Font Resize
Labor Day weekend typically marks summer's last hurrah and this year is no exception as public land managers and community event organizers brace themselves for one last onslaught.
"Labor Day ranks up there with the rest of them," said Kathy Jo Pollock of the U.S. Forest Service about the popularity of outdoor recreation during the three-day holiday and how it compares to Memorial Day, July 4th and July 24th. "It's the last weekend of the summer, and kids are out of school that Monday."
The Heber Valley will see perhaps the biggest crowds over the weekend, with 80,000 to 90,000 people expected for Swiss Days in Midway Friday and Saturday, and more than 20,000 likely attending the Soldier Hollow Classic sheepdog competition which runs Friday through Monday.
Jason Giles, executive director of the Heber Valley Chamber Bureau, said several park and ride lots will be available off U.S. 40 for Salt Lake area visitors, and off U.S. 189 for Utah County residents attending Swiss Days.
"Labor Day weekend is kind of the last hurrah here in northern Utah," said Denna Loyola of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. "Visitation to our southern parks really starts picking up this time of year when it starts to cool off."
As of Aug. 26, there were still spots available at these parks, according to a State Parks spokeswoman: Deer Creek , Escalante Petrified Forest, Fremont Indian, Green River, Huntington, Otter Creek, Red Fleet, Starvation, Snow Canyon, Willard Bay, and Yuba Lake - West Beach.
Camping at Utah State Parks is up five percent over last year as Utahns appear to be enjoying vacations closer to home this summer.
Reservations at popular national parks, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and state park campgrounds could be hard to come by, meaning that those who didn't plan ahead and make reservations will either need to use a dispersed area, a private campground, or get an early start on the weekend either Thursday night or early Friday to get one of the few remaining first-come, first-served spots.
The upcoming holiday weekend is jam-packed with festivals and other regional events. A sampling:
Swiss Days » Scheduled Friday and Saturday in Midway, this popular event features music, dancing, crafts and food booths, a Saturday parade, 10-kilometer run, chuckwagon breakfast and barbecue dinner. For information, log on to www.midwayswissdays.com.
Bank of the West Soldier Hollow Classic » Scheduled at Soldier Hollow State Park Friday through Monday, this sheepdog trial allows visitors to watch some of the best sheepdogs in the U.S. In action. It also features a Country Festival offering crafts, activities and demonstrations including a Navajo rug show and bagpipe performances. For information, log on to www.soldierhollowclassic.com.
Payson Golden Onion Days » This is the 80th annual edition of this classic Utah County celebration with events scheduled Friday through Monday. These include fireworks Friday night, athletic events, a Saturday children's parade, talent shows, a car show, dances, pig wrestling, old timers town reunion Sunday, and a grand parade Monday at 10 a.m. For a detailed schedule, log on to www.payson.org.
Daggett Daze » This event is scheduled Saturday in Manila and includes a 10 a.m, parade, games, crafts and food at Manila Park, the parade of lights on Flaming Gorge Reservoir and fireworks. Monday festivities include a pancake breakfast and the Cow Country Junior Rodeo Series. For information, log on to www.daggettcounty.org.
Cowboy Days, Evanston, Wyo. » This is another close-to-the-Wasatch Front classic event that celebrates its 73rd anniversary Saturday through Monday with a PRCA rodeo, dances, a Monday parade, band scramble, kids fish catch and arts and crafts booths at the fairgrounds. For information, log on to www.evanstoncowboydays.com.
Camp Floyd Days » Camp Floyd State Park in Fairfield will host this event on Saturday and Monday that includes Civil War reenactments, encampments, firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, 1861 period games and photos and period uniform with activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For information, call 801-768-8982.
Sundance Food and Wine Festival » Hosted at Robert Redford's resort east of Orem on Saturday only, this festival includes food and wine tasting. For information or for tickets, log on to www.sundanceresort.com.
Labor Day Red Rock 4-Wheeler Campout » This event is a smaller version of the popular Moab Easter Jeep Safari with camping and guided trips to four-wheel drive trails in the Moab area. It takes place Saturday through Monday. For registration information, log on to rr4w.com.
Parowan Labor Day breakfast » Parowan will host a Labor Day breakfast on Monday followed by the Iron County Fair parade.
Arapeen ATV Jamboree » Headquartered in Ferron, this five-day event begins Monday. For information, log on to www.arapeenatvjam.org.
Antelope Island Balloon and Kite Stampede » Scheduled Friday through Sunday, this event features live music, food, entertainment, kite flying and hot air balloons. For information, log on to www.utah.com/stateparks/antelope_island.htm.
To check on the availability of spots at state parks, visit stateparks.utah.gov. To make a reservation, call 800-322-3770 or 801-322-3770 in the Salt Lake area.
