May 2023 Focus

SoJo Summerfest Parade - Join the Tradition on June 3!

There’s something about a summer parade that invokes feelings of nostalgia and excitment. Perhaps it’s the sight of colorful floats, the sound of a marching band’s horns and drums, or the promise of candy raining down from passing vehicles. Whatever the reason, South Jordan City’s SoJo Summerfest Parade embodies all the best parts of a summer celebration.

This beloved tradition marks the start of a fun-filled day and the kick-off to summer. The parade fanfare begins after the SoJo Summerfest 5K race. Then it winds through the streets of South Jordan as families and friends gather along the route to cheer on local businesses and organizations, hear the roaring engines of the police motorcade, see their local City Council members, and enjoy the talented marching bands from local high schools.

South Jordan’s float – Pioneering Dreams with Flights of Fancy – will feature magical flying creatures. The float will be on display for a float preview on Tuesday,

May 30 at Highland Park (6050 W Lake Ave.) from 6-8 p.m. This preview event will feature food trucks and other fun activities and marks the official kick off of SoJo Summerfest.

As the parade winds down, the festivities continue into the night. The carnival, popular characters, petting zoo, and chalk art are just a few of the attractions that draw crowds of all ages. And of course, the day ends with a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky.

For those who love the sights and sounds of summer, the SoJo Summerfest Parade is a can’t-miss event. Remember, Redwood Road closes at 8:30 a.m. on parade day, so be sure to park and get your spot before then.

Come celebrate with us and enjoy all SoJo Summerfest has to offer from May 30 to June 3.

SJCSUMMERFEST.COM

PARADE BREAKFAST - MEET YOUR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS!

Did you know there is a parade breakfast? Save your seat on the parade route and run over to Fire Station 61 on Redwood Road to enjoy a tasty pancake breakfast (cash only) provided by Village Inn and meet some police and fire fighters, as well as your City Council members! Put it on your calendar now, June 3, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m., at 10758 S. Redwood Rd.

Beyond Snowmageddon: Why Residents Should Still Conserve

Last year was dry in the State of Utah and the City of South Jordan, with most of the state classified as being in “extreme” or “exceptional” drought for the year. This year has been remarkable regarding the amount of snow and moisture, which is excellent for our near-future water supply. But even with this significant snowpack, the city and state will still be in a drought for years. It will take multiple years of higher-than-average snowpack and conserving water to return our state to non-drought conditions.

While we can’t control the amount of snow we receive each winter, we can control how we use our precious water. South Jordan offers many rebates to help you, our residents, conserve and save water in your homes and yards. We encourage all residents to be mindful of all water use, whether culinary or secondary water supply.

The City has three turf grass-removal rebates to help you remove or replace high-water-use grass with beautiful conservation-minded landscapes. These rebates are for hardscape, curbing, and water-wise plants. By taking advantage of all three rebates,

you can receive more than $1,000 for material to help convert your space to be water-wise.

South Jordan also offers two rebates for fixtures and toilets inside the home! Toilets are a leading cause of indoor leaks and high water use. Replacing outdated (1992 or older) high-flow toilets with new and efficient low-flow toilets is a great way to conserve. Also, you can replace high-flow fixtures (2005 or older) with low-flow “Water Sense” fixtures.

Two excellent resources to check out are the Water Customer Portal (sjc.utah.gov/wateruse) and WaterSmartSoJo.org. The Water Customer Portal is a helpful tool tracking monthly, daily, and hourly water usage. The Water Smart SoJo website offers resources and information on services the City provides to help you conserve water.

Residents have done a great job conserving water over the last few years. If we continue these efforts and save even more water in 2023, we will help ensure the water supply for our city and future generations.

May is National Bike Month. Here are a few tips for driving safely around cyclists:

• Share the road – keep at least 3 feet of space between you and the bike when passing.

• Always check your blind spots for cyclists before turning.

• Look both ways before crossing a bike lane.

• Don’t park in the bike lane.

Tues & Thurs

May 2

City Event Calendar ?

Spring Cleanup

Every Tuesday and Thursday in May, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 10960 S. Park Rd. sjc.utah.gov/SeasonalWasteServices

City Council Meeting

6:30 p.m.

City Hall, 1600 W. Towne Center Dr. & Online sjc.utah.gov/city-council

Art on the Towne & Quilt Show

May 6

10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 1600 W. Towne Center Dr.

May 12

Senior Programs: Mother’s Day Luncheon Tea Party 11:30 a.m.

Community Center, 10778 S. Redwood Rd. Space is limited. Call 801-302-1222 to reserve a spot.

May 16

City Council Meeting 6:30 p.m.

City Hall, 1600 W. Towne Center Dr. & Online sjc.utah.gov/city-council

May 26

Senior Programs: Memorial Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

Community Center, 10778 S. Redwood Rd. Space is limited. Call 801-302-1222 to reserve a spot.

Memorial Day Event

May 29

May 30 -

June 3

Time TBD

South Jordan Cemetery, 10630 S. 1055 W. sjc.utah.gov

SoJo Summerfest

Tuesday - Saturday

South Jordan City Park, 11000 S. Redwood Rd. SJCSummerfest.com

The City has an FAQ with information about flood potential, sand bags, and more on the website. Visit sjc.utah.gov/floodinfo

Sign up with the online Water Customer Portal to get detailed information about your water use. Set water usage goals, receive alerts and reminders, and compare your water use to your neighborhood. By signing up you’ll receive a $20 one-time credit to your water bill. Visit wateruse.sjc.utah.gov to register.

MAYOR'S CORNER D awn R. R amsey

As the weather (finally) gets warmer, I encourage everyone driving to be extra watchful and aware of pedestrians and bicyclists on our sidewalks and roads, especially keeping an eye out for children. With all of the snow, we haven’t had as many people walking or riding their bikes, so it is easy to forget to watch for them or to get distracted by our phones or other passengers.

Our transportation flow relies on trust and mutual respect as we make our way around the city. Parents, please talk to your children about the rules of the road and remind them of the safety precautions they can take as they drive, walk, skate, or ride bikes around the neighborhood. A few of these include crossing at intersections, wearing helmets, cycling the same direction as traffic in a dedicated lane or as far right to the shoulder as possible, and following all traffic laws. Remember, children without a driver’s license should not be operating motorized vehicles such as scooters, Vespas, motorcycles, or golf carts at any time. We want them to have fun neighborhood adventures this summer and being safe, alive and well, is key to a lifetime of happy memories.

I am grateful for our Community Advisory Board (CAB), made up of residents who volunteer their time to improve the quality of life for their neighbors and the entire South Jordan community. CAB meets with the police chief, Jeff Carr, on a quarterly basis. At this meeting, ideas are shared, surveys are reviewed, concerns are addressed, and suggestions are noted and (if possible) implemented. This board is a great asset to our city as they serve as liaisons between individuals of the city and the Police Department. Current members include Kip Day, Greg Hughes, Justin Petersen, Laurel Bevans, Adrianne Jones, and Laurie Payne. Their time and efforts are greatly appreciated. Thank you to them and to each of you for doing your part to help keep South Jordan a safe place for everyone. I hope you are able to get out and enjoy the nice weather!