Salt Lake magazine offers an insightful and dynamic coverage of city life, Utah lore and community stories about the people places and great happenings weaving together the state’s vibrant present with its rich past. Its Community section highlights the pulse of Salt Lake City and around the state, covering local events, cultural happenings, dining trends and urban developments. From emerging neighborhoods and development to engaging profiles long-form looks at newsmakers and significant cultural moments, Salt Lake magazine keeps readers informed about the evolving lifestyle in Utah.
In its Utah Lore coverage, the magazine dives deep into the state’s historical and cultural fabric, uncovering fascinating stories of Native American heritage, pioneer history, and regional legends. Whether exploring ghost towns, untold tales of early settlers, or modern folklore, Salt Lake magazine connects readers with the roots of Utah’s identity.
The Community section emphasizes the people and organizations shaping Utah’s present-day communities. Through stories of local heroes, grassroots movements, and social initiatives, the magazine fosters a sense of belonging and civic pride. It often spotlights efforts that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and progress, giving voice to the diverse communities that make up the state.
Dia de Muertos,the Day of the Dead, kicks off each winter on the first days of November. We wanted to know more about this increasingly popular celebration in Utah, so we spoke with Irma Hofer, who helps create the Dia de Muertos event at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. Here’s what she had to say:
“The Day of the Dead is to celebrate the life of our loved ones who have passed on. It’s actually two days: November 1st and November 2nd. November 1st is for the children. November 2nd is for adults. They come to our homes to visit us. The dead ones. That’s why we prepare altars, ofrendas, in their honor, with their pictures and their favorite foods and items. These are objects to help us remember them. They don’t die because they live in our hearts.
Many celebrants wear special costumes and makeup for Day of the Dead. Photo by Roger-CE | Unsplash
On the altars, the highest part is heaven. Then you come to the middle part, which is limbo. All the Earth products are represented in the lower level. People add the cross as well, because that represents the crucifixion and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and also represents the four cardinal points; earth, wind, fire and air.
The altars also frequently have sunshine-yellow marigold flowers. Because it is a bright color, it will be easy for the dead ones to come near and follow along in the celebrations, as well as with the aromas that that we have—the incense will be burning, and the aroma and the color of the marigolds will call in the ancestors, bring them toward us.
People go to the cemeteries as well on Dia de Muertos. You will see people picnicking all over the place.
They decorate the site with fresh flowers and candles and they have a picnic. They play the deceased’s favorite songs and they just reminisce. The memories come to us—if we see a car pass by, that was Uncle Tom’s car. Or if we see a meal or a food that grandma prepared so well, we remember her fondly.
You will see skulls on Dia de Muertos, but the skulls are not the scary ones, they are the fun ones. The tree of life has flowers and it has skulls. It’s both, because life and death are married. They come together. We should not be afraid of that, because with death comes eternal life.”
The Utah Cultural Celebration Center will be hosting a Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday, Nov. 1. The event features traditional Mexican dance & musical performances, traditional food and a variety of complimentary hands-on activities for the whole family.
The four elements:
Air is represented with the papel picado (punched paper).
Water is in different types of vessels.
Fire is symbolized by the candles.
Earth is represented by its fruits, vegetables and flowers.
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Executive Editor Jeremy Pugh. Photo by Chris Pearson, Ski Utah
Every year, this particular issue gives us, the magic elves who make Salt Lake Magazine, seasonal vertigo. This is our holiday issue, but we started putting this together in August, when it’s 95 degrees out and you haven’t even thought about starting your holiday shopping. But for us, Christmas comes early and right now, as I write this, in October, we’re already having, as Clark Griswold famously shrieked, “the hap, hap, happiest Christmas!”
We’re setting holiday tables and lighting the candles with designer Leslie Schofield, who talked with us about all the ingredients that go into setting the perfect holiday table (“Home for the Holidays”) and found out what kind of “tree person” Leslie is (spoiler: real). And to fill those gorgeous place settings, we’re sharing a list of over-the-top delivery services that can deliver gourmet delights to your door (“A Luxe Holiday Feast”).
As goes the holidays, so comes the winter. We get into a snowy state of mind with outdoors writer Melissa Fields. In this issue, Melissa takes us on a high-mountain backcountry skiing adventure in the Uintas and explores a newly launched guided trail system that links a series of cozy huts (and even a sauna) at each stop (“Snowy Solitude Found”).
We introduce you to the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas and invite you to take the Sacred Oath of Santas (“Bearded Brotherhood”). And with the major league baseball playoffs on in the background, I’m musing about my fond memories of childhood visits to see the lights at Temple Square (“The Lights”) See what I mean about seasonal vertigo? But you are in the future, as you read this, it’s November and you still haven’t done any of your holiday shopping. Better get on that.
