Downtown St. George is packed with July events

Written by George Scott

Downtown St. George is jam-packed with summertime activities for all. The heritage is rich, the art plentiful, the food scrumptious, the shopping enjoyable, and the relaxing is easy. The Independent has long been an advocate and supporter of the downtown area. Furthering our affection for downtown has us involved in many exciting projects and events. Our print and online content are showcasing increasing happenings downtown, and we have expanded and “remodeled” our downtown print section to include additional features. We have begun doing an all “downtown weekend” wherein we showcase activities, events, businesses, and historical sights. My column, “Tiny Living in a Giant World,” which can be found online at suindependent.com, is making a shift that will include actually living in the heart of downtown St. George, and our events calendar is filled with multiple activities happening on a daily basis. Here are some of the really big ones.

George First Friday Streetfest

In July, the downtown celebration known as George First Friday Streetfest returns, bigger and better. The inaugural June event was a huge success. An estimated 2,500 people attended, and rave reviews have been pouring in. Smiles and laughter filled the streets as attendees of every age and walk of life strolled and mingled, interacting with family, friends, and neighbors. Exciting festival sounds and smells permeated the air as music played and festival foods were served.

Event coordinators and team members have been actively soliciting feedback to improve each event. Expanding to fill the entire courtyard at Ancestor Square, increasing seating, and adding food options are in store for the jazz garden. Misting stations will be added on Main Street and Ancestor Square to keep crowds cool.

“We’ve received an outpouring of support and input from the community for this event,” said Amy Thorpe, George Streetfest on Main jazz garden manager. “We look forward to offering a fresh, fun, and consistent nightlife option for residents and visitors every first Friday, downtown.”

On July 3, downtown will once again become the venue for the area’s largest monthly celebration. The Main Street concert will feature opening act and local musician Kaitlin Sevy and local band Morning Pretty. Headline guest bands from Los Angeles will follow, including Sego and Golden Sun. The event is free to the public and held on the first Friday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m.

City of St. George 4th of July Celebration

Bigger and better celebrations signal downtown growth and participation. This year, the 4th of July celebration is being held in multiple locations to accommodate the growth of the event. Vernon Worthen Park, Town Square Park, and the Sunbowl will each be utilized to accommodate the increased activities. Whether you want to run the Uncle Sam 5K, enjoy breakfast, watch the parade, show your watermelon seed spitting skills, catch the “St. George’s Got Talent” show, participate in the fun and games extravaganza, experience the hot dog eating contest, attend the concert in the Sunbowl, or finish the night off with a giant fireworks display, the biggest and best 4th of July celebration is happening downtown. A full schedule of events and times can be found at sgcity.org.

Sunset on the Square

Every second and fourth Friday through the end of August, St. George Town Square is transformed into an outdoor movie theatre. This downtown event is in its seventh season and continues to be a favorite gathering place for family and friends. This event promises an evening of food, fun, and family-friendly movies for the entire community. Classic movies for children and adults are shown on a giant screen under the stars. The movies this month are “The Lego Movie” on July 10 and “¡Three Amigos!” on July 24. Bring your favorite blanket, lawn chairs, and goodies to enjoy the evening and the movie. The movie is free to the public and begins at dusk.

Downtown Farmers Market in Ancestor Square

The Downtown Farmers Market in Ancestor Square is growing strong in its eighth season. This weekly favorite is held each Saturday morning through Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. until noon. The beautiful bounty of baked goods, artisan crafted goods, and fresh, seasonal produce available each week keeps shoppers returning to see what is available. Turning out to shake the hand of the one who grew, baked, or created the items is a highlight for shoppers. The market is free to the public and includes live music performed by local musicians starting each Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

Concert in the Park 2015 Series

Held on the second Monday of each month through September, this downtown concert is quickly becoming a crowd-gathering event. June’s performance brought an estimated 1,500 people together under the canopy of shade trees for the John Denver tribute artist, Ted Vigil. This free event is held at Vernon Worthen Park and starts at 7:30 p.m. On July 13, Nino Reyes, a Native American flutist, will take the stage. Park seating is available. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, food, and family.

Historic St. George Live! Tour

Brigham Young, Erastus Snow, Orson Pratt, Jacob Hamblin, Judge John Menzies Macfarlane, and a pioneer woman are in town for the summer. They are all part of the Historic St. George Live! tours running Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m. until Aug. 30 (except for July 4 and 24). The tours will be given at the art museum at the Pioneer Center for the Arts, located at 47 E. 200 N. The first-person reenactment is in its 18th year of entertaining and informing guests about early St. George history. Actors, tour guides, bus drivers, and day captains dressed in period costumes take visitors back to 1870 with historic facts and artifacts. Multiple historic sites are included on the tour. Admission is $3 for guests ages 12 and up, and children are admitted at no cost with an adult. Tickets can be purchased at the St. George Art Museum. The ticket also admits one person to the Town Square Carousel for one free ride.

St. George Recreation Center and City Pool

With daytime temperatures surpassing the triple-digit mark, taking advantage of the Summer Kids program at the St. George Recreation Center is a great option. Classes (including several with Legos) and a summer fun camp with arts and crafts are offered for a nominal fee. It is a great place to get your workout in while the kids play. In addition, when the only logical reprieve from the heat is a tidal wave-inducing, tsunami-causing cannonball off the diving board, the city pool is open downtown.

These downtown events, plus hundreds more, can be found on the area’s most comprehensive calendar of events at www.inde.pe/event. The calendar is free to browse and free to list. With so many activities to choose from, you’ll be certain to “find your bliss.”

Meet me downtown!