Fireworks on the Fourth
Cover Photo By: Anna Kuglar | The Signpost
FIREWORKS LIGHT UP OGDEN’S SKY
Photos and Story
By ANNA KUGLAR Editor
This year’s Fourth of July, the skies were filled with spectacular bursts of color, as Americans celebrated the nation’s 249th Independence Day with fireworks and festivities.
Despite rain and cloudy conditions in Ogden throughout the day, the skies cleared by nightfall, allowing patriotic celebrations to go on as planned.
Whether gathering together as a community for a large fireworks show in the park or setting off smaller fireworks with friends and families during backyard barbecues, Americans once again partook in the tradition that has become synonymous with the holiday.
Local officials reminded residents and visitors of firework restrictions put in place due to the recent hot, dry weather and ongoing drought conditions. The issued firework ban allows fireworks for the July 4 weekend with restrictions in some regions of Ogden along the river parkways, around Fort Buenaventura Park and east of Harrison Boulevard.
Still, across neighborhoods and city parks, fireworks lit up the summer sky, bringing people together under a sky filled with stars and sparks.
A large firework display coming from the Barker Park firework show as seen from the North Ogden Canyon.
A large firework display coming from the Barker Park firework show as seen from the North Ogden Canyon.
FUEGOS ARTIFICIALES ILUMINAN EL CIELO DE OGDEN
Por LUNA MALAGON
Este año en el cuatro de julio, el cielo estuvo lleno de espectaculares estallidos de color, mientras los americanos celebraron el 249º Dia de la independencia con fuegos artificiales y festividades.
A pesar de la lluvia y lo nublado que estuvo durante el día en Ogden, el cielo estaba despejado al anochecer, dejando que las celebraciones patrióticas se llevarán a cabo según lo planeado.
Ya sea reunidos como comunidad para un gran espectáculo de fuegos artificiales en el parque o para lanzar fuegos más pequeños con amigos y familia durante una barbacoa en el patio trasero, una vez más los estadounidenses participaron en la tradición que se ha vuelto sinónimo de esta festividad.
Las autoridades locales recordaron a los residentes y visitantes de las restricciones impuestas sobre el uso de los fuegos artificiales debido al clima reciente, clima seco y continuas condiciones de sequías. La prohibición emitida, permite el uso de fuegos artificiales para el fin de semana del 4 de julio, con restricciones en algunas zonas de Ogden, como a lo largo de los parques junto al río, en los alrededores del parque Fort Buenaventura y al este de Harrison Boulevard.
Aun así, en los vecindarios y en los parques de la ciudad, los fuegos artificiales se iluminaron en el cielo de verano,reuniendo a las personas bajo un cielo lleno de estrellas y chispas
Se comparte esta historia en thesignpostwsu.com
Fotos e Historia Por ANNA KUGLAR
Editor
Traductor
Así se ve desde el North Ogden Canyon una larga muestra de fuegos artificiales provenientes de el Barker Park firework show.
Así se ve desde el North Ogden Canyon una larga muestra de fuegos artificiales provenientes de el Barker Park firework show.
THE FOURTH OF JULY: CENTERVILLE’S FREEDOM FESTIVAL
By HANNAH RICHARDS Reporter
The Fourth of July is a nationally-celebrated holiday in the United States, but its widespread significance does not elude the everyday individuals who this nation was established by and for.
“Freedom, independence, family, country — all those things,” Adam Johnson from Oaks Medical Group said.
Oaks Medical Group was one of the many local businesses that participated in Centerville, Utah’s Fourth of July parade. Centerville celebrates the Fourth annually with a threeday festival on July 3-5. It’s called the Centerville Freedom Festival, and it’s run by local volunteers.
July 3’s activities included a children’s
entrepreneur market from 5-8 p.m. This is an event for kids to showcase their budding businesses to their community and receive advice from more seasoned local entrepreneurs.
On July 4, the activities included the 5K Freedom Run and the Centerville Parade down Main Street. Both activities took place in the morning, starting with the 5K, followed by the parade.
July 5 had the longest lineup of activities beginning with the Children’s Parade, followed by the flag raising ceremony. Shortly after the ceremony, there was live entertainment showcasing local talent and then an art and quilt show. The day finished off with a concert in the park featuring headliner Nic Chamberlain.
For some, this holiday is about fun and
family traditions; however, for others the importance of celebrating Independence Day is born out of their belief system.
“I think us celebrating our freedom and independence really just reminds me of our God-given right to just have the freedom to not really choose, but to choose how we act and react to any situation that is given to us,” participant Enoch Clark said.
Clark was one out of a handful of students from Viewmont High School’s student council who participated in the parade. Clark emphasized that the meaning behind the Fourth of July to him centered on the freedom to make choices.