Happy Holidays from the elves at Salt Lake magazine.
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The Treehouse Museum, a non-profit children’s museum in Ogden, will celebrate Halloween by taking families on an adventure through its exhibits, ending in a stage performance, on Oct. 25.
Wes Whitby, the museum’s programs manager, explained that King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table will ask this year’s guests to go on a quest to find a dragon who has been causing mischief at the museum. Along the way, kids will meet storybook characters like Hansel and Gretel and Winnie the Pooh.
“We’ve been doing a version of this for 33 years here at Treehouse,” Whitby said. “It is one of Utah’s oldest non-scary Halloween activities for families.”
Photo courtesy of Treehouse Museum
Treehouse staff will take on the roles of the storybook characters, including superheroes, who will lead kids in a test of their super strength, and Cinderella, who will host a pumpkin walk.
“And we’re excited this year because the tortoise and the hare are having a rematch,” Whitby said. “We’ve got a relationship with Young Subaru, and their racetrack is going to be where the tortoise and the hare finally come together and see which one is really faster with help from the kids.”
The adventure ends with the kids hopefully learning a secret word to help Arthur and a special guest princess defeat the dragon causing the trouble. Then, a new story begins with a short play performed by professional acting group the Treehouse Troupe.
Whitby said the event is exclusive, with only 200 tickets for each session:
Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 1–3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 4–6 p.m.
Kids tickets are $6 for non-members and $3 for members. Kids are welcome to wear their costumes. Adults get in free. Purchase tickets at treehousemuseum.org.
“The overarching story is something that our visitors are not only used to, but it’s one of the things that brings people to us — the fact that it’s all based on storybook characters that they love and recognize,” Whitby said.
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Looking for something to liven up your week ahead? Whether you’re craving a cozy family night out or looking to expand your skillset with a new hobby, there’s a little something for everyone this week. Curated by the editors of Salt Lake magazine, we hope this day-by-day event guide introduces you to something new to explore in our Salty City. Find even more things to do in October on our community calendar!
What’s happening: Wednesday brings their national tour to Salt Lake City at the Soundwell. Following their Bleeds release, the (state here) based, midwest emo band has reached new audiences and gained recognition from stereogum, PitchFork and Rolling Stone. One Cool Thing: Check out the new album here.
What’s happening: This is an all-ages event for all families to enjoy. With Owl-O-Ween Wednesdays, Storytime with the Wheeler Witch, Dog Days in the Maze and other activities ongoing this month, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can learn more about the event at their website here.
What’s happening: The first game of the season, the Utah Jazz will take on the LA Clippers. After a close game last week, fans will want to be sure not to miss this one. One Cool Thing: The Clippers are one of the best teams in the West, so if the Jazz wins this game, it will boost their ratings.
What’s happening: Celebrating the holidays, Quarters at the DLC brings “Journey to the After-Life Party” to Salt Lake! Live music, seasonal beverages and haunts around every corner. Ongoing now, the venue is 21+ One Cool Thing: Following this all month are Halloween-themed events, including a Zombie Prom Night
What’s happening: Ahead of ski season in Utah, Stoke 101: An Ikon Pass Campus Film Tour celebrates up-and-coming skiers and filmmakers who balance their college commitments while venturing into the mountain canvas. There will be live music provided by Ro and the Rollers. Tickets are $20 and you can find more information at their website here. One Cool Thing: There will be giveaways all night from Ikon Pass, Solitude, Arc’Teryx and more.
Friday, Oct. 24
What: Grand Hyatt Deer Valley Wine Dinner Series When: Oct. 24, 6–9 p.m. Where: Remington Hall at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley
What’s happening: The new Grand Hyatt hotel in Deer Valley is launching a luxe dining experience featuring seasonal flavors and celebrated wine makers. Focusing on mountain-forward cuisine, guests will enjoy five courses thoughtfully paired with vino from Ridge Vineyards, a celebrated California producer. Reserve your set on OpenTable. One Cool Thing:
What’s happening: Dear Evan Hansen is the second show of the company’s season. After tragedy strikes in the Murphy family, Evan Hansen receives the opportunity to reinvent himself and share his story with the world. The Broadway musical has received awards for its new story, including an Emmy Award for best new musical. The show will open Oct. 24 and will run until Nov. 8. One Cool Thing: This is the first Utah company to produce the musical at full-length.
