p.m.
Free; Sign‐up at www.eaglemountaincity.com/ped
Sponsored by Ochsenhirt Karaoke

June 3

Special Needs Charity Golf Tournament
The Ranches Golf Club, 4128 E. Clubhouse Ln., 8 AM shotgun start
$300 per team
Proceeds go to the EM City Exceptional Kids Club (special needs activities program)

The Music Stop Jam Fest Competition
Nolan Park, 7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, Noon
$25 fee for individual performers; $50 for groups; cash prizes for winners!

Carnival  & Vendor Booths
Nolan Park, 7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pre‐sale wristbands: $15 per day or $24 for three days; buy at City Hall, EM elementary schools, and Rockwell High
On site prices: wristbands: $25 per day, single tickets: $1, 20 tickets: $17, 30 tickets: $21
Sponsored by Farmers Insurance – Curt Weaver, agent

Helicopter Rides
The Ranches Academy, 7789 Tawny Owl Cir., 4‐8 p.m.
$30 per person; Contact Utah Helicopter at: 801.794.2480 or 801.561.7972 or email
info@utahhelicopter.com for reservations.

Movie in the Park
Silverlake Amphitheater , 7920 N. SilverLake Pkwy
Free – Presenting "Despicable Me"
Donations accepted for Mountain Trails Elementary

June 4

2nd Annual Pony Express Century Ride
Starts at Eagle Valley Elementary School, 4475 N. Heritage Dr.
$40 (register by May 21) or $45 (late registration) – includes snacks, drink, lunch & shirt
Sponsored by Epic Biking

5K and Kids' Fun Run
Start at LDS Stake Center, 4506 E Pony Express Pkwy, 7:30 a.m. (8:30 Fun Run)
$20 5K or $10 Fun Run – includes shirt; no day of registration
Sponsored by SelectHealth
Proceeds benefit Eagle Valley Elementary

Dutch Oven Cook‐Off
Nolan Park Pavilion, 7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, 9 a.m.
Sponsored by Coops Market

Grand Parade
Starts at Hidden Hollow Elementary, 7447 N. Hidden Valley Pkwy, 10 a.m.
$45 to enter, Free to watch
Candy and prize tossing!
Sponsored by McArthur Homes

Carnival  & Vendor Booths
Nolan Park, 7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, Noon to 10 p.m.
Pre‐sale wristbands: $15 per day or $24 for three days; buy at City Hall or local schools
On site prices: wristbands: $25 per day, single tickets: $1, 20 tickets: $17, 30 tickets: $21
Sponsored by Farmers Insurance Agent Curt Weaver

Talent Showcase
Nolan Park,7780 Sparrowhawk Wy, Noon
Sponsored by The Music Stop

Helicopter Rides
The Ranches Academy, 7789 Tawny Owl Cir., Noon‐8 p.m.
$30 per person
Contact Utah Helicopter at: 801.794.2480 or 801.561.7972 or email info@utahhelicopter.com
for reservations.

Pony Express Days Concert and Fireworks with Clint Black
Silverlake Amphitheater , 7920 N. SilverLake Pkwy
$15 in advance/$20 at the door (Kids 2 and under free)
Opening act: Mark Owens
Sponsored by DAI, Candlelight Home

2011 Utah Memorial Weekend Events

Wondering what to do on Memorial Day this year? Here is a list of ideas of things you can do:
Check back, as we will be adding more activities as we hear about them! If you know of an event or activity, email us at contact@enjoyutah.org .


View the weather report HERE.

Visit A Cemetery

Visiting a cemetery isn't just for Halloween time! Buy a few extra flowers, and seek out the grave of your loved ones, as well as famous graves in Utah. There are also many graves that never get decorated with flowers, and could use a decoration! Here are a few of our favorite cemeteries:

• Get to know your city cemetery!
• Utah's Oldest Cemetery (no longer there, but a marker stands in its place)
• Salt Lake City Cemetery
• Mercur Cemetery
• Pleasant Green Cemetery
• Copperton / Bingham Cemetery
• Rockport (Wanship) Cemetery
• Ogden City Cemetery
• Garrison Cemetery
• Fort Douglas Cemetery

Day Out With Thomas on the Heber Valley Railroad
Join Sir Topham Hat and Thomas The Train aboard the Heber Valley Railroad!

Moab Friendship Cruise
This is so cool, it makes me want to drive down to Moab just for this event!