“For me, personally, it’s been interesting to see the freedom of religion play into being a Utahn,” participant Caleb Wells said. “I feel more patriotic now knowing that I had
that right, and it makes me want to celebrate more.”
Wells said being a citizen of the United States and a citizen of Utah has shaped the meaning behind this holiday for him. Wells expounded on his religious background and how it has inspired him to learn more about this nation and appreciate the freedom of religious worship.
“It’s just a good way to show our appreciation for living in the greatest country in the world,” Steven Hunt, a volunteer who helped guide traffic for the parade, said.
TEACHING ALL CHILDREN WITH THE NEW DINOSAUR PARK PLAYGROUND
By KYLE GREENAWALT Reporter
On July 1, the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park cut the ribbon on a new “All Abilities Playground” for children.
The playground was designed and created to allow children of all capabilities to learn and have fun while in the park. The ribbon was cut at around 10 a.m. after speeches given by those who worked on the project. The park was then opened for attendees of the event to play and enjoy the rest of the park free of charge.
During the event, some spoke on the process and why the inclusivity of this playground was important and meant so much for the community at large.
“The world outside is hard,” Executive Director Sara Mejeur said. “I want it to be happy and easy in the dinosaur park, so if this can be a safe place for myself and our
visitors, that is everything.”
The Dinosaur Park began to focus on an
“All Abilities” area while brainstorming the changes to the 30-year-old playground because of R.A.M.P., a Weber County organization funded by sales and use tax used for recreation and cultural organizations.
“Part of the conditions with R.A.M.P. to get the grant was that it needed to be accessible for all kids,” Mejeur said.
R.A.M.P.’s requirement sparked the designing and constructing of the playground with all types of children in mind and how to help them be able to learn and play at the same time.
“The Dinosaur Park, first and foremost, is about education,” Shane Lyon, chairman of the board of directors for the Dinosaur Park, said. “Our goal has always been education. Make it fun, but educate the kids, educate families, educate parents on the history and the prehistoric history of the entire world.”
The dinosaur park wanted to focus on making sure they offered opportunities for children of all abilities.
“We want to make it open for everyone. Whether you’re in a wheelchair or if it’s a sensory issue, kids are not disabled — they’re just different,” Lyon said. “We wanted to open that for them because we didn’t know of any other all-abilities park in this general area.”
Lyon said the park wants to make sure their future projects will also have the vision of all abilities in the future.
ANNA KUGLAR
The Signpost
The dinosaur museum that is also a part of the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park along with the recently added “All Abilities Playground” in Ogden.
ENSEÑÁNDOLE A LOS NIÑOS LA NUEVA ZONA DE JUEGOS EN EL PARQUE DE DINOSAURIOS
POR DAVID ROMAN AROS Traductor
POR KYLE GREENAWALT Reportero
El 1 de julio, el Parque de Dinosaurios George S. Eccles cortó la cinta de una nueva “Zona de juegos para todas las capacidades” destinada a los niños.
La zona de juegos fue diseñada y creada para permitir a niños de todas las capacidades a aprender y divertirse mientras estén dentro del parque. La cinta se cortó alrededor de las 10 a.m. después de discursos que fueron dados por aquellos que trabajaron en el proyecto. A continuación, el parque se abrió para que los asistentes del evento pudieran jugar y disfrutar gratuitamente el resto
del parque.
Durante el evento, algunos hablaron del proceso y de por qué la inclusividad de la zona de juegos era importante y significaba tanto para la comunidad.
La directora ejecutiva Sara Mejeur dijo, “El mundo afuera es difícil, yo quiero que sea feliz y fácil dentro del parque dinosaurio, así que si esto puede ser un lugar seguro para mi misma y nuestros visitantes, eso lo es todo”.
El Parque de los Dinosaurios empezó a centrarse en una zona “para todas las capacidades” mientras ideaba los cambios en la zona de juegos, que tiene 30 años de antigüedad, gracias a R.A.M.P., una organización del condado de Weber financiada por el impuesto sobre ventas y uso utilizado para organizaciones recreativas y culturales.
Mejeur dijo, “Parte de las condiciones con R.A.M.P. para recibir la beca era que el parque tenía que ser accesible para todos los niños.
El requisito de R.A.M.P. impulsó el diseño y la construcción de la zona de juegos pensando en todo tipo de niños y en cómo ayudarles a poder aprender y jugar al mismo tiempo.
Shane Lyon, Presidente del Consejo de Administración del Parque de los Dinosaurios afirma, “El Parque de los Dinosaurios es, ante todo, un centro educativo, nuestro objetivo siempre ha sido la educación. Hacerlo divertido, pero educar a los niños, educar a las familias, educar a los padres sobre la historia y la prehistoria de todo el mundo”.