What: Utah Queer Film Festival When: Oct. 24 – Oct. 26 Where: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center
What’s happening: This is the 22nd annual season of the Utah Queer Film Festival. Previously “Damn These Heels” the festival will highlight queer stories throughout the entire weekend. You can find out more about the festival at their website here. One Cool Thing: The alternative film festival has a pay-what-you-can-afford model
What’s happening: The Apples and Daggers festival will be a celebration of Thieves Guild Cidery’s first anniversary. There will be vendors, food, quests, armored combat and other entertainment. Like a miniature Ren Faire, you’ll want to save the date for this one. Tickets are live on their website. One Cool Thing: Bring your best Halloween-inspired outfit, there will be a costume contest!
What’s happening: The SLC local band hosts a Halloween party every year and this year it will be at Urban Lounge. Beginning at 7 p.m., Musor and Sylke will be opening the show! To see this glam rock band take the stage, you can find your tickets here.
What’s happening: The annual festival will host a DJ, petting zoo, games, pumpkin smashing, trick or treating and much more! Celebrate fall with the whole family, Saturday afternoon.
What’s happening: Adam Sandler has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. This weekend, he brings the You’re My Best Friend Tour to Utah following his show in Minnesota. This event is 16 plus, mature audiences only. One Cool Thing: Kevin James and Rob Schneider have both appeared at several shows across the country.
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In 1893, a large wooden crate marked “Household Goods” arrived at an address in Chicago. No one at the address knew what it was, and other than the vague description, it was unlabeled, so they refused the delivery. Three years later, in 1896, the crate resurfaced in an unclaimed freight auction (think: Storage Wars).
This was a blind auction, meaning bids were made without any inspection of contents. The two Chicago businessmen who purchased the unopened box, which was heavy, speculated it could contain a cast iron stove and put in the winning bid for just under $15. However, after prying open the wooden shipping crate, they found a zinc metal box, which accounted for the crate’s weight. It was sealed with spot welds and measured 32 x 22 x 18 inches. Inside, they found a desiccated body with a thick rope tightly binding its knees to its chest and pulling its head down into the body. It was a snug fit and, very clearly, bones had been broken to make the squeeze.
Courtroom illustrations of the two men, Carl Haas (left) and Frank Ahlgrim (right), who purchased the trunk at a storage auction. Illustrations and clipping courtesy of Chicago Chronicle/newspapers.com
The discovery made national headlines and the ensuing investigation determined the box had been shipped from Salt Lake City. No return address, of course.
Which leads us to Franklin Avenue, the original name of a mid-block street connecting 200 South and 300 South in SLC (renamed Edison Street in 1906). According to the blogger Rachel Quist (Rachel’s SLC History, slchistory.org), when Franklin Avenue was at its heyday (the late 1880s and 1890s), it was home to the majority of African Americans in Salt Lake. Like other midblock alleys in the downtown area—Commercial Street and Plumb Alley—Franklin Avenue was considered a Tenderloin district. There were brothels and saloons on Franklin but also a multi-racial community living in boarding houses, as well as many businesses owned by people of color.
The case of the mummified remains was published in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 1898.
But back to that guy in the box. The body was (most likely) the origami remains of one Monsieur Prospier Chazal, a Frenchman who frequented saloons on Franklin Avenue. He was last seen flaunting large amounts of money and diamonds around town. And the trail ends there.
No one knows how M. Chazal met his end or what possessed whoever did the killing to gruesomely stuff his body into a metal box, weld it shut and ship it COD to Chicago.
Edison Street Today
Today, Edison Street is a popular spot with restaurants, bars, a hip record shop and, let’s not forget, the brand new shiny Utah State Liquor Store. One of the bars, Franklin Avenue Cocktails + Kitchen, was named in remembrance of the street’s former name and its spicy history.
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The community pumpkin walk, where you can see lines of pumpkins carved by neighbors and pros leading you through a public space, has become a tradition in many Utah towns.
You can likely submit your masterpiece to the promenade as well. So, get your carving tools ready, order a warm beverage, and follow the links below for more information on the following pumpkin walks. If you don’t see a city near you below, check your city’s website for Halloween events.
