Hundreds of hot air balloon enthusiasts attended the inaugural Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza, held Sept. 20-23 at Cottonwood High School. Each of the three mornings, the community witnessed balloons inflating and launching from the fields of the high school. Patrons also could take a free 40-foot tethered ride Friday and Saturday mornings. Saturday evening featured a balloon glow. The event was sponsored by the Murray Chamber of Commerce. l
Hot air balloons inflate during the inaugural Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza held in late September. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
The first two balloons float over Cottonwood High while the national anthem plays at the inaugural Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Pilots fire up their balloons as they get ready to take off from the sports fields of Cottonwood High. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Weight Loss Options: What You Need To Know About Diet, Prescription Medications & Surgery
By Catherine Beck, MD
Everywhere you turn lately, it seems the topic of weight loss is front and centerfrom billboards to TV to social media and more. And everyone seems to have an opinion on how to lose weight, with some offering weight loss services at a hefty price. So what is the best way to lose weight? How do you start? Is it worth the cost?
At CommonSpirit Holy Cross HospitalJordan Valley, the Comprehensive Medical and Surgical Weight loss program can answer your questions from a reliable, accredited, board certified provider.
Let’s tackle the first question - why you may want to lose weight or why it may be important for you to lose weight. Ultimately, it’s not just about appearances. There are multiple medical problems that improve or resolve with weight loss, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis and sleep apnea, amongst others.
Weight loss also decreases your risk of multiple types of cancer, specifically breast and colon cancer. In addition, most patients just want to feel better, have more energy, and be able to spend quality time with their family, without the limitations their weight may place on them.
In general, there are typically three ways people lose weight: diet and exercise, medically supervised weight loss, and surgical weight loss.
1. Diet and exercise include any program someone does on their own, including Keto, Weight Watchers, Mediterranean diets, Jenny Craig or meal plans and programs. No specific diet has ever been proven to be more effective than another. In general, any diet and exercise plan will lead to about 5% excess body weight loss on average.
2. Medically supervised weight loss includes using prescription medications to lose weight. Most people immediately think of Wegovy and Zepbound, but there are a lot of medications that help people lose weight and work in different ways. It is incredibly important to know that only a well-trained provider can help patients use the optimal combination of medications to see maximum results with minimal side effects. Medically supervised weight loss should include not only a provider trained in weight loss, but also a dietitian, along with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. These medications can help people lose up to 20% of their excess body weight if used correctly. Unfortunately, stopping the medication usually leads to weight regain and some patients have side effects that force them to stop the medication.
3. Surgical weight loss, or bariatric surgery, can help people lose 60-80%of their excess body weight and keep it off. Bariatric surgery
typically refers to a sleeve gastrectomy or a gastric bypass. All surgical weight loss should include working with a dietitian, a medical weight loss provider and a surgeon, along with lifestyle changes.
Choosing an accredited, comprehensive, bariatric and medical weight loss program, such as the one at Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley, gives patients access to a variety of approaches designed to help them meet their weight loss goals in a safe environment. Only at a comprehensive center, can patients learn what will work best for them and get treated by providers with a history of safe and successful weight loss. Most insurances cover bariatric surgery and the costs of seeing a provider and dietitian, even if they don’t cover the costs of the newer injectable medications. With us, patients don’t have to pay program fees and we bill everything possible through a patient’s insurance. We work with patients to find the most affordable solutions!
Thinking about weight loss options? Please give Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley a call to see if you have coverage and to make an appointment with one of our surgeons or medical weight loss providers at (801) 601-4423. We are here to compassionately care for you.
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Student art from among 170 lessons showcased at Grant, McMillan
Last spring, then Grant Elementary third-grader Aurora Erickson was explaining how she made the hive background of her artwork showcasing bees.
“I pressed the paper on painted bubble wrap to create the pattern that looks like hives,” she said. “I’ve found five of my art pieces, but I like the bees because they were fun to draw.”
Aurora was showing her mother, Wendy, the art on the walls she had made during the year as part of her art rotation.
“She draws on her tablet almost every day,” Erickson said about her daughter. “I appreciate art being in schools. It’s important so the kids can express their creativity. I think it helps with learning, being able to portray something through art and it helps them focus and learn in different ways.”
Art filled both Grant and McMillan elementary schools’ halls at the end-of-year showcases, allowing family members to come appreciate the combined 800 students’ talents.
This year, students already are learning new skills in art, including taking advantage of the $14,000 Beverley Taylor Sorenson supplemental art grant Murray School District’s then Elementary Director of Teaching and Learning Missy Hamilton and Beverley Taylor Sorenson art teacher Jeanne Simpson secured to get more supplies, such as canvases and looms. Simpson plans to use some of that funding to have presenters come from five Utah Native American tribes and introduce weaving, color sand drawing, beading and making petroglyphs to students.
“I hope they not only try these techniques, but they learn to have a greater appreciation of all people,” she said.
Simpson, who taught in the elementary classrooms 36 years before stepping into her art teacher role, created 170 art lessons last school year. She split her week teaching two days per week at Grant and three at McMillan. Students
are in in her class for about 45 minutes once per week.
When families first walked in the schools, they could see bright pictures of snowmen, corn on the cob, penguins, tulips, pumpkins and more on the walls. But investigating it further, they realized the art wasn’t just fun assignments, but opportunities to further learn and expand on classroom curriculum. Simpson detailed each one next to the artwork.
“All of the art projects are tied to the state core curriculum,” Simpson said. “I plan the art lessons around what the teachers are teaching so it coincides. For example, when it’s Chinese New Year, we created dragons and with Veterans Day, we did poppies.”
Students also learned about the importance of bison to Native America tribes before creating their own artwork of bison. They studied the Pando, the largest living organism on earth in a quaking aspen grove all connected to one root system in Fish Lake National Forest in central Utah, then created their own aspen trees using an art technique with cotton swabs and watercolors.
Students also learned about different artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mary Stevenson Cassatt, and tried to imitate their styles.
By doing this, “they learned different things about brushes, mixed media, printmaking, jelly plates. They worked with different forms such as watercolor, metallic markers, Sharpies and learn about color theory and using complementary colors,” Simpson said.
During a class at Grant, Utah State Poet Laureate Lisa Bickmore came and gave sixthgrade students a writing lesson about the Great Salt Lake. Simpson then had them take the poems they wrote and illustrate them. They inked up Styrofoam sheets and ran them through a printing press.
At McMillan, they learned about the eared
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grebe migrating to the Great Salt Lake.
“About 99% of that species comes to Utah twice a year, about 4 million birds,” Simpson said. “They depend on the brine shrimp, so the kids learn the salinity of the lake is dependent upon the water levels and if it’s too high, it kills the brine shrimp which impacts the birds. They’re illustrating what they learn so it solidifies their understanding.”
Younger students read “The Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle and learned about the life cycle of a butterfly. Then, they supported the story by using art to identify characters, settings and details in the text by using clay to form caterpillars which sit upon leaves they decorated, she said.
“When you integrate what they are learning with art, and they can see it applied to what they’re studying, it gives them a whole new perspective at that topic,” Simpson said.
Such was the case when older student learned about the Egyptians.
“They made hieroglyphs, and they grew in their understanding of how they communicate, what they wore, and who they were. It exposed
them more to world cultures and gave them more perspective,” she said.
In fourth grade, students learn about Utah from its symbols to the environment. Simpson gave them the opportunity to create their own collages of the state.
“They were creative. Some kids make their own map of Utah and showed places you could go visit such as the Spiral Jetty and Bryce Canyon National Park. They learned about the Gila monster and some included that. There was the Sego lily and sweet onions, which replaced beets as the state vegetable,” she said. “They had fun with that assignment.”
Millan parent Bethany Matsumori said families could see the many projects were hung on large banners throughout the school.
“We’re excited because her approach is skill-based so it was fun to see what that program brought to our school this year; our students loved the projects which showed what they learned, but they also had a time to be playful and creative,” she said. “By having an art night, it gives students recognition for their skills and talents.” l
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Families look at the works students created at the Grant Elementary art show. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Candidates confirmed to attend Oct. 21 PTA community nights
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
This November, voters will not only elect a new president, but they will decide several local and state offices as well.
More than 35 candidates have confirmed their attendance to Utah Region 19 PTA’s Meet the Candidate night Oct. 21. All local candidates were invited to participate. It will be an open house, with informal meet and greets from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Murray High School, 5440 S. State St.
The Utah PTA education commissioner will be available to discuss proposed constitutional amendments that affect education funding as well as the group, Raise the Cap who are advocating for Amendment B. There also will be information available about the proposed amendments.
In addition, activities will be available for children in the same room so their parents can more easily visit with candidates.