Wings Of Love 
May 27th and June 10th
Wings of Love is a Celebration of life where grieving families can release a LIVE butterfly in memory of a loved one.  First Choice Hospice of Utah believes that walking through grief can be a difficult journey that families don't have to take alone.  First Choice Hospice of Utah provides an opportunity for families to participate in a ceremony that encourages healing. Native American Legend States "Whisper a thought to a butterfly and she will carry that message to the heavens."   Come join us and remember your loved one.  Questions?  Call Melanie Menlove, Bereavement Coordinator 801-637-5878


Antelope Island Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival
This looks like a BLAST! Going on all weekend long. 


Take A Vacation!
Visit our Family Vacation Series page for ideas of where to camp and vacation!


Syracuse Half Marathon
At STRIDERS, we think what they're doing at NO MORE VICTIMS is a pretty big deal and we wanted to help.  ALL the proceeds from the Memorial Day Classic event in Syracuse will directly benefit kids who are victims of sexual abuse.  Thanks for the help and your support. 


Fremont Indian State Park Guided Hike: Parade of Rock Art Trail
Visitors will be led on a short, easy hike on the Parade Of Rock Art Trail. Meet at the visitors center on Monday May 30th at 1pm.

Camp Floyd Civil War Encampment
Camp Floyd in Utah County is holding a Civil War re-enactment with many other activities all weekend.

Golden Spike National Monument
Step back in time to join Leland Stanford, Thomas Durant, and others to relive one of our nation's proudest moments. Reenactments of the "Golden Spike" ceremony are held on Saturdays and holidays between May and Labor Day at 11:00 and 1:00, at trackside in front of the locomotives, the same location where the 
original ceremony was held over 130 years ago on May 10, 1869.

Raging Waters (Now Seven Peaks)
Opening weekend this year is Memorial Weekend! Throw on your bathing suits and enjoy the weekend in the sun! (Let's cross our fingers for warm weather!)

Spring City Heritage Day Celebration
The Heritage Day Celebration includes a tour of many of the town’s charming pioneer-era homes and buildings, built along Main Street and throughout the town. Tickets for the home tours cost $10 for adults and $5 for children, and are sold at the Old Spring City School and the Old Firehouse, and funds benefit preservation and restoration efforts in Spring City.

Movies at the Theaters
There are many good movies out, and Memorial Weekend marks the beginning of the summer movie season. Catch a movie at a theater near you!

Drive In Movies
This is one of our favorite pastimes! There are only a few drive in movie theaters still in operation in Utah: (If you know of more, please email me at contact@enjoyutah.org)
Redwood Drive In Theaters
Erda Drive In
Coleman's Motor Vu Theater

Big M Weekend at Miller Motorsports Park
Lots of events and activities planned. Tooele.

Moab Arts Festival

FREE Admission! Memorial Weekend in Moab.

View a list of local community events, thanks to Marsha Maxwell with About SLC! 

View the list HERE.

Park City Film Music Festival
The 8th Annual Park City Film Music Festival begins Friday, May 20 and runs through May 30 (Memorial Day). The Film Music Festival screens independent films at three major venues - the Library and Education Center, the Egyptian Theatre on Main Street and the Propector Theatre.


Memorial Day Bash Benefit
Start this summer season with an old fashioned pig roast and poolside party benefiting the People's Health Clinic. Enjoy all the fixin's of a traditional barbeque including our award winning Spruce burgers and delectable desserts. Also, enjoy the sounds of the 6 member Mister Pickens Band with their "classic country twist of honky-tonk and blues." 


Iosepa
Iosepa Ghost Town in Tooele County usually has a big Memorial Day celebration, but I cannot find any information on it this year! If you know info about it, please email me at contact@enjoyutah.org. Thanks! I will keep looking and post when I find it!


Here are some events listed by our calendar contributor Tonya from Tooele's Island Of Misfit Moms, a FREE online mom community:

Memorial Day service
A VFW program will be held at the Tooele City Cemetery by the gazebo and flagpole at 10 a.m

VFW Buddy Poppy Drive
...The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Harris Carter Chapter of Tooele will hold their annual Buddy Poppy Drive for donations during Memorial Day weekend from May 27-30. We shall be primarily located at Wal-Mart on May 27 and 28 passing out Buddy Poppies for donations. If any local merchants would like for the Ladies of the Auxiliary to pass our Buddy Poppies for donations at their storefront location please contact us in advance by May 26. Point of contact is Josephine Garcia at 882-0169 or Yvonne Edwards at 830-5923.