Centerville Fall Festival
When: Oct. 13, 6–8 p.m. Where: William R. Smith Park, 300 N. 100 E., Centerville You can see the community’s best carved pumpkins and enjoy Banbury Cross donuts while you take part in crafts and activities. Pumpkins for carving will also be available. More info
Big Jack’s World at Traverse Mountain
When: Oct. 1–31 Where: Outlets at Traverse Mountain, 3700 Cabela’s Blvd, Lehi A free-to-see interactive display featuring custom pumpkin displays, larger-than-life Halloween characters and plenty of photo-ops. More info
Daybreak Pumpkin Walk
When: Oct. 24, 6–9 p.m. Where: The Cove House, 6650 W. Lake Avenue, South Jordan\ Enjoy seeing pumpkins carved by the Daybreak community, and vote for your favorites. The event also promises music and trick-or-treating. More info
North Logan Pumpkin Walk
When: Oct. 16–18, 20–21; 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Where: Elk Ridge Park, 1100 E. 2500 North, North Logan North Logan’s walk features painted pumpkins in elaborate and creative displays. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food, meeting costumed characters and seeing masterfully carved pumpkins. More info
Ogden Botanical Gardens’ Fall Festival
When: Oct. 11, 4–7 p.m. Where: Ogden Botanical Gardens, 1750 Monroe Boulevard, Ogden Along with pumpkin walk displays, the fall festival offers trick-or-treating, a straw maze, the Monster Mash Dance Party, treats, face painting and a scavenger hunt. More info
University Place (Orem) Pumpkins in The Orchard
When: Oct. 1–31, 5–10 p.m. Where: University Place, 575 E. University Parkway, Orem Throughout October, the University Place’s green space, The Orchard, features hundreds of pumpkins. Look for special Utah pumpkins in the displays, and enjoy shopping and dining at University Place. More info
Plain City Pumpkin Walk
When: Oct. 24–25, 6–8 p.m. Where: Lee Olsen Park, 4156 W. 2200 North, Plain City Along with painted and carved pumpkins and spooky displays, the Plain City walk includes carnival games, face painting and bounce houses. Local businesses sponsor a trunk-or-treat on Oct. 25. More info
South Jordan Pumpkin Promenade
When: Oct. 24, 5–8 p.m.; Oct. 25 Where: Bingham Creek Regional Park, 10200 S. 4800 West, South Jordan City employees and the South Jordan community create elaborate and creative pumpkin displays. While there, vote for your favorites and enjoy a free donut and beverage while supplies last. More info
Syracuse Pumpkin Walk
When: Oct. 23–25, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Where: Founders Park, 1700 S. 1904 West, Syracuse The city has asked volunteers to help carve over 1,000 pumpkins for its walk. The event includes music from the Syracuse City Arts Council Jazz Band, food trucks and cozy fires. More info
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So, are there ghosts in Utah’s abandoned ballrooms? Sure feels like it. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Utah is a hotbed of supernatural stories surrounding shuttered ballrooms once teeming with life, laughter and big-band music. Like a sinister movie set (and, in some cases, the actual site of a sinister movie set), these glamorous Utah halls now sit in echoing stillness, bedecked with peeling, hand-painted millworker, crumbling plater columns, toppling finials and threadbare flounces. Does “Saltair Sally” really wander the corridors? Do the windows at the Old Mill light up at night? Even if some of these relics of bygone eras don’t host a chilling urban legend, what is it about derelict-but-once decadent dance halls that makes our spines tingle?
The Berthana Ballroom
A grand ballroom built as the second story of a retail development on Odgen’s 24th Street, this establishment aimed to indulge hundreds of young people and their love for dancing. Opening night festivities in 1915 included a speech by the governor declaring the Berthana as the “most beautiful ballroom in the west.”
The Berthana celebrating its public opening on May 26, 1915. Photo courtesy of Special Collections/ UofU J. Willard Marriott Library.
The site of love and heartbreak, weddings and beauty pageants, even suffrage meetings and boxing matches, donors Bertha Eccles and Anna Dee (there combined name: ‘Berthana’) spared no expense in creating a glittering and sumptuous art deco-style haunt for Ogden during the heyday of big band dancing.
Ogden’s grand Berthana takes its name from two visionary women, one being Mrs. Berthana Eccles. Photo courtesy of Ogden Standard Examiner.
Like nearly every ballroom in the country, the Berthana’s popularity declined when big band-style dancing fell out of favor. The floor was inverted into a giant roller rink in the late 1940s as teen socializing shifted from jitterbugs to jam skating, before shuttering in the 1980s.
“I’ve been up several times, and it really is a beautiful place,” says first-floor tenant and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt owner Rory Rich.
A basement bar with ever-changing ownership was the only fixture on the property until a recent renovation of the ground floor and exterior. For years, bartenders have entertained patrons with tales of the creepy ballroom two floors up, Piano keys pounded by an unknown ghost and a hair-raising tale of murder were always sure to scare up another round.
An on-record death in the 1970s involving a young man being pushed on roller-skates into a chair that impaled him has also created fodder for tales of otherworldly haunts. With once-shimmering paint now peeling, murals in despair, and boxes of old roller skates and other garbage littering the grand floor, the once-opulent Berthana Ballroom remains a vestige of an earlier time, with a few resident ghosts on hand.