“The PTA isn’t just a group of parents planning parties and carnivals,” PTA region 17 director Cheree Larson said. “The PTA’s mission is to empower families and communities to advocate for all children. We hope that providing opportunities to meet candidates face-to-face will help educate voters and result in the best possible outcomes for children, families and communities.”
As of press deadline, those candidates who confirmed their attendance at Meet the Candidate night are: John Curtis and Caroline Gleich, U.S. Senate; M. Evan Bullard, Vaughn R. Cook and Katrina Fallick-Wang, U.S. House 4; Brian King, governor; Rudy Bautista, Austin
Hepworth, Andrew McCullough and Michelle Quist, state attorney general; Tina Cannon and Jeffrey Ostler, state auditor; and Miles Pomeroy, state treasurer; and state school board 7 candidates John Arthur and Molly L. Hart; and state school board 9 candidate Amanda B. Bollinger.
For the state legislature, these candidates have RSVPed: Karl Jurek and Carol Spackman Moss, state house 34; Mike Bird and Rosalba Dominguez, state house 35; Jessica Wignall, state house 39; Tyler Glaittli and John Jackson, state house 40; and Gay Lynn Bennion, state house 41.
In the county races, candidates confirmed include Erin Rider, mayor; Rachelle Morris and Natalie Pinkney, County Council At-Large C; Joel Frost and Chris Stavros, county assessor; Rashelle Hobbs, county recorder; Bradley Park and Kent D. Setterberg, county surveyor; and Phil Conder and Sheila Srivastava, county treasurer.
Two Murray Board of Education candidates, Jaren Cooper, precinct 5, and Kelly Taeoalii, precinct 1, confirmed their attendance as well. While Region 19 PTA mirrors Murray School District, Larson said this nonpartisan event is a public service to better inform voters and the PTA and school district do not promote any candidates. l
New principal wants Longview to be welcoming, safe and provide academic success
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Onething Longview Elementary students shouldn’t do is dare their principal to do something.
“I draw the line at that,” new Longview Elementary Principal Torilyn Gillet said. “I’ll try almost anything if the opportunity is presented and it’s safe. I wouldn’t call myself a daredevil, I just am game to have many new experiences.”
Gillett stepped into her first principal position shortly before the new school year. A quick shift in administrators sent former principal Becky Te’o, who has been at Longview since 2019, into Murray School District’s elementary director of teaching and learning position when that administrator left.
“I adore elementary kids,” Gillett said. “I always wanted to work with students. I like the community of a school building, and I enjoy watching students find their success and learn and grow.”
Her background is in school counseling.
“I worked as a school counselor at Indian Hills Middle School (in Sandy) then I was the school counseling specialist for eight years in
Five fun facts about Longview Elementary Principal Torilyn Gillett
• She loves to travel and would like to visit Iceland, Costa Rica and Scandinavia.
• She has a shoe collection of 100 pairs. “I don’t judge other people’s shoes; I like to have options and feel shoes pull an outfit together.”
• She doesn’t own a TV.
• Her dinner preference would be sushi, preferably eel, and Greek food.
• She likes any candy except for chocolate-covered fruit. Her dessert preference is a sugar cookie with “good” frosting. “It's all about frosting, like an almond-vanilla buttercream.”
Canyon School District. I went back to school to earn my doctorate and to do admin(istration) for a new challenge,” Gillett said, adding her education doctorate is in educational policy and leadership from the University of Utah.
After graduating from Viewmont High in Bountiful, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Utah State in family and human development and her master’s in school counseling from the U of U. Previously, she taught preschool and has been an adjunct professor for Utah State and the University of Phoenix.
The past two years, Gillett served as an administrative intern at Murray High and now, she’s excited to be Longview’s principal.
“I want to foster an environment at Longview where everybody feels safe and welcome at school, that first, being the students, but also the faculty, the staff, parents and community members,” she said.
Gillett started doing that by immediately getting to know students. On the second day of school, she had met many and knew more than 20 of the 300 students by name.
“I have been to every lunch to help them navigate the lunch process. I'm visiting every class this week to just introduce myself to them,” she said.
Gillett plans to fill a bag of items from her office to take with her as she introduces herself.
In it will be her University of Utah “U” and football player statue because “I love the University of Utah sports and especially their football team.”
Gillett will pack her Ruth Bader Ginsburg doll, because “she's my mentor; she always fought for rights of people.”
Also packed in the bag will be her Murray baseball hat because “I love Murray High and will miss them, but I’m happy to be here. I love watching baseball. My dad's trying to go to all the (major league base-
ball) ballparks. I’ve gone with him to some. I love that it just gives me time with my dad.” She will return later to give students an interactive lesson about PRIDE, the school acronym for purpose, respect, integrity, diversity and empathy. She plans to also go into classrooms to read — her new favorite author is Kobi Yamada of the New York Times’ bestseller, “What do you do with a Chance?” — and she is willing to play four-square or other games at recess.
Gillett already has scheduled her calendar with PTA’s carnival and a family engagement night this fall.
“I’m all about supporting the PTA and what they have planned,” she said. “I want this to be a welcoming community. I want to know the students and the community, and have them know me, to build that safety and inclusivity. It will take me a minute to learn 300 kids, but I plan to be visible, greeting everybody as they come in.”
She also is focusing on putting academic strategies in place.
“We’ll continue to focus on improving our writing and reading as well as our math scores, moving on a good trajectory,” Gillett said. “Writing really starts at the sentence level. I want to help them build good sentences and adding to those sentences to a deeper level. We’ll start small, then build. Instead of saying, ‘write a paragraph on your family,’ we’ll have them start with a sentence and then develop it. We’ll use a lot of the programs for reading and math that will help them with those skills and comprehension.”
Simply put, she wants the students to find success: “I want to help them to build that foundation so they can continue to grow and become accomplished as they get older.” l
Longview Elementary Principal Torilyn Gillett wants to foster an environment where everybody feels safe and welcome at school. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Kids Read Foundation partners with Murray City to provide free books to kids
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
The Kids Read Salt Lake Foundation is making a powerful impact on literacy among children in Title I neighborhoods throughout the Salt Lake Valley. With a mission to provide equal access to reading materials for all gradeschool children, the foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to build strong reading skills and achieve a brighter future.
The urgency of their work is underscored by a troubling statistic: less than half of Utah’s third graders are reading at grade level, which poses a significant barrier to their academic success. Kids Read aims to close this gap by providing essential reading resources to children who need them the most. Their latest initiative, "Brighter Futures Through Reading," has gained significant momentum, thanks in part to a new partnership with Murray City.
On Sept. 17, Mayor Brett Hales officially recognized the partnership during a city council meeting, presenting a proclamation in support of the initiative. This recognition highlights the importance of the foundation’s work and underscores the community’s commitment to enhancing literacy among its youngest residents.
The Kids Read Salt Lake Foundation began placing their “Read and Succeed” library boxes in the Salt Lake Valley and Murray three
years ago, focusing on areas with high populations of refugee and immigrant families.
“We have concentrated our efforts in the Murray area due to the large number of refugee and immigrant populations,” explained Lynda Brown, president of Kids Read Salt Lake.
With support from Murray School Dis-
trict Superintendent Jennifer Covington, the foundation carefully selects books that are appropriate for each grade level, ensuring that the children receive materials that are both engaging and educational. This year, they plan to distribute over 2,875 books, funded by donations from local Murray businesses. These sponsors,
which include COMCAST, the Murray Rotary Club, and The King's English Bookshop, are playing a vital role in making the initiative a success.
Currently, the foundation maintains over 70 functioning library boxes across the community, each holding more than 50 books that are frequently refilled to keep up with demand.
"I would guess in three years we have been through thousands of books, so I would say many thousands of kids have been helped with our initiatives,” Brown said, highlighting the vast reach of their efforts.
Alongside Murray, COMCAST has also played a crucial role in supporting Kids Read’s mission. In addition to being a primary sponsor, COMCAST has committed to providing 2,800 students with free books, aligning with its broader goal of enhancing digital literacy and supporting the next generation of STEM professionals.
Through these collaborative efforts, the Kids Read Salt Lake Foundation is not just providing books—they are building a foundation for a lifetime of learning and achievement. As they continue to grow and impact thousands of young readers, their work stands as a testament to the power of community support in shaping brighter futures for all children. l
Murray elementary students Eli Kunzi, River Elliott and Ember Allsop with Miss Murray Allysha Sullivan receive certificates for helping choose books for the Kids Read book initiative. (Photo courtesy of Lynda Brown)
Standing strong: Three Victorian homes in Murray celebrate 125 years
By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com
There are three grand Victorian homes in Murray that turn 125 this year: the John P. Cahoon House (home of the Murray City Museum), the Henry J. Wheeler farmhouse (Wheeler Farm), and the Wesley and Frances Walton House, nicknamed the “Red House.” This article will spotlight the Red House. Profiles of the other Victorian homes will appear in subsequent issues.
