Salt Lake's labor legend

This Labor Day Weekend, as we celebrate workers' rights, it seems only fitting to honor one of Utah's most influential labor activists: Joe Hill. His monument stands in Sugar House Park, where he was executed more than a century ago.

• Who was he? Joel Hägglund, aka "Joe Hill," was a Swedish immigrant and singer-songwriter who worked at Park City's Silver King Mine. As a member of the labor union known as the "Wobblies" (the Industrial Workers of the World), Hill became one of the movement's loudest voices. His song "There Is Power in a Union" became a staple at picket lines. [City Cast Salt Lake, YouTube]
• Hill was convicted in the 1914 killing of a Salt Lake grocer based on circumstantial evidence: Hill visited a doctor for a gunshot wound that same night — one he refused to explain. He was executed on Nov. 19, 1915 by a firing squad at the former site of the Utah State Prison, where Sugar House Park is now. His famous last written words were: "Don't waste any time mourning. Organize." [Salt Lake Tribune]
• Advocates pushed for years for a monument honoring Hill, firmly believing he was framed for murder. Finally, in November 2023, a historical marker was installed in Sugar House Park to commemorate his legacy. Look out for it next time you do a lap. [KUTV, Salt Lake Tribune]
• Celebrate workers' rights and head up to Park City Miners Day Monday, Sept. 7, for its 130th year honoring the town’s mining history and workers. There will be a parade, a pancake breakfast, and the iconic "Running of the Balls" event down Main Street. [Park City Rotary]

Have You Seen This Alleged Scammer?

An online video is warning Salt Lake residents about a man allegedly posing as a European tourist asking for money. A spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department told City Cast Salt Lake they’re aware of the video and are encouraging anyone who may have been a victim or who has information to come forward. At this time, police do not have a case open. [Salt Lake City Scoop, SLCPD, City Cast Salt Lake]

Utah Corn Maze Opens Today

We asked our Instagram followers when fall starts, and 46% of poll takers said not until the leaves start turning. That could be as soon as mid-September. But one Utah corn maze and pumpkin patch, Cornbelly’s, is already kicking off the season by opening today, Sept. 4. [City Cast Salt Lake, Cornbelly’s]

Curtain Up! in Downtown SLC

The major downtown arts organizations, like Ballet West and Utah Symphony, are officially opening their seasons, making Salt Lake City the highest concentration of arts activity in the Intermountain West, according to the Downtown Alliance. The Blocks arts district is celebrating with a cocktail party on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rose Wagner Theater. It’s free with RSVP. [The Blocks]

Utah Peach Season is Here

Loki Coffee has partnered with Tagge's Famous Fruit on a passport that unlocks peach-inspired drinks, pastries, and dishes at spots along 900 South in Salt Lake City. Pick up your passport at their pop-up events Sept. 19 and 26. [Loki Coffee]

The Future of Micromobility in Salt Lake

Salt Lake City just added 1,000 new e-scooters to its streets through a five-year contract. But are they the answer to the city’s transportation problems, or just another obstacle on the sidewalk? [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]