El parque dinosaurio quería enfocar en asegurarse que ofrecieran oportunidades para niños de todas las capacidades.
Lyon explica, “Queremos que esté abier-
to a todo el mundo. Tanto si vas en silla de ruedas como si se trata de un problema sensorial, los niños no son discapacitados, simplemente son diferentes, queríamos abrirlo para ellos porque no conocíamos ningún otro parque para todas las discapacidades en esta zona general”.
Lyon dijo que el parque quiere asegurarse de que sus futuros proyectos también tendrán esa visión de todas capacidades.
El George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park en Ogden donde el nuevo parque de habilidades George S. Eccles esta localizado.
ANNA KUGLAR
Signpost
POPPING OFF WITH THE POPS CONCERT AND FIREWORKS
By ERIN DROLLETTE Reporter
The Lindquist Family Symphony Pops Concert and Fireworks, a free community event held annually at Weber State University since 1978, returns on July 13.
Hosted by John E. Lindquist, president of Lindquist Mortuaries and Cemeteries in Ogden, the event features performances by the New American Philharmonic and the Cannoneers of the Wasatch.
“Thanks to the Lindquist family, this is something our community looks forward to year after year,” said Weber State University President Brad Mortensen in a statement.
“Listening to that patriotic music, watching those fireworks flash across the mountainside — it has all become a special part of Ogden and Weber State history.”
The concert, set at Ada Lindquist Plaza, will begin at 9 p.m. and feature Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” performed by the New American Philharmonic, complete with live cannon fire from the Cannoneers of the Wasatch. The fireworks show will follow at approximately 10 p.m.
Brandon Horrocks returns as conductor for the New American Philharmonic, Ogden’s community orchestra composed of professional and non-professional musicians from across the Northern Wasatch Front.
Horrocks will lead the orchestra in performances of several patriotic pieces and Broadway hits. They will conclude with the “1812 Overture,” featuring the Cannoneers of the Wasatch and their 16 cannons.
This year marks the Cannoneers’ 50th anniversary as a group. Over the decades, they have performed the “1812 Overture” at events throughout the region.
Charles Freshman has led the group since 2007. Drawn to the ironwork on the cannons, he was inspired to join the Cannoneers after attending the Lindquist concert with his wife and son.
“I could see that they were enjoying it,” Freshman said.
Rather than using historical artifacts, the group constructed their cannons using most-
ly 40-millimeter barrels from World War II surplus. The craftsmanship and tradition have been passed down through generations of members.
“Some of the founding members even built the wheels,” Freshman said.
The Cannoneers take their responsibilities seriously, knowing a cannon misfire could be dangerous.
“We don’t want anybody going home with a loaded gun, so we see that every single gun has gone off,” Freshman said.
In the event of inclement weather, the Cannoneers adjust their performance. Sometimes they have to wait for conditions to improve or, if necessary, cancel altogether.
Freshman said he values the camaraderie of the group most. After the concert, the Cannoneers often gather with their families for a celebratory picnic.
The free concert draws thousands of attendees every year.
“I’m always particularly touched when I hear stories from community members with such long-standing traditions of attending,” WSU marketing news coordinator Rachel Badali said.
Badali has attended the event herself, but said it’s the stories from people who have been coming since childhood that leave a lasting impression on her.
Food vendors will be present at the event, and maps clearly identifying restrooms will be available for visitors. Parking will be limited, and attendees are encouraged to park for free at the Dee Events Center and take the courtesy OGX shuttle to campus. Attendees are permitted to arrive early, but saving spots is not allowed.
More information about the event is available in Weber State University’s press release.
A crowd gathers to watch the fireworks at the Lindquist Pops Concert in the summer of 2019.
ROBERT LEWIS
BIG SKY WELCOMES TWO UTAH SCHOOLS
By GAVIN NELSON Editor
Following the announcement that California State University, Sacramento, will be leaving the Big Sky Conference to join the Big West Conference in 2026, the Big Sky Conference announced that Southern Utah University and Utah Tech University will be joining them starting in the 2026-27 athletic season.
In 2020, the Utah Tech Trailblazers, previously known as Dixie State University, transitioned from Division II to Division I and afterward joined the Western Athletic Conference, which reintroduced football in 2021 after an eight-year break.
The Southern Utah Thunderbirds, on the other hand, were members of the Summit League from 1996 to 2012, when they joined the Big Sky Conference. During this time, the Thunderbirds and the Weber State University Wildcats reignited their football rivalry, known as “The Beehive Bowl.”
During the Thunderbirds’ stay in the Big Sky, the Beehive Bowl was played 11 times, with the Wildcats winning seven of those games, including a 62–0 win in their last meeting in 2021.
Following the 2021 season, SUU moved to the WAC, joining their neighbors at Utah Tech.