Simpson David Huffaker came across the plains in 1847 from Nauvoo, Illinois with the first Mormon pioneers. In his breast pocket he carried the seeds of his favorite tree, the honey locust, and several fruit trees. Upon his arrival he was awarded a land grant of 160 acres in what would become Murray.
This property is where the historic Red House would be built.
He promptly used those carefully transported seeds to plant trees on his newly-acquired land. “Two of the honey locust trees still stand in the yard,” Rebecca Santa Cruz, Huffaker’s great-great granddaughter and current owner of the house, said. “And seeds from his fruit trees were coveted enough by his neighbors he earned the moniker, 'The Johnny Appleseed of South Cottonwood.’” First family
When Simpson Huffaker passed away, he left 27 of the 160 acres to his daughter Frances and her husband Wesley Walton. The couple were homesteading a ranch in Woodruff, Utah, but the Murray property is where they chose to build the Red House, a home for their family of 13 children.
The home is tucked town a little lane, located just off of Wesley Road (named for Wesley Walton) at about 5200 South and between 1300 and 900 East. “People who’ve lived in the neighborhood for years often don’t even know it’s here,” Santa Cruz said.
“When the house was built none of the subdivisions that surround it were here. The drive entered from 1300 East and wound up the hill where the trailer court is now,” Santa Cruz said. “They must have had a sweeping and beautiful view.”
Wesley Walton was politically active and was a state senator from 1905 to 1909. He grew up in Maine and his father was a supreme court justice. “This house was a great place for political gatherings and entertaining politicians from out of town,” Santa Cruz said. “He even hosted Teddy Roosevelt here.
“He likely would have run for state governor, but when he was 64 years old his bathrobe caught fire and he suffered burns. He died a year later, in 1917.”
Santa Cruz’s grandfather, Arthur Walton, was born the year the Red House was built in 1899. It was a big house built for a big family. Wesley and Frances had 10 boys (and one girl) in quick succession. Then two more caboose-children (both girls) for a total of 13 children. Amazingly, all of the children survived to adulthood.
“My great-grandmother (Frances) had lost two sisters to disease during her youth, and as a young mother, she was determined to keep her children alive,” Santa Cruz said. “At the first sign of symptoms she’d pack up the wagon and take the healthy kids out to the ranch in Woodruff or to another nearby home. Back then, they believed the air surrounding a sick person was ‘bad air.’ It must have worked.”
The 10 brothers who lived in the house were a force to be reckoned with. They had their own family band and played at local events. “There were enough of them they created their own basketball and baseball team,” Santa Cruz said referencing a black and white photo of a band of 10 boys.
Santa Cruz has spent much time renovating the historic home and she continually finds messages carved or penciled onto the brick, particularly around the kitchen door and various places on the wraparound porch. “It depends on how the light hits, but you can read initials and little notes,” Santa Cruz said. “I
think the house is sending me messages.” Historic home: haunted and also happy
The house sat empty for 24 years after Frances Walton (wife of Wesley and mother of the 13 children) died in 1942.
Santa Cruz’s father called it the “haunted house” because it was furnished and somewhat abandoned. In the front hall stood a stuffed wolf (because one of the boys dabbled in taxidermy), and above the wolf hung a picture of Faust, the character who made a deal with the devil.
“It wasn’t the most welcoming of vestibules,” Santa Cruz laughed. “Local kids would
come over and shoot BB guns at the front door. There are still holes in the brick and the surrounding woodwork.”
When she was a child, Santa Cruz’s grandmother lived across the street and occasionally Santa Cruz would get to wander around the old house, which also housed a stuffed deer in the attic. But the place was so big and needed so much work, no one in the family was willing to take it on. And so, it sat.
Then in 1968 one of the 10 boy’s sons (Santa Cruz’s uncle) fixed it up. He sold off some of the land to pay for the renovations and eventually sold the home to a buyer who
An early photo of the historic Red House located in Murray. The home is one of three Victorian homes celebrating 125 years. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
Current owner, and great-great granddaughter of the original builder and owner, Rebecca Santa Cruz (and her dog Gus) show off the original six-burner coal stove. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
The 2017 film version of “Little Women” was filmed at the historic Red House in Murray. Pictured is Jo’s turret room, retaining some of the decor installed for the movie. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
The two honey locust trees pre-date the 1899 historic Red House. Seeds for the trees traveled in the vest pocket of Simpson David Huffaker, who traveled from Nauvoo, Illinois with the first band of pioneers. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
wasn’t a member of the Walton/Huffaker family.
But the house had a hold on Santa Cruz. “I thought about it throughout my life, and nine years ago, I bought it,” she said. “And I brought it back to the family.”
Taking care of the old Victorian requires constant work. The first thing Santa Cruz did was take out 9,000 square feet of pink carpeting. “It was on every single floor and staircase.” Under the carpeting were the original old-growth fir floors, some of the planks over 100 feet long.
The beauty and historic appeal of the place has drawn filmmakers throughout the years. The 2017 version of “Little Women” was filmed almost entirely in the Red House. The attic turret was Jo’s room where she is portrayed writing the iconic tale.
An aside for those who don’t recall the story, “Little Women” is a novel published in 1868, and is a somewhat autobiographical story written by Louisa May Alcott about her childhood and her sisters, in which Alcott portrayed herself as the character Jo March.
There were also episodes of “Touched by an Angel” filmed in and around the house, and a crew will start filming this October on a new project (which cannot yet be revealed).
“I feel like the house is trying to chip in where it can,” Santa Cruz said. “I anthropomorphize the place. And when we have re-
unions, I can feel the house is happy getting all of its people together.”
What does it mean to be a Victorian?
The Red House, built in 1899, is built in the Queen Anne Victorian architectural style.
Queen Anne was a British Monarch who reigned from 1702 until 1714, and a popular architecture style emerged during her reign, featuring sweeping exterior stairs and handworked ornamentation. During the later reign of Queen Victoria (1837 to 1901), this architecture style entered a revival period and changed somewhat.
During the Victorian revival, the Industrial Revolution was in full-swing and the designers embraced new materials and technologies to create houses with many pre-fabricated flourishes. Mass-production and mass-transit via the railroads made this architectural detailing more affordable, and it therefore became plentiful throughout cities and suburbs across the United States.
“The typical features in a Queen Anne are that the design is asymmetrical and it has a turret,” Santa Cruz said. “There is often stained glass, a wraparound porch, pocket doors and detailed woodwork.”
The Red House is one of three beautifully preserved historic Victorian homes located in Murray. On the state historic registry, the Red House proudly boasts many of these features in original form. l
Current owner and great-great granddaughter of the original owner, Rebecca Santa Cruz, stands outside her historic home. The home, called the Red House, is one of three Victorian homes in Murray turning 125 this year. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
Halloween in Murray—the only thing to be afraid of is missing out on the fun!
Thevibrant colors of the leaves, the crisp blue sky, sweater-weather, pumpkins on the vine, and pumpkin spice everything...these are all signs that autumn is here. There’s no better way to celebrate than with a Halloween or autumn event.
Centrally located Murray City has more than its fair share of events for residents and others to enjoy during this season. With events running every day of October, there’s always something spooky or festive to do. Here’s some ideas:
Wheeler Farm
Wheeler Historic Farm is a working farm and public park with 75 acres of natural landscape, park and wooded trails. A historic (possibly haunted) 125-year-old farm house is the most notable building, but there is also an activity barn, stables and farm animals, gardens, an old-fashioned shop and a playground fort available every day during daylight hours all year long.
“But October is our busiest month of the year, bustling with guests enjoying our hay maze and playland, picking the perfect pumpkin, taking a wagon ride, or simply enjoying the fall weather,” Sophie Hoesch, program coordinator at Wheeler Farm, said.
Here’s a listing of autumn activities at Historic Wheeler Farm:
Pumpkin Days Hay Maze and Play Area –Events run all of October. Hay maze, corn pit, duck races, pedal tractor, wagon or cow train ride. Also, a storybook walk along a decorated path, in collaboration with the county libraries. Variable pricing, but adult pricing for all activities is $12.
• Mon.-Thurs. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and special hours for fall break
• Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sun.- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pumpkin Bootique – Unique gifts for purchase. Oct. 11, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free to attend.
Pumpkin Patch – Events run all October. Free except for the pumpkins, priced based on size.
• Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sun.- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Food Truck Fridays - All October evenings in conjunction with Pumpkin Days events. Murray Parks & Rec
Murray Parks & Recreation has been innovating with new offerings intended to get the whole family out to enjoy the park, the weather and each other. Not just this season, but all year long.