Old Mill
The Deseret News’ first paper mill near Big Cottonwood Canyon received an extreme makeover in 1927, after a fire ruined it decades earlier. From its ghostly frame grew a glamorous resort clubhouse and Prohibition-era speakeasy named the Old Mill Club, rivaling the Salt Lake Country Club.
“The Old Mill Club is open now and the moon is already there, waiting tote danced under,” reads an archived advertisement from the era. As if in reply, couples took to the open-air dance floor every night of the week but Sunday, and bougie activities like trapshooting at its gun club and horseback trips up the canyon matched the stone structure’s old-world charm. Orchestras and laughter filled the beautiful halls, but advertised plans for an 18-hole golf course, banquet rooms to be run by a chef of “interesting fame,” a swimming pool and a toboggan slide never came to fruition. Instead, World War II broke out, and the laughter and dancing ceased.
The former grandeur of the ballroom, cir. 1967. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress. Locals enjoy a night of dancing. Photo taken June 8, 1949. Photo courtesy of Special Collections/ UofU J. Willard Marriott Library. Granite Paper Mill opened in 1880 and supplied the Desert News for 10 years before a fire broke out. The mill was partially rebuilt as a dance hall known as the Old Mill Club in 1927. It operated into the 1940s. In the 1970s and ’80s it was used as a haunted house. Photo courtesy of Special Collections/ UofU J. Willard Marriott Library.
Still under the same ownership, the mill was leased and reinvented into a popular discotheque that brought star power within the stone walls. A venue for pop and rock music in the 1970s, its stage welcomed artists like Alice Cooper and the Steve Miller Ban before again closing its doors late in the decade.
Because of its many iterations over the past 150 years, the site oozes creepy vibes. Even its earliest days, with lengthy spans of disuse, urban legends abounded: caretaker suicides and satanic rituals, doors opening and closing on their own, a strange woman’s voice, the electricity-less building lighting up or the feeling of eerie cold spots.
The Walker family, property owners since its country club days, seized the opportunity to put those legends, combined with the mill’s crumbling facade and punched-out windows, to good use, selling tickets as the concept of haunted houses became popular in the 1980s. While that, too, lasted for a time, the building was ultimately condemned in 2005 and enclosed in barbed wire. Now, under layers of pigeon poop and spray paint (plus remnants ranging from old glass beer bottles circa 1970 to tinsel-lined spider webs), the mill tops the list on Preservation Utah’s 2025 Most Endangered Historic Places; the organization argues in the face of proposed plans for demolition to make way for townhomes and condos that the Old Mill Club is a rare piece of working history.
Van’s Hall: Delta, Utah
In Utah’s west desert, the humble farming community of Deltagathered at a secret watering hole. Sitting atop an unassuming storefront on Main Street, a flight of stairs led folks into a grand and otherworldly shimmering temple of dance known as Van’s Hall.
Billy Van de Vanter, or ‘Billy Van’ as he was known, was an eccentric jack-of-all-trades (inventor, mechanic, wild animal-keeper, builder) who created the 1923 dance hall as his pièce de résistance: a dance hall/house of mirrors in all its wacky, slightly garish glory. The spacious hall, built above his auto garage, still sparkles with thousands of mirrored glass tiles arranged in stunning decorative designs. The shimmering mosaics bounce reflectively off a 500-pound glitterball suspended over the dance floor.
Van’s dancehall opened in 1926 and featured a floor made of melted down shellac records. It remained open as a dancehall until the mid-1970s and has since been closed to the public. Photo courtesy of Special Collections/ UofU J. Willard Marriott Library.
Competing with church dances in the area, Van’s Hall became known as a livelier, edgier hot spot than the cookies-and-punch parties put on by the Mormons, although church members, he often said, were his best customers. They, like everyone else, loved to swing to the catchy rhythms and lively melodies played by the best musicians in the area. Billy Van even used his jackknife to carve an impressive small-scale version of the Salt Lake Temple and placed it atop the glitterball just a few yards away from the smoking room. Other sculptures, glass stars, glittering lights and banners (like the one that reads: “We Dance Next Sat.”) were touches that made the hidden-away hall feel like a secret sanctuary for the hardy and industrious young people of Delta, who spent most of their waking hours in school and harvesting alfalfa near the Sevier River. (Later, the town would become infamous for housing a Japanese incarceration camp during WWII).
The hall attracted young people for more than three decades, but its popularity, like most dance halls, declined in the 1950s and ’60s. Failing to meet safety codes, a Christmas party was its last recorded event in 1975, and the hall, which remains in all its plasterwork and mirrored glory, seems suspended in time. While there’s an effort to restore and bring the hall up to code, it’s slow going. Under lock and key atop Delta’s quiet Main Street, only the older locals seem to remember the hall even exists and only a lucky few get to enter.
