🥧 What to do for Pie & Beer Day

It's Pioneer Day this Friday, arguably the most uniquely Utah holiday, commemorating the 1847 arrival of the Mormon pioneers. Around the state, many people also celebrate the alternative tradition of Pie & Beer Day. However you spend the long weekend, here’s what to know.

• A complex history: While Pioneer Day marks the Mormon settlement of the Salt Lake valley, it also carries a history of displacement and dispossession of Indigenous communities. On July 24, the Uniting Communities Powwow welcomes everyone to celebrate Indigenous dance, drumming, art, and storytelling at Liberty Park from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. [City Cast Salt Lake, Utah Native American Chamber of Commerce]
• Downtown streets will be busy (and many closed): The Days of ‘47 Parade and Deseret News Marathon will bring road closures and traffic delays Friday morning. If you’re heading into the city, leave extra time or take public transit. All state liquor stores will be closed on July 24. [Days of ‘47, Deseret News Marathon, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services]
• Many Utah cities have Pioneer Day fireworks restrictions because of extreme wildfire danger. Fireworks remain banned on all public lands and private unincorporated lands statewide. In Salt Lake City, personal fireworks are banned through July 25, with fines up to $1,000 for violations. Check your local restrictions before celebrating or opt for a professional show instead. [Instagram, ABC4]
• What to do: Head to the grand opening of the Salt Lake Art Museum on Friday. Expect exhibitions celebrating Utah artists, craft activities, and photo ops. For even more ideas on how to spend the day, listen to our City Cast Salt Lake podcast and scroll down to the events section of this newsletter. [Salt Lake Art Museum]

County Day Care Ends

Salt Lake County has officially exited the child care business, with three former county-run day care sites reopening this fall under nonprofit partners. The county says it has expanded recreation programs and youth services to help fill the gap. [Salt Lake County]

Home Prices Hit a Record High

The median single-family home price in Salt Lake County reached a record $645,000 this spring. Even with high mortgage rates, strong demand continues to outpace affordability. [Salt Lake Tribune]

New Leader for Great Salt Lake

Utah has a new Great Salt Lake commissioner. Gov. Spencer Cox appointed former deputy commissioner Hannah Freeze to lead the state’s efforts to protect the shrinking lake. She's the second person to fill the role, after the state's initial commissioner stepped down. [FOX 13]

Recent Lightning Raises Fears

After a Utahn was killed by a lightning strike while out hiking, we explore the frequency of lightning in Utah and what activities are most dangerous. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Looking for something new to check out around Salt Lake? Our City Cast Salt Lake Neighbors always come through with the recs.

📣 Chris B. loves Luminaria, a photo studio specializing in tintype portraits (think Polaroids, but from the 1800s). There are only a handful of tintype studios left in the country, and Salt Lake happens to have one of the best.

📣 Cory W. thinks you should check out the Pioneer Memorial Museum. It’s full of crazy Utah history like hair wreaths, magic canes, and a two-headed lamb taxidermy. It’s free admission, but limited hours.

📣 Austin W. wants to spotlight the city’s Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry, and Trails (PNUT) Board as a great way to get involved in shaping Salt Lake’s parks and public spaces.

Want in on this love fest? Become a member to share your own hidden gems.