“We have new coordinators who are phenomenal, and they are brainstorming, coming up with innovative programming intended to get the public together in ways that aren’t just sports based,” Soni Hirasuna, recreation director at Murray Parks & Rec, said. “We are trying to reach all parts of the community, not just athletes, and not just youth.”
In a prior interview with the Murray
By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com
Journal, Hirasuna shed light on the changing landscape of youth sports participation. With a shift toward specialization in one sport and increased interest in individual activities like video games, the Murray Park Center has responded by expanding its year-round offerings, including during the festive autumn season.
“There are a bunch of new activities we started in just the last two years, but of course, we also have a few of the classic favorites. The pumpkin race has been around for over a decade and people love it. We have regulars, rival teams from the high school or teams representing the police or fire, and new participants every year,” Hirasuna said. “And tons of people come just to watch.”
In the pumpkin race, participants carve and hollow-out pumpkins, they decorate and attach wheels, then race them down the hill in front of the Murray ice sheet. There are several categories of races, and in each, the first one to the bottom wins.
“People really get into it. We have some engineers who try to figure out the perfect placement of the wheels and just the right shape of pumpkin. Some elaborately decorate their racer,” Hirasuna said. “Kids often dress up to match their pumpkin.”
Participation in most activities through Murray Parks & Rec requires advance online registration and many events fill to capacity, so register early. A listing of events by date can be seen below.
Also, pumpkin racers should come to the park with their pumpkin ready for racing. Instructions on how to build the racer and registration links for all events can be found at: https:// mcreg.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs
• Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. – adult volleyball costumed coed and men’s tournaments with candy prizes awarded.
• Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. – Halloween Howl costumed 3K and 5K with/without a dog. There will be prizes for best costume and for placing in the race. $5 (no dog), $10 (dog and Murray resident), $13 (non-resident).
• Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. – Halloween themed jigsaw puzzle competition. Prizes for winners and team takes home the puzzle. $22/team of maximum four adults.
• Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m. – Pumpkin Race and Pumpkin Plummet (spotlighted above) on the hill west of the rec center. There will be a carved pumpkin derby race and afterward Murray Fire will drop pumpkins and piñatas (not at the same time) from a sky-high bucket truck.
• Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. - Pumpkin Plunge. Kids
explore a floating pumpkin patch in the rec center pool, then swim to their favorite pumpkin (depending on swimming ability). Every participant gets a pumpkin. Afterward, stay to swim and enjoy carnival games. $4 (resident), $6 (non-resident).
• Oct. 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Trunk or Treat in the parking lot outside the rec center there will be a costume contest, games, face painting and candy. $2 (resident), $3 (non-resident).
Exchange Club’s Haunted Woods
It’s the 50-year anniversary for the Haunted Woods, hosted by the Salt Lake City-area Exchange Clubs. Held annually in Murray Park, north of the rec center, guests tromp through the eerily decorated “haunted woods” within the park. Thrill seekers can choose between the not-so-scary Silly Trail (from 5 to 7 p.m.) or the more intense Spooky Trail (from 7 to 9 p.m.).
The event is staffed by boys and girls from
high school clubs across the valley, who fill the woods with chills and thrills. “This has been a tradition in Utah for 50 years, and guests love that they can share something from their childhood with their own children,” Sheri Van Bibber of the Murray Exchange Club said. “It’s a fabulous, family-friendly event.”
This year the Haunted Woods received a grant from Parents Empowered Utah, which is allowing them to “amp up the decorations and design details in the woods to new levels,” and, as in past years, proceeds go toward the fight against child abuse and domestic abuse in Utah. Oct. 21 to 23 – Haunted Woods in Murray Park – $5 (kids 3 and under are free). Each ticket includes a doughnut and hot cocoa.
For more information and to buy tickets: www.ticketleap.events/tickets/hauntedwoods/the-haunted-woods-2024#.
Murray Parks & Rec Haunted Woods
This year is the 50th anniversary for the beloved Haunted Woods, a family-friendly event running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 21-23. Guests can tromp through the trees in Murray Park to encounter thrills and chills of all sorts. (Courtesy Sheri Van Bibber)
“October is the busiest month of the year, bustling with guests enjoying our hay maze and playland, picking the perfect pumpkin, taking a wagon ride, or simply enjoying the fall weather,” Sophie Hoesch, program coordinator at Wheeler Farm, said. (Courtesy Salt Lake County Parks)
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• Salt Lake Board of Realtors Top 500 Agents & Hall of Fame 5x Award Recipient
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• Founder of a Local Non-profit for Suicide Awareness
Mark Miller Subaru to host a pet adoption and costume party
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Bring a furry friend to Mark Miller Subaru South Towne (10920 S. State St.) on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for a celebration of pets.
As part of the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, Mark Miller Subaru will partner with Salt Lake County Animal Services to host a Make A Dog’s Day pet adoption and party that includes a pet costume contest
(with a $500 grand prize), free microchipping, a pet photographer and vendors, food trucks and fun pet activities.
“All of the vendors are pet-focused,” said Teylor Crenshaw, Mark Miller Subaru community partnership and events manager. “There are local pet-treat companies, companies that make pet clothes or things that drive home the idea of making a dog’s
day and prioritizing and giving love to our furry friends.”
Mark Miller Subaru will also donate up to $8,000 to Salt Lake County Animal Services to help further its goal of furthering the adoption, health and welfare of pets. The organization will also donate 300 dog toys and 20 new pet parent kits that include leashes, bags, travel bowls and more. For
more information, visit Markmillersubaru. com/make-a-dogs-day.
“It’s awesome to be a part of something that big, to give back to the community, especially with animals, where they can’t advocate for themselves,” Crenshaw said. “We want to make it an experience for the animals as well. It will be a good community day.” l
Bring your pet or adopt a new one at the Mark Miller Subaru South Towne pet adoption party on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10920 S. State St. (Photos courtesy of Mark Miller Subaru)
October 2024
Attorney 801-264-2640
Business Licensing
Cemetery
City Council
801-270-2425
801-264-2637
801-264-2603
Finance Department 801-264-2513
Passports 801-264-2660
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Administrative O ce .......... 801-264-2781
Non-Emergency Calls 801-840-4000
General Information ................ 801-264-2525
Human Resources.................... 801-264-2656
Library 801-264-2580
Mayor’s O ce 801-264-2600
Municipal Court....................... 801-284-4280
As summer comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for making this season one to remember. It’s been a joy seeing our community come together at parks, festivals, and local events. But while the warm days may be behind us, I’m excited to let you know that the fun is far from over!
Murray City has many events and activities planned through the end of the year. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, family-friendly festivals, holiday celebrations, or arts and cultural events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These upcoming events are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbors and continue building the vibrant, welcoming community that makes Murray so special.
I encourage you to stay connected with the city’s website and social media channels for updates on the exciting activities coming your way.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
SALSA CONTEST:
October 12 | 7:00 AM–Noon
Location: Murray Park Pavilion #5
featuring Murray City Advisory Boards. Come and taste and vote for your favorite..
FAMILY NIGHT CONCERT FEATURING LONG FROM LEAVITT :
October 14 | 7:00 PM
Location: Senior Recreation Center
Join us for a fantastic evening of live music.
JURIED ART SHOW
October 23 – November 13
At Murray City Library
PUMPKIN RACES
October 18 | 6 pm
Location: West side of the Park Center
Register at www.mcreg.com before noon on Friday the 18th. After the races stick around to watch our pumpkin plummet. Pumpkins and pinatas will be dropped by the Murray Fire Department.
Featuring the art of Murray residents age 18 and older
PUMPKIN STROLL:
October 25 | 6:00 PM
Location: Murray City Hall Plaza
Enjoy pumpkin carving and painting contests, haunted tales from local writers, and an awards ceremony, with hot cider and donuts to keep you cozy.
TRUNK OR TREAT
October 24 | 5:30 pm
Location: The Park Center
Registration: $2 resident, $3 non-resident
Face painting, candy, toys, games, costume contest
ROBINSON CAROLS SING-ALONG:
December 16 | 6:30 PM
Location: Senior Recreation Center
Brett A. Hales -Mayor mayor@murray.utah.gov
801-264-2600
10 East 4800 South Murray, Utah 84107
Join us for the annual Robinson Carols sing-along and enjoy a festive evening.
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY & SANTA ARRIVAL:
December 7 | 6:00 PM
Location: Murray City Hall
Kick o the holiday season with our tree lighting ceremony and the arrival of Santa!
VISITS WITH SANTA:
December 12 & 19 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Location: Murray City Hall
Message from the Council
Jim and Jean Hendrickson Beauti cation Awards
Many long-time Murray residents are familiar with Jim & Jean Hendrickson Beautication Awards. For new residents and business owners, here’s some insight into these awards and the volunteers who select the winning homes and businesses.