Skougaard’s Tavern: Fish Lake Resort
Part spooky, part rustic charm,old-timers remember when the ballroom at Fish Lake Lodge (named Skougard’s) shone as the hotspot for young people living in Central Utah towns like Richfield, Salina, Loa and Fremont. Built in 1933 of native spruce logs, the now eerily quiet, slumping structure stands as a sentinel along the glittering, aspen-draped alpine lake.
Big bands assembled to play “In the Mood” and “King Porter Stomp” to the hops and triple steps of hundreds of slick-haired boys and girls with victory roll hairdos who descended on the tiny lakeside town during warm weekend nights. The scene, according to locals, became livelier post-war, as curfews lengthened and skirt hems shortened. Teens, driving everything from farm trucks to muscle cars, packed a case of beer and wound their way up Seven Mile-Gooseberry Road to Fish Lake National Forest to check out the nightlife at the timber-framed ballroom, which spilled out into an Adirondack-style patio built to admire sparkling lake views.
The original hotel at Fish Lake Resort was built in 1911 and featured eight bedrooms with a dining hall that could fit up to 16 people, an open air dance pavilion, and a bait and tackle store. Photo courtesy of Special Collections/ UofU J. Willard Marriott Library.
The sagging roof, creaking floors and locked-away ballroom tell a far different tale today. The lodge’s main area is still open every summer, selling T-shirts, knick-knacks, and a few groceries to campers and cabin renters. But the shuttered grand ballroom sits empty 51 weeks of the year, with sheets of plastic draped over stacks of chairs visible through the windows. As if being raised from the dead, it comes to life when square dancers gather for the Fish Lake Frolic on one weekend each July.
“It really is a heritage,” says caller and Frolic board member Kathy Beans, speaking of the more than 60-year-old annual event. She says her fellow square dancers, who still know what it means to ‘take yer partner’ onto the dance floor, dance every evening while taking in the natural beauty by day. Fish Lake is, after all, home to Pando, a colony of 47,000 genetically identical quaking aspens with a massive interconnected root system. It was designated as a national forest in 1907. “It’s a special building in a special place.”
Saltair
Dubbed the “Coney Island of the West” during the early 1900s for its cafes, bathhouses, rollercoaster, swimming pier, silent movie theater and a hippodrome for visiting spectacles (like boxing matches and “flying ballerinas”), Saltair’s greatest attraction was its nonstop dance pavilion. Twenty-eight-piece orchestras placed at both ends ensured there was never a lull in the music as thousands of pleasure seekers crowded the dance floor each evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day. On Sundays, when dancing was illegal (really), people packed picnic lunches to enjoy concerts instead, traveling first by steam train, then by electric cable cars and finally, in their automobiles, to the Great Salt Lake attraction.
The interior of Saltair’s original dancehall cir. 1900. Photo courtesy of Special Collections/ UofU J. Willard Marriott Library.
At its height in the Roaring ’20s, the resort’s fame attracted celebrity entertainers and U.S. presidents. But all that changed in 1925 when a fire tore through the resort, turning nearly everything to ash. Although a rebuild (Saltair II, designed after the original structure) ensued, the resort never again achieved its earlier status. A series of floods, fires, windstorms and a receding lake caused its closure in 1958, making its eerie emptiness the subject of ghost stories and fodder for horror movies like Carnival of Souls. Even that didn’t dissuade attempts to breathe new life into the resort until a final fire (suspected arson) destroyed it in 1970.
Nothing but a few wooden pilings remain on the site where once the Glenn Miller Band and Nat King Cole performed at the largest unobstructed dance hall in the U.S. Not a single rail remains from the Giant Racer rollercoaster that whizzed folks through the sky, nor a brick from the bathhouses that spat recreation seekers into the salty warm water—undeterred despite their heavy wool swimming costumes as they frolicked in the July heat. No planks remain as an emblem to lovers who embraced on the massive dance floor by the thousands, or strolled along the pier.
Today, Saltair III stands a fair distance from the original site. Built in 1981 from an airplane hangar near the Interstate to resemble the other Saltairs, the current structure exists as a successful concert venue for big names like Ed Sheeran, Playboi Carti, Billie Eilish and Post Malone—but that doesn’t shield it from constant rumors of paranormal activity. Some say any iteration of Saltair is cursed. The body of a woman found on the property in 2000 has fueled decades of horror stories about “Saltair Sally,” whom the paranormal reality show Ghost Adventures chased in its episode entitled “The Great Saltair Curse.”
