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EXCLUSIVE
How Social Media helps us connect with others
By Christian Gates
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Scrolling through social media can sometimes be hard when it seems like only bad things are happening in the world. Something that can help take your mind off of the negative things seen is reaching out to long distance friends! Social media has transformed the way we communicate with each other by allowing us to hop on a Video-call 24/7. Talking to friends and family all over the world is an amazing opportunity that sometimes can get overshadowed by daily distractions. With resources like Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, iMessage, and even just a simple phone call, connecting with others is as easy as having them in your very living room. In 2001, one of the very first platforms of social media was released in a website called “Friendster.” This platform was short-lived, but opened the door for other platforms to use email registration and basic online networking. Two of the most popular social media platforms today, LinkedIn (2002) and Facebook (2004) were founded shortly after and were based on some of the same ideas from Friendster. These platforms have given us a way to connect with people even beyond sending a text or phone call. Being able to see what friends are doing each day through something as easy as a post has allowed us to connect with others by seeing what goes on in their day-to-day lives. This November, try to let all of your friends and loved ones know how thankful you are for them through a social media platform!
Dickens Festival
By Nick Bolton
42 years ago, 4 women decided to combine their talents and create a show that would incorporate Charles Dickens' vision of Olde England around Christmas and the feeling of being a part of that time period. They decided to call it the Dickens’ Christmas Festival. One of these women was my Aunt Kathy. Making the streets of Olde London throughout the Festival has always been something that was hoped for. They worked hard to hand select each one of the vendors that would come from various parts of the country to sell all sorts of arts and crafts that had been handmade. Workers and, at times, close to 350 Vendors were asked to wear old English clothing and even talk with an English accent. It felt as if you were transported into that time period as you walked through the streets and were able to look at all the décor and goods. Early on, they asked my Grandfather, Bud, to participate by having a booth that he would make and sell his amazing Cinnamon rolls. In years past they would do 2 shows, one in Salt Lake and one in Southern Utah. This year, they will only be doing the one show here in Saint George, Utah. My Aunt Kathy, my Uncle Gary, along with their two daughters, Brittney and Mellissa, are still doing the Dickens Christmas Festival. My Dad, Brother, Sister and I have continued making the cinnamon rolls as well. To this day, only 4 people know the original secret family
Use this coupon above if you are 55 years or older and enjoy all that the Dicken's Festival has to offer!
recipe that we use. It’s become a tradition for our family and as well as the patrons that are visiting, and their families We have heard of families coming 12 hours away for the show. We have shipped our famous cinnamon rolls as far as Chicago to families that have requested them. We now not only sell Cinnamon, but have added several flavors. Cinnamon, Cinnamon Raisin, Caramel Pecan, & Orange Coconut with Craisins are some of our consistant favorites. But every once and a while we will get a crazy hair and make flavors such as Maple and Bacon, Apple Cinnamon Fritter, the Sweeny Todd with Raspberry and White Chocolate, the Spicy Todd with Raspberry, White chocolate and Jalapenos Jelly, the Aloha Bun with Pineapple, Coconut and Coconut Milk. The Dickens’ Christmas Festival is not just another craft show, but a unique and unusual entertainment and shopping experience. From dancers, performers, plays all out of Charles’ Dickens books such as Oliver and Scrooge, to amazing paintings, hand crafted items for all ages and yummy treats to please everyone. In years past, they have had horse drawn carriages and Father Christmas has brought some of his Reindeer from the North Pole for kids to feed and pet. Everyone in your family will enjoy the festival. Also make sure to bring your young ones to see and get a picture with the REAL Father Christmas who will not only take some time with your young ones to hear what they want this Christmas season, but to share some of his amazing stories. So if you’re looking for a new family tradition this might be a great one for you. Be sure to come by our booth to watch us make our Buns and even try one of our famous cinnamon rolls. Have a happy Christmas!