The awards are named after Jim and Jean Hendrickson. Jim Hendrickson served his rst term on the Shade Tree and Beauti cation Commission in 1980, and continued to serve until he passed away in 2020 at the age of 97. He was deeply passionate about trees and the importance of maintaining Murray’s urban forest. The Shade Tree and Beauti cation Commission was established in 1960, and Murray City received its rst Tree City USA recognition in 1977. The beauti cation program was created to honor Murray residents who go above and beyond in maintaining their properties. Nominations are submitted by residents and judged by the Commission.
Judging criteria include: design complexity, general e ects and value to the community, use of space and hardscape, and overall property maintenance.
Each year, 10 awards are given out:
• Districts 1-5
• Xeriscape
• Living Park Strip
• Multi-family Residence
• Commercial Property
• Overall Citywide Winner (Mayor’s Award)
Winners are invited to a City Council meeting to be recognized for their contributions to beautifying the community. They receive a yard sign to display on their property, a plaque, and a color photo of their property.
The volunteers on the Shade Tree and Beauti cation Commission contribute countless hours of service. I would like to extend a very big
CALLING ALL CRAFT VENDORS
‘TIS THE SEASON BOUTIQUE
Date: Monday, Oct. 14
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Vendors $30-$40; Free for Public
Application deadline is Thurs, Aug 15
More info available on our website
CHEF OMAR LIMON
DAILY LUNCH
Date: Tuesday through Friday
Time: 11:30 a.m. – noon
Cost: Cost is $5; prior reg. not required
CLASSES
CERAMICS
Date: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon
Cost: $1.50 each class + cost of supplies
GRIEF SUPPORT
“Thank You” to the past volunteers for their many years of dedication:
• District 1: Judith Payne; served 4 terms for a total of 12 years
• District 2: Darin Bird; served 5 terms for a total of 18 years
• District 3: General Nelson; served 5 terms for a total of 18 years
• District 4: Jim Hendrickson; served 15 terms for a total of 40 years
• District 5: Dr. Janice Evans; served 7 terms for a total of 22 years
The following volunteers have been appointed by the Mayor to represent the following districts:
• District 1:
• District 2: Jann Cox
• District 3:
• District 4: Marshall Smith
• District 5: Alex Motro
If you live in District 1 or District 3 and would like to serve on this committee, I encourage you to submit your resume and a letter of interest to Kathy Miller at kmiller@murray.utah.gov.
The 2024 Jim and Jean Hendrickson Beauti cation Award winners are as follows:
District 1: Johnson Residents - 845 West Germania Ave.
District 2: Deppe Residents - 6482 South 520 West
District 3: Kessimakis Residents - 4520 South Atwood Blvd.
District 4: Eskelson Residents - 6016 South 1430 East
District 5: Shepard Residents - 752 East Southwood Dr.
Living Park Strip: Warnock Residents - 882 West Germania Ave.
Xeriscape: Fullmer Residents - 436 East 6230 South
Multi-Family: Miller Estates - 4929 South Lake Pines Dr. Commercial: Roderick Enterprises - 1214 East Vine St. City-Wide (Mayor’s Award): Kessimakis Residents4648 South 345 East
Date: Friday, Oct. 11 and 25
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
VITAL AGING: Aging and Independence
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 29
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
DANCE
BEGINNING LINE DANCE INSTRUCTION
Date: Tuesdays
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Cost: $5 for the month; register now
LINE DANCE INSTRUCTION
Date: Tuesdays
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 for the month; register now
THURSDAY EVENING SOCIAL DANCE
Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays
Date: Thursdays
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $5
FITNESS
DAILY FITNESS CLASSES – check our current newsletter for schedule and fees
PROGRAMS BINGO
Date: Wednesdays and Fridays
Time: 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Cost: Free, donations are appreciated BRIDGE LESSONS
Date: Mondays
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
City Council District #1
Paul Pickett
801-743-0911
ppickett@murray.utah.gov
Council District 2
Pam Cotter
801-541-8364
pcotter@murray.utah.gov
Council District 3
Rosalba Dominguez
801-382-9674
rosalba.dominguez@murray.utah.gov
Council District 4
Diane Turner
801-635-6382
diane.turner@murray.utah.gov
City Council District #5
Adam Hock
801-557-1346
ahock@murray.utah.gov
Executive Director
Jennifer Kennedy Office: 801-264-2622
jkennedy@murray.utah.gov
Telephone Agenda Information 801-264-2525
Pam Cotter, District #2
OCTOBER 2024
2024 JURIED ART SHOW
The Juried Art Show is an annual event showcasing the artistic talents of Murray residents and is open to both amateur and professional artists aged 18 and older. This event includes the following categories: Watercolors, Oil and Acrylic, Graphics (pen, pencil, pastel, ink), Original Photography, Mixed Medium, Ceramics, Woodwork, 3D.
Entries must be dropped o at the Murray Library on Monday, October 21st or Tuesday, October 22nd, between 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM. All entries must be picked up on November 14th between 10 AM and 1 PM. If you cannot collect your work during these times, please contact Caitlin at clarson@murray.utah.gov or 801-284-2510. For more information visit: murray.utah.gov/1648/Adult-Juried-Art-Show Questions? Contact Caitlin at clarson@murray.utah.gov or 801-284-2510
murray.utah.gov murray.utah.gov
Murray
City Recreation
Murray City
Recreation
THE PARK CENTER THE PARK CENTER
FRIDAY, October 18
Check in 5:30pm Race begins at 6pm Cost FREE
Costume Contest/Prizes! Pumpkin Plummet
pumpki k n plunge umpkin
Saturday, October 19
8am-8:45am Gym Carnival Games
8:45am-9am Pumpkin Plunge
Cost $4 Residents |$6 Non-Residents
Monthly Lessons
Tuesday and Thursday
3:45, 4:20, 4:55, and 5:30pm 8 lessons / $40 res & $50 non-res
Also offering a Jr. Jazz League for ages 5-13 beginning in January 2025. registration mcreg.com
3K & 5K = $5 resident / $7 non-resident
Dogs must have current vaccinations Prizes! Race in Murray Park
HALLOWEEN SECTION
A publication covering local Halloween legends and activities for everyone around the Salt Lake Valley
6 terrifying haunted locations in Salt Lake County to visit this Halloween
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
When the air grows chilly and the veil between worlds thins during Halloween, Salt Lake County becomes a playground for the paranormal. This region, steeped in history and folklore, is home to some of Utah’s most spine-chilling locations where ghost sightings and eerie encounters are the norm. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a believer in the supernatural, these terrifying places will give you goosebumps long after you’ve left. If you're looking for a truly terrifying Halloween experience, here are the scariest haunted spots in Salt Lake County.
Fear Factory
Located just outside downtown Salt Lake City, Fear Factory isn’t just a haunted attraction for thrill seekers—it’s a real-life haunted site. Once the Portland Cement Factory, this massive industrial facility was the scene of numerous gruesome deaths, including factory accidents where workers were crushed by machinery or fell into vats of cement. Today, the factory stands abandoned, except for the reported spirits of the workers who died there.
Visitors and staff at Fear Factory have reported hearing eerie whispers, seeing shadowy figures dart across the dilapidated buildings, and feeling an oppressive energy that seems to follow them. One of the most harrowing sightings is that of a disembodied hand, believed to belong to a worker who lost his life in a terrible accident. On Halloween, the site transforms into a commercial haunted house, but many say the real terror is the spirits that never left.
The Old Mill
Arguably the most infamous haunted location in Salt Lake County, the Old Mill sits abandoned in Cottonwood Heights, shrouded in mystery and fear. Built in the late 1800s, the mill was used to process
grain before a fire destroyed much of the building. While the mill has stood vacant for decades, it has gained a reputation as one of Utah’s most terrifying places.
Local legends claim that the Old Mill is haunted by the ghosts of workers who died in the fire, as well as by more sinister forces. Paranormal investigators have reported intense cold spots, phantom footsteps, and feelings of dread upon entering the property. The most terrifying accounts tell of shadowy figures watching from the upper floors, and some visitors claim to have been physically touched or shoved by unseen hands. Trespassing is illegal, but that hasn’t stopped urban explorers from visiting—many of whom leave in a hurry, spooked by the unsettling atmosphere.
The Shilo Inn
The Shilo Inn, now a Holiday Inn Express, is one of Salt Lake City's most tragic and haunted locations. In 1978, the hotel became the site of a horrific mass murder-suicide when a mother, who had become obsessed with religious doomsday beliefs, threw her seven children from the hotel’s balcony before leaping to her death. The tragedy shocked the community, and ever since, the hotel has been plagued by paranormal activity.
