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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
As an Ogden native, I attended Weber State College. I remember the campus was right in the middle of Ogden on Jefferson Blvd. It was later moved to its current location on Harrison Blvd., and I remember thinking at the time that it seemed far away from town. Well, not anymore. The city has grown. These days, a trip from Washington Blvd. to what is now Weber State University is merely a trek across town.
As is the case with any large city, Ogden has experienced some challenges‹a big one being how to revitalize some of the city's older areas. But thanks to an important organization known as Downtown Ogden Inc., the city's renewal efforts are seeing success.
For nine years, Downtown Ogden, Inc. has promoted and marketed events in the Ogden area. Dan Musgrave, the organization's managing director, told me that one of the most exciting projects has been the creation of the Farmer's Market held every Saturday through the warmer months of the year. Not only has it brought some of the freshest local produce to the downtown area, but it has also served as a sort of small business incubator. In fact, Dan tells me there are about 100 vendors who eagerly participate and the public can't wait to see what's new each week.
During the Winter Games last February, Downtown Ogden worked with the city, the county and the chamber to organize entertainment, including a street party and free concerts. Now, every Saturday night all sorts of entertainment is brought in to perform at venues such as the new city amphitheater, the Ogden Raptors baseball field and the remodeled Egyptian Theatre.
Dan said his organization is especially excited for this holiday season. It marks the 40th anniversary of Ogden's downtown Christmas Village. Many displays have been remodeled and new ones have been added. I've seen the village in years past and have enjoyed the animated displays and thousands of lights.
And I've enjoyed seeing Ogden grow and change over the years. It certainly has become a bigger place since I was a college student at Weber State. And it keeps getting better thanks to the valued efforts of Downtown Ogden, Inc.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm Speaking on Business.