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Park City, the town, is like that girl who hands out swag bags at her own birthday party. While the rest of us throw together trunk-or-treats in the school parking lot after a Costco costume-and-candy haul, the charming resort town just up yonder curates delightful small-town fetes with folks donning prize-winning costumes or handcrafting scarecrows for a good cause. Be jealous, or pose as a Parkite and join the fun!
Fun on the farm
Kicking off hair-raising holiday revelries with its annual Scarecrow Festival, community members gather under a brilliant backdrop of mountains enrobed in gold, crimson and burnt sienna at McPolin Farm, the hard-to-miss icon often dubbed the “big white barn” roadside between Kimball Junction and Old Town Park City.
But barn magic doesn’t happen by accident, and keeping that paint in gleaming white condition or maintaining the stunning orchard takes time–and fundraising. Each year, the city, which owns the historic farmstead, along with Friends of the Farm, which takes care of the property, brings Parkites together to create a walking trail filled with dazzling and delightful scarecrows.
The McPolin Barn’s annual Scarecrow Festival. Photo courtesy of Park City Municipal Corp
“The city provides a limited number of packets with straw for stuffing, a framework for your scarecrow and a name tag for your creation,” says McPolin Farm Manager, Paige Galvin, of the event in early October. She says locals get first dibs on tickets, which usually sell out. “Folks are encouraged to bring their own items to build and decorate their scarecrows, and believe me, they do.”
Those who know the ropes take scarecrow-making seriously; it’s not uncommon to see ticketholders show up with props, accessories, handmade heads, shoes or fully-made costumes to dress their creations. A full Darth Vader scarecrow spooked visitors (and crows) from his perch last year. A Barbie, a Harry Potter and a skeleton bride also proved crowd favorites.
Scarecrow-makers jockey for ‘prime’ display spots along the nearby McPolin trail before joining in fall festivities at the farm. “We have pumpkin painting, face painting, cookies and cider,” says Galvin of the afternoon festival. “We also have live music fro the Iron Canyons Echoes Band.”
A perfect way to bring the community together (and a few wannabes), the Scarecrow Festival takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. If you are not lucky (or local) enough to score tickets, you can walk the spooky scarecrow trail until just before Halloween.
Enclosing Main Street in spooky fun for foot (and paw) traffic only, Park City’s Howl-O-Ween event takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 31. Along with munchkins dressed as ghouls, mermaids or Marvel characters, check out the costume-clad canines that put the “howl” in the howl-o-ween festivities– donning equally spine-tingling or downright hilarious costumes, who can resist an English bulldog dressed in a Swan Lake tutu and headpiece? Or a springer spaniel dressed as an ear of corn? Especially when her humans are other members of the vegetable patch, including an adorable toddler peas-in-a-pod? C’mon!
“Everyone from kids to dogs to retirees comes to the event,” says Chris Phinney with the Historic Park City Alliance. Folks can trick-or-treat at storefronts up and down Main Street, gathering special goodies, showing off their creations, perhaps even stopping in for a quick bite. “All the merchants on Main Street, from bars and restaurants to clothing stores and art galleries, pass out candy. Some decorate their storefronts, and sometimes they do giveaways or whip up fun treats like cotton candy or popcorn.”
A miniature horse is living her best Waste Management life while cleaning up Park City’s Main Street. Photo courtesy of Park City Municipal Corp
But it’s the costumes, Phinney says, that are unrivaled. “The community gets really into it and goes all out,” he says. “I’m always laughing and in awe.”
If you forget your costume, though, don’t worry; there’s no contest. There’s also no emcee, no program, no food carts or stage. Instead, Phinney says, pop-up performances on the street are the norm. “We may get a dance team that shows up to perform their routine, maybe some string musicians” he says, adding, “Mostly, though, people like to chat and walk, see their friends and show off their creations.”
Note: Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be on a leash
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It’s officially fall in Utah. Make the most of the fleeting season with U-pick pumpkin patches, Halloween displays, corn mazes and more!
Pumpkin Patches
Kuwahara’s Pumpkin Patch and Thriller Park
More of a Halloween attraction than a traditional pumpkin patch, Kuwahara’s is the perfect family fall outing. Guests can choose their own pre-picked pumpkin while exploring the 31 on-site attractions, including corn mazes, Halloween Mainstreet, obstacle courses and more. Throughout October, Kuwara’s Thriller Park is also hosting four themed weekends of Halloween fun, check their website for the full schedule
12153 S. 700 West, Draper | Open every day at 10 a.m.
Mabey Farms
If you’re craving that classic family-owned farm setting, Mabey Farms in South Jordan has you covered. Spanning over 16 acres, the pumpkin patch boasts 45 varieties all grown on-site. There’s also plenty of photo booths across the farm for an obligatory family photo shoot.