Guests have reported hearing the sound of children crying or laughing in the hallways, even when no children are staying there. Some have woken up to see ghostly children standing at the foot of their bed, only for the figures to disappear moments later. The hotel's staff also report eerie occurrences, such as flickering lights, doors opening and closing on their own, and sudden cold drafts. This real-life horror makes the former Shilo Inn one of the most unsettling locations in Salt Lake County and a place few would dare stay on Halloween night.
The Old Deseret Hospital
Located near the historic Avenues District in Salt Lake City, the Old Deseret Hospital opened its doors in 1882, catering mainly to women and children. While the hospital is long gone, many locals believe that the spirits of patients who died there still linger. Those who visit the area report hearing phantom cries, especially at night, and some have even seen the apparition of a nurse walking down where the hospital once stood.
Today, the location is a hotspot for ghost hunters who claim that the residual energy from the building still haunts the area. As the sun sets, the once-bustling neighborhood can take on a much more somber and eerie tone, making it the perfect place for a Halloween exploration.
The Rio Grande Depot
A hub of history, The Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City was once a bustling train station. Now home to offices and a museum, it’s better known for the ghostly “Purple Lady,” a spectral figure seen wan-
dering the building. According to legend, the Purple Lady died on the train platform in the 1920s after a lover’s quarrel. Distraught, she either fell or was pushed in front of a train, her body mangled in the accident.
Since then, her ghost has been spotted by countless people, often appearing in her elegant purple dress, wandering the halls or standing at the end of the platform. Lights flicker mysteriously, and security guards working after hours have reported objects moving on their own and the feeling of being watched. The depot’s cavernous halls amplify every sound, making even the slightest noise unsettling. On Halloween night, the energy in the depot becomes even more intense, and many believe it’s the best time to catch a glimpse of the Purple Lady herself.
Asylum 49
Technically located just outside Salt Lake County in Tooele, Asylum 49 deContinued on page 21
Which haunted house is the best in Utah?
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
When does “spooky season” really start? For most of the haunted attractions in Utah, the answer appears to be September.
But when the attractions open, how do you know where to go? Well, reviews have a lot to say when it comes to that. Here are the most highly rated haunted attractions in Utah.
Some attractions may not be included on this list if certain information—such as Google reviews, websites, or a 2024 schedule—was not available.
Castle of Chaos Haunted House and Escape Rooms, Midvale
Castle of Chaos Haunted House and Escape Rooms is a year-round attraction that has earned a 4.6-star rating from more than 2,600 Google reviews. The attraction has a 3.7-star rating from 110 reviews on Yelp.
The haunted house attraction is open Sept. 6 and will run most weekends for the remainder of September. In October, the haunted house will be open for most days except for the first three Wednesdays.
The haunted escape rooms have many different themes: Paranormal, “Nightmare Realm,” serial killer, asylum
By Bailey Chism
As the days grow shorter and the air crisper, a curious transformation takes place. Porches are adorned with jack-o'-lanterns, cobwebs, and eerie decorations, and people willingly seek out haunted houses, scary movies and tales of the macabre. The question arises: why do we love to be scared, especially around Halloween?
At the heart of this fascination is the adrenaline rush that accompanies fear. When faced with a frightening situation— whether it’s the jump-scare in a horror film or the ominous creak of a floorboard in a haunted house—our bodies react instinctively. The "fight or flight" response kicks in, releasing adrenaline and other stress hormones that heighten our senses and quicken our pulse. This surge of energy can be thrilling, especially when we know we are in no real danger. It’s the same reason people enjoy extreme sports or roller coasters; the controlled risk makes the experience exhilarating rather than terrifying.
Beyond the physical thrill, there’s a deeper psychological process at play: catharsis. Halloween, with its focus on the eerie and the supernatural, provides a socially acceptable outlet for exploring our
and lockdown. Tickets for the escape rooms range from $27 to $30.
The haunted house starts at $20 for groups of one to six people.
Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City
Nightmare on 13th is a haunted house located in Salt Lake City and its website declares its “Utah’s No. 1 scariest haunted house,” and the attraction boasts a 4.5star rating from more than 2,000 Google reviews. On Yelp, the haunted house has a 4-star average from about 80 reviews.
Nightmare on 13th is scheduled to open Friday, Sept. 13 and will run on Fridays and Saturdays for the remainder of September. In October, the haunted house will be open most days except Sunday. The haunted house will also run the first two days of November.
Tickets can range from $25 to $76 depending on the days and times you choose to attend.
Fear Factory, Salt Lake City
Fear Factory in Salt Lake City is located at 666 W. 800 South, and says on its website that it's “one of the top Halloween attractions in the world.”
Based on more than 2,600 Google
reviews, it averages a 4.4-star rating from visitors. On Yelp, it averages a 3.3-star rating from just over 110 reviews.
Fear Factory is set to open Friday, Sept. 6 and will be open on weekends in September before opening Wednesday through Sunday for most of October. The haunted house will be open for “Lights Out Night” on the first two days of November.
Tickets for Fear Factory can range from about $30 to about $250 depending on which experiences and souvenirs you’re interested in.
Haunted Forest, American Fork
The Haunted Forest in American Fork averages about 4.2 stars from almost 1,300 Google reviews, and 2.8 stars from 33 Yelp reviews.
The attraction doesn’t have a set schedule available online for 2024, but has advertised its featured attractions for 2024: Leech Lagoon at Bone Creek and Alien Attack.
Strangling Brothers Haunted Circus, American Fork
The Strangling Bros. Haunted Circus in American Fork has earned a 4-star rating from more than 660 reviews on Google. On Yelp, it’s garnered a 2.8-star rating
from about 40 reviewers.
The haunted circus’s website said it was “voted the No. 1 scariest haunted house in Utah” but it also offers visitors the chance to walk through the forest without the scare actors.
The circus is expected to begin Friday, Sept. 13 and will continue on Fridays and Saturdays for the rest of the month. Starting Oct. 1, the attraction will be open most days except Sunday.
Tickets for the haunted attraction can range from $30 to $80 depending on whether you purchase general admission, fast pass or VIP tickets.
Other Haunted Options
While there are far more haunted attractions than those listed, the attractions listed about are what the public deems to be the best of the best. A few other attractions in Utah are listed below:
• Asylum 49, Tooele
• Field of Fear, West Haven
• Frightmares, (Lagoon Theme Park) Farmington
• Hidden Lake Haunts, Bountiful
• Night Stalkers Haunted Trail, West Jordan
fears. In everyday life, we often suppress feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Engaging with scary stories or participating in Halloween rituals allows us to confront these emotions head-on, in a safe and controlled environment. This confrontation can lead to a sense of release or relief, a psychological cleansing that leaves us feeling lighter and more at ease.
Another key aspect of why we enjoy being scared around Halloween is the social element. Fear, much like laughter, can be contagious. When we experience something frightening with others— whether it’s huddling together during a horror movie or navigating a haunted maze as a group—we create shared memories and bond over the mutual experience. The laughter and camaraderie that often follow a good scare are part of what makes these experiences enjoyable. They bring people closer, fostering a sense of connection and community.
The tradition of celebrating fear during Halloween has deep cultural roots. Originating from ancient Celtic festivals like Samhain, where people believed the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, Halloween has long been asso-
ciated with the supernatural. Over time, these traditions evolved, blending with other cultural practices to create the Halloween we know today—a holiday where the scary, the strange, and the spooky are celebrated. Participating in these rituals, whether by donning a scary costume or telling ghost stories, is a way of connecting with these ancient traditions and honoring the past.
There’s also an element of curiosity
and exploration in our love of Halloween scares. The unknown, the mysterious, and the macabre have always fascinated humanity. Halloween provides a socially acceptable opportunity to delve into these darker aspects of life, to question what lies beyond the veil of our everyday existence. It’s a time to explore themes that are often taboo, such as death, the supernatural, and the afterlife, in a way that is both playful and profound.
Halloween offers a form of escapism. In a world filled with daily routines and responsibilities, the chance to immerse ourselves in a night of fantasy and fear is a welcome diversion. It allows us to step out of our ordinary lives and into a world where anything can happen—a world of ghosts, goblins and ghouls.
So, as you carve your pumpkin, don your costume, or settle in for a scary movie this Halloween, remember that the thrill of fear is not just a seasonal pastime. It’s a complex, multifaceted experience that taps into deep-seated psychological needs and cultural traditions, making it a beloved part of the Halloween season.
10 family-friendly Halloween activities this month
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Halloween is a spooky time for families to create lasting memories. From eerie displays to costume contests, many activities in Salt Lake County cater to all ages, ensuring everyone gets in on the festive spirit. These family-friendly, spine-tingling adventures will bring excitement to your Halloween celebrations while keeping the scares at a comfortable level.