Benson Mill 5K
Celebrate the morning of Memorial Day, May 30 at 9 a.m. and the start of the summer season with a fast, flat and fun 5K. There will be great prizes, awards and all participants will receive a technical race shirt. There will have a drawing for all registered runners at the end of the race. Awards to top three overall male and female runners (will be excluded from age group categories if in overall top three). The race starts at the Benson Grist Mill, 325 State Road 138, Stansbury Park. Cost: $15 per person, $50 for family of up to 5, and $10 for additional family members (Immediate family only). Online registrants will be charged a $1 processing fee. Race day registration: 8-8:30 a.m. Pre-registration online at www.bensonmill5k.com or at Premier Athletics, 14 North Main Street Tooele (435) 882-0664.

Memorial Day service
Tooele Elks Lodge #1673 will be hosting a Memorial Day service at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m. Commander King from Dugway Proving Ground will be our guest speaker.

Village Christmas Shop SELLING EVERYTHING!

This is the perfect opportunity to buy Christmas and Halloween things at super low prices! 

The owners of The Village Christmas Shoppe, a former tenant of Gardner Village, have claimed bankruptcy. A public sale of all remaining items vacated by The Village Christmas Shoppe will take place on Wednesday, May 25th through Monday, May 30th, closed Sunday. Doors open at 9 am on Wednesday. The sale will run daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Doors close Monday at 6 pm or when all merchandise is sold. All contents must be liquidated -- Christmas collectibles, Halloween decor, seasonal decor, store fixtures and displays. All items will be sold as is. While supplies last. Buy for pennies on the dollar for personal use or resale. Open to the public.

For more information, please call the Gardner Village Management Office at 801.566.8903, Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Tooele City Chalk Art Contest

Show off your art skills by decorating the sidewalks of downtown Tooele!


Chalk art contest starts on June 3rd at 4 pm.  Voting is open until 6 pm on June 4th. Sign up through
Jakobi Gifts
19 E. Vine Street
843-0784
Or
Roni’s Signs
38 W. Vine Street
833-9330

Downtown businesses that want to participate by donating prizes can contact Michelle Pitt at 843-2111 or michellep@tooelecity.org, Roni’s Signs or Jakobi Gifts.

America's Freedom Festival - FREE Historic Provo Tours

Photo courtesy of Jordan Butler

June 15th - July 4th 2011


Days of the Week: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, SatHistoric Downtown Provo
100 East Center Street, Provo, UT 84606
801-818-1776
Hours of Operation: Self-guided
Price: Free

The city of Provo holds the distinction of being home to some of Utah's most important historic events and places. These events and specifically, the locations where they occurred, combine to form a patchwork of 

beautiful and unique architecture, rich in history.

To celebrate many of these events and the surrounding traditions, the Provo City Landmarks Commission has joined with the Utah Division of State History, the National Parks Service and the Freedom Festival to produce a self-guided tour of buildings listed on the National Historic Register and on Provo's Landmarks Register.

Complimentary "Historic Provo" guidebooks . "Historic Provo" guidebooks are available to download and print. The guidebook contains a brief history of Provo, the development of its historic architecture, and photographs and descriptions of many historic sites in the city.

Thanks to Utah Valley .com for the information!

Civil War Encampment At Camp Floyd State Park

Fairfield – Camp Floyd State Park in conjunction with the Utah Civil War Association are hosting a Civil War Encampment on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 and 30, 2011 at Camp Floyd State Park.  The event will
allow visitors to experience camp life and participate in several activities performed by soldiers of Johnston’s Army.  Events include reenactments, encampments, stagecoach rides (Monday 12pm – 2pm), firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, 1861 period games, and photos in period uniform.  The events will be conducted 10 a.m. to 4p.m. on both days.

All events are free of charge.  Standard museum entrance fees of $2 per person or $6 per family still apply.  Food concession will be available to purchase at the event.

Established in 1858, Camp Floyd housed the largest concentration of U.S. troops then in the United State.  The troops were sent to Utah to suppress a rumored Mormon rebellion which never took place.  The army
was recalled back east in 1861 for the Civil War emergency.  Today, the park museum houses artifacts and exhibits from this historic event.

Camp Floyd State Park is located in the town of Fairfield, 22 miles southwest of Lehi on State Highway 73.  For more information about the event or park, please contact the park at 801-768-8932.

Mark A. Trotter
Park Manager
Camp Floyd State Park
18035 West 1540 North
Fairfield, Utah  84013
801-768-8932

Experience the history of Camp Floyd.
Visit www.stateparks.utah.gov for a list of this years special events and programs.