Before the 2023 season, it was announced that the WAC would combine with the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) in football to form the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
However, during the 2024-25 athletic season, Grand Canyon University announced that it would join the Mountain West Conference in 2026. Later, Utah Valley University and California Baptist University announced that they would join the Big West Conference in 2026.
These departures and Sacramento State’s announcement to join the Big West led to the two southern Utah schools joining the Big Sky.
Since Southern Utah’s departure from the Big Sky, the Wildcats and Thunderbirds have not played each other very often in any sport, but the Wildcats and Trailblazers have seen their fair share of games against one another.
All of your scholarships in one place!
Scholarship Universe has WSU scholarships and approved nationwide scholarships that you are eligible for.
Damon Bankston (#35) runs the ball against Southern Utah University on Nov. 13, 2021.
BIG SKY AYUDA A DOS ESCUELAS DE UTAH
POR VICTORIA HERNANDEZ
Traductor
POR GAVIN NELSON
Editor
Siguiendo el anuncio donde la Universidad Estatal de California, Sacramento, va a irse de la Conferencia de Big Sky para unirse a la Conferencia de Big West en el 2026, la Conferencia de Big Sky anunció que la Universidad de Southern Utah y la Universidad Utah Tech se unirán a ellos a partir de la temporada 2026-27.
En 2020, los Utah Tech Trailblazers, anteriormente conocidos como Universidad Estatal de Dixie, pasaron de la División II a la División I y posteriormente se unieron a la Western Athletic Conference, que introdujo de nuevo el fútbol americano en 2021 tras una pausa de ocho años.
Los Southern Utah Thunderbirds, en la otra mano, eran miembros de la Liga Summit de 1996 hasta el 2012, cuando se unieron a la Conferencia de Big Sky. Durante este tiempo, los Thunderbirds y los Wildcats de la Universidad de Weber State revivieron su rivalidad de fútbol americano conocida como “The Beehive Bowl”.
Durante la estancia de los Thunderbirds en la Big Sky, la Beehive Bowl se jugó 11 veces, con los Wildcats ganando siete de esos par-
THE SIGNPOST TEAM
Editor-in-Chief
Nelly Hernandez Tejada nhernandeztejada@mail.weber.edu
Managing Editor
James Gordon jamesgordon@mail.weber.edu
Collaboration Editor Bryce Odenthal bryceodenthal@mail.weber.edu
Design & Graphics Co-Editor Izabelle Cordeiro icorderio@mail.weber.edu
Design & Graphics Co-Editor Matthew Holland matthewholland@mail.weber.edu
Photography Co-Editor Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu
tidos, incluyendo una victoria por 62-0 en su último encuentro en 2021.
Tras la temporada 2021, SUU se trasladó a la WAC, uniéndose a sus vecinos de Utah Tech.
Antes de la temporada 2023, se anunció que la WAC se combinaría con la Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) en fútbol para formar la United Athletic Conference (UAC).
Sin embargo, durante la temporada de 2024-25, la Universidad del Grand Canyon anunció que se van a unir a la Conferencia de Mountain West en 2026. Después, la Universidad de Utah Valley y la Universidad de California Baptist anunció que van a unirse a la Conferencia de Big West en 2026.
Estas salidas y el anuncio de Sacramento State de unirse a Big West llevaron a las dos escuelas del sur de Utah a unirse a la Big Sky.
Desde la salida de Southern Utah de la Big Sky, los Wildcats y los Thunderbirds no han jugado entre sí muy a menudo en ningún deporte, pero si los Wildcats y los Trailblazers han visto su parte justa de partido entre sí.
Top: Haze Hadley (#80) atrapando la pelota en contra de Southern Utah University. Bottom:Miguel Tomley (#3) de la Universidad de Weber State corriendo bajo la cancha con la pelota mientras bloquea a el jugador de Utah Tech University.
Photography Co-Editor A.J. Handley andrewhandley@mail.weber.edu
Co-Chief Copy Editor Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu
Co-Chief Copy Editor Mindy Brown mindybrown@mail.weber.edu
News Editor Alfonso Rubio alfonsorubio@mail.weber.edu
Assistant News Editor Haven di Atene katrinmiller@mail.weber.edu
Sports Editor Gavin Nelson gavinnelson1@mail.weber.edu
Assistant Sports Editor Brayson Brown braysonbrown@mail.weber.edu
Culture Editor Jared Mitchell jaredmitchell@mail.weber.edu
Translation Co-Editor Victoria Hernandez victoriahernandez1@mail.weber.edu
Translation Co-Editor David Roman Aros davidromanaros@mail.weber.edu
Opinions Editor/Columnist Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu
Business Manager Robert Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu
Adviser
Jean Norman jeannorman@weber.edu