BooLights, Hogle Zoo (2600 Sunnyside Ave., SLC)
Specific nights from Oct. 2-30, 6:309:30 p.m., $12.95-$18.95
This after-hours light display transforms Hogle Zoo into a bewitching destination. With entertainment and attractions like Dr. Frankenstein's Lab Show at the Wildlife Theatre, the event is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Costumes are allowed, but face-covering masks and any resemblance of weapons are prohibited. Check HogleZoo.org for dates. Little Haunts, This is the Place Heritage Park (2601 Sunnyside Ave., SLC)
October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $14.95-$18.95
Don your costumes and visit This is the Place for storytelling, trick-or-treating and take-home crafts. Learn about creepy bugs at the Creature Encounters and enjoy the petting corral, pony and train rides and more. Bring your own trick-or-treat bag. Tickets at ThisIsThePlace.org.
Riverton Halloween Bash, Riverton City Park (12600 S. 1452 West)
Monday, Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m., FREE
This annual Halloween tradition features age-appropriate games and activities for every family member. Snap holiday
pictures at the photo booth and enjoy the Scare Rodeo spook alley. Families are encouraged to wear costumes.
BOOtanical, Red Butte Garden (300 Wakara Way, SLC)
Oct. 17-30, Members $13, Public $16
BOOtanical Nights, 6-9 p.m. and BOOtanical Days, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit the magical world of Wonderland, where you can find hidden seeds and stop the Jabberwocky from transforming Wonderland forever. Join the adventure at RedButteGarden.org.
The Haunted Woods, Murray City Park (296 E. Murray Park Ave.)
Oct. 21-25, 5:30-9 p.m., $5
A family-friendly haunted attraction, the Haunted Woods offers a “Silly Trail” and a scarier “Spooky Trail” so everyone can have fun. All proceeds fund child abuse prevention programs. Tickets at MurrayHauntedWoods.com.
Monster Mash dance party, West Valley City Family Fitness Center (5415 W. 3100 South)
Friday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m., $5 per person, 50% off for members
The West Valley Halloween Dance Party is a fun time for the family with dancing, balloons and a costume contest. Pre-register by Wednesday, Oct. 23 at WVC-Ut.gov.
Halloween Fun Fest & Disability Resource Fair, Miller Conference Center (9750 S. 300 West, Sandy)
Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., FREE
This event features trick-or-treating, sensory activities and DJ Rebecca to
keep the music hopping. Caregivers can chat with experts and find resources. Costumes welcome!
Samhain Festival, Gallivan Center (239 S. Main Street, SLC)
Sunday, Oct. 27, Noon-7 p.m., $13$15
Experience Samhain, the festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Learn pagan traditions, enjoy live entertainment and food trucks, and activities for all ages.
Halloween Spooktacular, Abravanel Hall (123 W. South Temple, SLC)
Tuesday, Oct. 29, $8-$45 Wear a costume to this night of
hair-raising melodies featuring music from Halloween favorites. Watch and listen as members of the Utah Symphony bring monsters to life. Find tickets at UtahSymphony.org.
Día de los Muertos celebration (Millcreek Common, 1354 E. Chambers Ave., Millcreek)
Oct. 27-Nov. 2, FREE
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Millcreek Common. Bring photos of loved ones for the community Ofrenda and enjoy the Halloween Party on Oct. 31 from 7-10 p.m. The big celebration is on Nov. 2, from 6-9 p.m., with the La Catrina parade, mariachi music, face painting, traditional treats and the movie “Coco.”
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serves a mention for its terrifying proximity and haunted history. Once a hospital, this site is now a full-fledged haunted attraction. But while actors and special effects create a terrifying show, the real horror lies in the ghosts that are said to haunt the building.
Former patients of the hospital are believed to roam the halls, and many visitors have claimed to see shadow figures, hear ghostly voices, and feel sudden cold spots. Paranormal investigators have documented disembodied voices and even poltergeist activity in certain rooms. Unlike most haunted houses, Asylum 49 encourages interaction with both the living and
the dead, making it one of the most immersive and frightening haunted locations in Utah. If you're looking for an experience that blurs the line between entertainment and real paranormal encounters, this is the place to go.
Salt Lake County is filled with ghostly tales and terrifying haunted sites, each with its own dark history and eerie energy. From the real-life tragedy at the Shilo Inn to the haunted corridors of the Old Mill, these locations offer a chilling experience that will make for a Halloween night you won’t forget. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these haunted places are sure to give you a scare, leaving you wondering what might be lurking just out of sight.
Families have a variety of choices when choosing fun holiday activities in October. (Stock photo)
The Old Mill in Cottonwood Heights. (File photo City Journals)
Draper’s Kuwahara’s Pumpkin Patch and Thriller Park open for the season
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com
Kuwahara’s Pumpkin Patch and Thriller Park opened for the season on Sept. 20, giving thrill seekers more than a month to enjoy the park. Alex Kuwahara, the park’s owner, started the pumpkin patch when he was 12 years old at the original location now called Kuwahara Wholesale. It’s since grown into a pumpkin patch paradise with 25 to 30 different varieties of locally-grown pumpkins and pumpkin archways. He now runs the park along with his wife Sarah Kuwahara.
“That was a big expansion when we started to decorate our tunnels and do it all,” she said. “I mean, we always decorated them but when we made the switch to making it a real wow factor, that's definitely what puts us on the map in pumpkin patches.”
In 2016, the thriller part of the park was added and has been growing ever since.
“I would like the community to know just how much goes into this,” Sarah Kuwahara said. “We have lots of immersive attractions…[and] lots of employees here to make it awesome, so it really is a bang for your buck when you think about what
you're getting.”
Overall, the park employs about 120 people to make the experience as smooth and as fun for the crowds as possible.
More than 30 attractions draw crowds yearly, including the pumpkin patch, haunted house, Halloween Main Street, Once Upon a Time land, corn maze, Grand Bizarre, a magician and more. A crowning feature of the park is the shows and dance parties on the center stage, keeping the Halloween atmosphere alive with live entertainment ranging from fire dancers to musical performances.
Kuwahara said that park visitors can expect a reimagined pirate show to make a reappearance and the popular fire show to be back this season.
During the 2023 season, Kuwahara said more than 40,000 people visited the park and she expects even more this year.
Her advice for those experiencing the park for the first time or the 100th time is to come at night.
“At night, you really get to experience the lights and all the fun,” she said, with a big smile.
More information on park hours, pricing and events can be found online at www.kuwaharawholesale.com.
A mom takes a picture of her kids in Kuwahara’s Pumpkin Patch on opening night of the park, Sept. 20.
Known as a go-to fall picture destination, these teens came dressed for the occasion with crocheted pumpkin hats.
In the Grand Bizarre, vendors like Angie Broadbent (left) from Gemini Twins Art Studio and Photography, dress in their best ghoulish costumes to sell their wares.
Dracula was the first performance to don the stage during opening night of the park on Sept. 20. (Photos by Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
Face painting artist, Terri Williams, shows her customer the first glimpse at her handiwork in the Grand Bizarre. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
The Once Upon a Time addition to the park gives kids (and parents) a chance to immerse themselves in the magic of the season. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
Kuwahara’s is full of magical decorations to set the scene in each part of the park. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
Parkgoers enter the park’s corn maze. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
To the left of the park entrance is an archway that leads to the big stage. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
This is a local family’s second year going to the park where carts allow for easy pumpkin towing when you’ve found the best pumpkin in the patch.
A brave little girl is held up by her mom while she rings the bell to the cheers of a park employee before she enters the haunted house. The entrance to the pumpkin patch where more than 25 varieties of pumpkins await.
McDougal Funeral Home –Family Owned and Operated Since 1950
McDougal Funeral Home opened in December 1950, on Redwood Road in Taylorsville. Back then, Redwood Road was not the busy and bustling motorway it is today. Many people did not understand R. David McDougal’s vision in building a funeral home in the middle of farmland. Yet he had a dream to own and run a funeral home unlike any other in the Salt Lake Valley, with a commitment to service that would become second to none. Over the years, David, his wife, Joyce, and his brother, Richard, established just such a business.
One of the ways David made sure McDougal Funeral Home stood out was in the color of his coaches (funeral cars). Instead of the usual choices of black or white or gray, David chose baby blue. And that color stuck! Our
coaches today are still that same baby blue and are easily recognizable by anyone familiar with the McDougal Funeral Home name.
Another way David ensured his staff served with utmost support, was how his directors stayed with the family. The same director received the individual into our care, made arrangements with the family, attended the funeral service, and even drove to the cemetery. We strive to continue that tradition and commitment today. The director you first meet is the director who will see you through the entirety of the funeral.
