13 local events to celebrate Memorial Day

13 local events to celebrate Memorial Day

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SALT LAKE CITY — With many people heading out to celebrate and enjoy a long weekend, Memorial Day is a time where many relax and come together as family. Many also celebrate the holiday by remembering loved ones who have passed away and honoring those who have fought for the freedom we enjoy in this country.

After becoming an official holiday in 1971, Memorial Day is often recognized as the unofficial start of summer, along with remembering veterans. Throughout Utah, there are plenty of events and opportunities to honor our veterans, remember those we love, socialize and indulge in free food.

Here is a list of 12 events happening this weekend throughout the state:

Memorial Services

Heber Memorial Day program

Heber City is holding the Wasatch County 2017 Memorial Day program from 7 to 9:15 a.m. on Monday at the Wasatch County Event Center at 415 S. Southfield Road. Attendees will receive a free American Flag and pastries from 7 - 8 a.m.

Cedar City resident and wounded veteran Sgt. Matthew Melancon will speak at the event starting at 8 a.m. Melancon was wounded in Afghanistan and has received the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart and also qualified for snowboarding in the 2018 Paralympic Games.

Provo Memorial Day service

Provo City is holding a Memorial Day service on Monday from 10 - 11 a.m. at the Provo City Cemetery, 610 S. State St. A veteran memorial will be unveiled, musical numbers by the Timpview High School band will be performed, Freedom Festival President Sherrie Peterson will lead in the Pledge of Allegiance and a 21-gun salute will be held. Veterans and active duty military are welcome to attend in uniform.

Orem Memorial Day service

Orem City officials are hosting a service event at the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 N. 800 East on Monday from 9 - 10 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Provo resident retired Capt. Andrew L. Howard who was mobilized twice with the United States Navy following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, where he was eventually promoted to captain.

St. George Memorial Day service

St. George is holding a service at SunRiver at 1390 Morane Manor Dr. at 8 a.m. on Monday. Bringing your own folding chairs is recommended as seating will be limited.

Fort Douglas Military Museum

A march from the Fort Douglas Military Museum at 32 Potter St. in Salt Lake City to the Fort Douglas Cemetery will start at 9:30 a.m. on Monday. A ceremony will be held following the march and will take place at the cemetery starting at 10 a.m. The ceremony will include a wreath laying, gun salute, "Taps" being played, memorial prayer and music.

West Jordan Memorial Day service

West Jordan’s Memorial Day tribute runs from 7 - 8 p.m. on Monday at the Veterans Memorial Park at 1885 W. 7800 South.

Herriman Memorial Day breakfast and ceremony

Herriman City will be holding both a Memorial Day breakfast and ceremony on Monday. The ceremony will be held at the Herriman City Cemetery on 6000 West from 9 - 10 a.m. The "Chuck Wagon Breakfast" will be held at Main Street Park at 5900 Muzzle Loader Dr. from 7 - 11 a.m.

Other events for the family

The Inquirian Race

Salt Lake County is holding a scavenger hunt to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Contestants will race to five locations, take a selfie at each location and load it to the website to get the next clue.

The final location holds a $2,500 prize for the winner. The race starts at 6 p.m. on Friday. Registration is $60 and can be completed online. Once registered, the first clue and the first location will be given. Proceeds will go to fund research and treatment of children with cancer.

Wild West Days on the Heber Creeper

The Heber Valley Railroad, 450 S. 600 West, is holding its “Wild West Days” from Friday to Monday and on June 2 - 3. It includes a Western-themed 40-minute train ride on the Heber Creeper where passengers will experience Western singalongs and staged train robberies. Off the train, attendees will see magic shows, staged gunfights, pony rides, root beer floats and a show. General admission is $15 and children 2 and under do not need a ticket.

Harmons Memorial Day grilling event

All Harmons grocery stores throughout Utah will be kicking off the “unofficial start of summer” and celebrating Memorial Day by cooking up and serving a burger topped with bacon, fried beets, barbecue sauce and gouda, the ‘It’s Sooo Gouda’ burger.

This will take place:

Friday from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m., 4:30 –7:30 p.m.

Saturday from 12–7 p.m.

Monday from 12–5 p.m.

Cowboy Legends

The Cowboy Legends — Music and Poetry Festival is taking place at the Historic Fielding Garr Ranch on Antelope Island to celebrate the history of the island. Activities start Friday at noon and go until 6 p.m. on Monday.

Attendees can hear and participate in music and cowboy poetry, activities for kids, trading posts, rides in a historical wagon, carriage or buggy, camping, local product vendors and the option to bring your own horses.

Kids 10 and under are free, individual passes are $5, and a family pass is $15. Directions to the ranch can be found on the website.

Homestead Resort

The Homestead Resort at 700 N. Homestead Dr. in Midway is holding several events for Memorial Day including a free campfire Friday night and a free summer concert Saturday night. The outdoor pool and patio at Fanny’s Grill and Homestead Crater Soak are open for those with reservations at the resort.

Mary Manning art show

St. George is featuring art by Mary Manning under her “Captivating Exuberance” collection on Memorial Day. The art features animals in motion and landscapes. Admission is free and her work will be displayed from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 307 N. Main St.

Did we miss any big public Memorial Day celebrations? Let us know in the comments.


Camilla Stimpson is a news writing intern for KSL.com and enjoys reporting on politics, crimes and her own awkward moments on 50shadesofawkward.com. When not writing, she can be found watching "30 Rock" or "Law & Order," napping, planning trips she can't afford and Googling dogs she can't have.

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