10090 S 1000 West, South Jordan | Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cross E Ranch
The gourd enthusiasts at Cross E Ranch want every kid to experience the joy of choosing, cutting and hauling around their own pumpkin. One of the only U-pick options in the state, Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch is ornamented with hundreds of pumpkins sold by the pound. The ranch is also hosting its annual Fall Festival, comprising a corn maze, pig racing, an adventure farm and more.
3500 N 2200 West, SLC | See full festival and pumpkin patch hours at crosseranch.com
Black Island Farms
Pumpkin picking and hay rides—how could a fall day get any more perfect? Black Island Farms offers several Halloween attractions, including an eight-acre corn maze, zombie laser tag, and a pumpkin patch accessed by a tractor-pulled hayride. Each hayride ticket comes with one pumpkin picked straight from the vine.
Now through October 30th Rowley’s Red Barn is hosting the Fall Festival, featuring apple cider donuts, wagon rides, corn mazes and more. The ranch fills every inch of its sweeping grounds with something fun, including a wagon ride through its pumpkin patch.
901 S 300 West, Santaquin | Open Monday–Friday 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Wheeler Historic Farm
Explore Wheeler Farm’s free admission pumpkin patch during their Pumpkin Days (9/26–10/31). Keep the fall fun going with even more activities like a corn pit, duck race, cow rides and more.
6351 S 900 East, Murray | See all hours on their website.
A beloved Cache Valley tradition for more than 40 years, this free community event features hundreds of intricately carved and glowing pumpkins, along with giant imaginative displays made from various gourds and vegetables.
Bring in the harvest the old-fashioned way with cider pressing, corn shelling, candle making, threshing with antique tractors, a corn maze, wagon wides, pony rides and more.
A full-on Halloween extravaganza, Corbelly’s has two locations in Lehi and Spanish Fork, each bursting with haunted scenes, pumpkin sculptures and Halloween lights. For thrillseekers, Insanity Point is an all-new terrifying corn maze with 23 spooky scenes, hayrides, campfires and more.
The whimsical Gardner Village transforms into a Halloween haven of witch displays, seasonal boutique shopping, scavenger hunts and more. Visit on select nights for dinner theatre, escape rooms and magic shows.
Enjoy Halloween displays and lights from the comfort of the Outlaw Express Lift at Sundance Resort. The 30-45 minute ride also comes with hot chocolate, seasonal treats and a cozy blanket.
Utah’s only amusement park gets a spooky makeover for the fall season. Get all your thrills at Lagoon’s staple rides and games, along with over nine haunted attractions ranging from scaredy-cat-friendly to enter-if-you-dare.
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SnowWiesn Oktoberfest, Snowbasin’s take on the annual Bavarian festival, offers a wide range of beers from local breweries. Still, you don’t have to be of drinking age to enjoy it.
SnowWiesn also features food, music, and activities for the whole family. Brooks Roe, the resort’s brand manager, recommends a scenic gondola ride followed by a family hike or a round of miniature golf at Snowbasin’s challenging 18-hole course.
The event is stroller-friendly, and the gondola will slow down for wheelchairs or strollers to board.
Dogs are also welcome if owners are prepared to clean up after them.
At 3:15 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, games are held, including an all-ages contest to see who has the best Bavarian attire. “Last week, a family won,” Roe said. “They dressed their kids up in some lederhosen.”
More than 40 vendors are also on site, selling jewelry, treats, clothing, woodwork and more. Roe mentioned looking for balloon twisting and face painting for the kids.
The Park City Polka Players provide festive Bavarian music throughout the event, followed by local headliners on the concert stage at 4 p.m.
Remaining SnowWiesn headliners:
Sept. 27: Lake Effect
Sept. 28: Davey + The Midnights
Oct. 4: The Alpines
Oct. 5: Tony Holiday
Oct. 11: Triggers + Slips
Oct. 12: Mobius Wave
Food options include knackwurst, brats, and other traditional foods, as well as sandwiches, pizza, waffles, and more. Families are welcome to bring blankets to picnic.
SnowWiesn runs Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 12.
Roe said parking is free, available, and easy to navigate. Tickets are $10, but they are only $5 when purchased online at least one day in advance. Children 4 and under get in free. Purchase tickets here.
Roe describes the overall vibe as “light and fun.” So, whether you’re enjoying the brews or skipping the beer tent altogether, you’ll find plenty to do in a chilled-out, relaxing environment.
Snowbasin is located at 3925 E. Snowbasin Road, Huntsville.
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