We have recently opened a new facility adjacent to McDougal Funeral Home. It is home to The Gathering Hall, Forever Loved Pets, and our cremation center. The Gathering Hall is our event center that can be used for funerals, memorial services, open mic events, luncheons following a service, even receptions, business meetings, and family events! Our guests have loved this Hall! Forever Loved Pets is our pet cremation service. Because pets are part of your family too, we provide dignified final arrangements and offer personal support at the time of loss. We offer witness cremations in our beautiful cremation center, with
great respect to individuals who choose this increasingly popular final arrangement.
McDougal Funeral Home is still family owned and operated, with Ron McDougal, David’s greatgrandnephew, carrying on David’s legacy of superior compassion and service. Ron and his staff of highly trained funeral directors, as well as family service counselors, assist families in each detail required for planning services, whether for an immediate need or to make pre-arranged funeral plans. We look forward to serving you and thank you for allowing our family to serve your family!
UT 84123
McDougal Funeral Home 4330 S Redwood Rd. Taylorsville, UT 84123 801.968.3800
mcdougalfuneralhomes.com
love helping people at every stage in their real estate needs, from
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and retaining their equity.
PLAY GOLF WITH CART
TMurray girls soccer team has international flair
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
his season, the Murray girls soccer team has gotten help from talented newcomers. One of them came from out of town—way out of town.
Julie Groenning, a foreign exchange student from Norway, has been a welcome addition to the team. Groenning plays midfield where she helps to control the pace and flow of the game for Murray. She is an excellent ball handler and passer. She also has a high soccer IQ. Groenning scored a goal at Tooele on Sept. 11 and had an assist at home against Cottonwood Sept. 3.
A junior, Groenning has been playing soccer since she was 6. She got involved in soccer thanks to a family member.
“I got inspired by my older brother,” she said. “It seemed so fun watching him play, and I wanted to be a part of it.”
Groenning loves the competitive aspect of soccer. Mostly, however, she enjoys working hard with teammates and developing unity. She said it’s gratifying to set objectives and achieve them as a team.
“What I love most about soccer is how close you get with your teammates as we work together towards a goal,” she said. “I continue to play because I love the game, and I want to reach my full potential within the sport.”
Murray has had some ups and downs this season. As of Sept. 26, the Spartans were 5-7-1 overall and 4-4-1 in Region 10, good enough for fourth place. At press time, Murray had an RPI ranking of 17. Murray is working on securing a possible first-round bye in the state tournament, which starts Oct. 10.
The Spartans scored 19 goals and allowed 12 through the first nine region contests. In region play, Murray enjoyed wins over Tooele (4-2 on Aug. 19), Hillcrest (3-1 on Aug. 26), Cottonwood (2-0 on Sept. 3) and Cottonwood a second time (6-0 on Sept. 25). The team finished up the regular season at Jordan on Sept. 30 and then at home against Park City on Oct. 2.
The Spartans have been competitive and aren’t far away from being much higher in the standings.
In league action, three of the Spartans’ losses were by a single goal, with the fourth loss being a 4-2 setback at Park City on Sept. 9. Murray also had a game with Tooele on Sept. 11 that was postponed at halftime due to poor air quality.
On the year, Groenning has been a key player on both offense and defense from her midfield position. Teammates Preslee Stock and Bailey Trujilo led the team in scoring through 13 games with four goals each. Abbi Christensen and Elsie DeMann each had two goals.
Moving to the other side of the world to a foreign country has posed challenges and eye-opening experiences for Groen-
ning, but her Murray teammates have helped to make her feel comfortable. She appreciates the friendship she has made on the team and how everyone has reached out to her on and off the field.
“At Murray, I appreciate the commitment of the coaches to help each player develop,” Groenning said. “The support from my teammates has also been incredible, creating a positive and fun environment for me.”
Perhaps surprisingly, Groenning said there aren’t as many differences as people might think between soccer in the U.S. and soccer (or football) in Norway. She said there are some subtle differences in playing style. Plus, in Norway, schools don’t have their own teams. Rather, children and teenagers growing up only have club ball to choose from.
Groenning wouldn’t change her experience of being in the United States and playing soccer at Murray. She said it can be difficult being out of her comfort zone without so many familiar people and things around her. But she is grateful for her coaches, teammates and fellow classmates who are making this an unforgettable experience.
“I do miss my family and friends back home,” Groenning said. “It is definitely hard being so far away from my family and everything I’m familiar with. At the same time, I’m having a good time here, and I know this is as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.”
Groenning recommends foreign exchange programs and said it has taught her lessons she otherwise would not have learned.
“This exchange year has definitely made me more independent, as I’ve had to rely on myself without my parents nearby,” she said.
As for the Spartans, the remaining two games gave the team a chance to move up the standings and possibly improve their RPI ranking. The top eight seeds get first-round byes and second-round home matchups. The quarterfinals are also held on the home fields of higher-seeded teams, Oct. 17. The semifinals and finals will take place Oct. 21 and 25, respectively, at Zions Bank Stadium in Sandy.
Last season, Murray went 12-6 overall and advanced to the second round of the Class 4A state tournament after beating Cottonwood 5-0 in round one. Murray then fell in the second round at Mountain View by the count of 5-0. The Spartans last advanced past the second round in 2021 when they lost to Bonneville in the quarterfinals 1-0.
Murray is led by first-year head coach James McKenna. He has a young core of players who will be back next year to bolster the team. Murray will lose key seniors, including Bonnie Henderson and Amanda Shelton as well as Addy Simmons, DeMann, and Autumn Mead. l
Julie Groenning dribbles the ball downfield for the Murray girls soccer team. The foreign exchange student from Norway has been a key member of the Spartans. (Photo courtesy of James McKenna)
As a sugar fiend, Halloween was a High Holy day in my childhood. Like a squirrel, I used the holiday to gather and hoard candy that would last me through the autumn months until Santa could fill my stocking with tooth-breaking peppermint discs.
On Halloween, my siblings and I would take pillowcases and trick-or-treat through the neighborhood. When the bags were full, we’d bring home our haul so Mom could scrutinize each piece. She’d look for razor blades poking out of apples, unwrapped candy laced with angel dust and Butterfinger bars that she confiscated as Halloween tax.
In sixth grade, I went trick-or-treating with a boy and we dressed as square dancers because Mr. Madson had taught us how to dance and it was an easy costume. The boy was more interested in trying to kiss me than in securing candy. So I told him we had no future and do-si-doed to the next house to see if they were handing out full-size candy bars.
The gathering of candy was just the beginning. After mom crime-proofed my loot, I’d sort it into categories: chocolate bars, Charms Blow-Pops, fruity Wacky Wafers, Pixy Stix, flavorless Smarties, wax bottles filled with questionable liquid, hard-as-rock orange taffy, Bazooka bubble gum and boring Tootsie Rolls. Then, I’d count each piece so I’d know if one of my bratty siblings took anything.
Once my bag-o-cavities was categorized and counted, I’d hide it under my pillow and sleep on it like Smaug protecting his treasure from the grubby hands of mortals. I sometimes woke up with a lollipop stuck to my face.
The real benefit of Halloween candy was having access to sweet treats at school. Sneaking candy to school was the tricky part. On Nov. 1, teachers knew we’d all have pockets full of candy and we wouldn’t be able to pay attention un-
Give Me Some Sugar
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
til after Thanksgiving. But they attempted to confiscate any sugary substance, so I had to be strategic.
I’d pretend to look for something in my desk and shove a handful of Milk Duds in my mouth. Invariably, the teacher would call on me as soon as I had the candy stuffed in my cheeks like a chipmunk. Do you know how hard it is to talk with a mouthful of Milk Duds?
After school, I’d dash home to my pile of candy to recategorize and recount, and to punish anyone within screeching distance if one piece of Laffy Taffy was missing. Yes, I was a bit obsessive. I understand that now.
Halloween candy was also perfect for smuggling into Sunday school. If I could get it past my mom, I could snack all through the long Sunday services. At the time, dresses didn’t have pockets (those were hard times) so I had to resort to creative options.
My socks became repositories for candy contraband. I was too young to realize mothers notice when their child’s legs are suddenly shaped like Baby Ruth bars. Plus, the plastic candy wrappers strapped around my ankles made a crinkling and crackling noise as subtle as a bull in a china shop.
A week after Halloween, my candy stash had dwindled
significantly. I needed to cut back if it was going to last until Christmas but the Bottle Caps, the Sugar Babies, the Bit-oHoney and the Boston Baked Beans called to me like a siren on a rock.
Whether I battled the world’s loudest candy wrappers or faced the principal for participating in black market candy sales, Halloween remained my favorite holiday. I still squirrel away my favorite candies and I warn everyone to touch my cache at their peril.
