| DATE 05/19/2007 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Spring City Readies For Heritage Day |
| Spring City Readies For Heritage Day, Event Will Coincide with Scandinavian FestivalPeople coming to Sanpete County for this weekend’s Scandinavian Festival will also have the opportunity to take in a bit of Utah history while they are in town.
The entire town of Spring City, located about 12 miles from Ephraim, is listed on the National Historic register. And once a year, the residents of this small artists community open their doors to everyone. This year’s Heritage Day will be May 26. The day-long event includes historical tours of more than a dozen restored homes and buildings, including beautiful pioneer homes, the recently restored Old Spring City School, and the bishops storehouse; an art show featuring local artisans; and an antique show that will include a saddle display, furniture and farm equipment. The home tour, sponsored by the Friends of Historic Spring City and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP), is an annual event in Spring City during the Memorial weekend. Tickets go on sale the day of the event and are $10 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased at the Old Firehouse on Main Street or at the Old Spring City School, site of the art and antiques show. The tour will include architecture as well as commercial buildings, public buildings and Spring City’s famous LDS chapel. This year’s tour includes three new restorations on the town’s Main Street: the Orson and Mary Ann Hyde House, the Jensen House (an Arts-and-Crafts-inspired bungalow), and one of the town’s earliest stone houses, the Paul and Charles Kofford house. Three other houses on the tour are “works-in-progress,” including the Judge Jacob Johnson house, the largest historic house in Spring City. A popular attraction each year is the Spring City Public School, which was restored via a community effort and is now used for public events. Built in 1899, the school has eight classrooms, four on each level, as well as a large attic space, complete with windows. At one time, it housed all the grades, and was even used as a middle school and high school. A complete list of homes on the tour is available online at:http://scandinavianheritagefestival.com/spring.aspx # # # |
| For more information Contact:Monte Bona Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council (435) 462-2502 |
Sanpete County to ‘Velcomme’ Thousands for Scandinavian Festival
| DATE 05/18/2007 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Sanpete County to ‘Velcomme’ Thousands for Scandinavian Festival |
| Velcomme! That is what Ephraim City and all of Sanpete County will be saying the weekend of May 24 to 26 when thousands of people gather in the region for the annual Scandinavian Heritage Festival and Conference.Among the largest Scandinavian heritage events in the Western United States, the arts and cultural festival includes an educational conference, an authentic Little Scandinavian Supper, costumed performers telling Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales, craft booths, historical tours, workshops, sporting events, and more. Entertainment scheduled for this year’s event ranges from folk dancing to classic rock.
Many local residents dress in Scandinavian costume for the duration of the festivities, which have been known to attract upwards of 10,000 to Sanpete County. New to the festival this year is a series of ceramics workshops hosted by the Central Utah Arts Center Thursday-Saturday. The workshops will feature alternative firing methods for ceramics and will allow participants to take home a unique creation from the event. Sanpete County’s culture has been greatly influenced by settlers who arrived first in the Salt Lake Valley from the Scandinavian countries, says Gary Anderson, Utah State University extension and vice chairman of the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. Many were farmers, carpenters, stone masons, cabinetmakers and furniture builders. and then were assigned to colonize central Utah. “The architecture of their farm buildings, cabins and houses were influenced by construction techniques and building forms from back home, a uniqueness that is still present today,” he says. It is believed that some 650,000 Utahans trace their ancestry to Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland. The festival begins Thursday night with the Scandinavian Heritage conference held at Snow College. The free educational event, which continues Friday morning, gives participants an opportunity to learn about and reflect on the lives of pioneer founders of the Sanpete Valley. Following the conference, the weekend is jammed packed with activities and events at the festival grounds location at Pioneer Park, 50 N. 100 West, and on the north side of the Snow College campus. Highlights Friday include workshops on ‘fast fire’ pottery, storytelling and a bread baking contest; the 12 p.m. opening of the “Old World Craft Booths,” educational exhibits of crafts that date back to Ephraim’s Scandinavian ancestors; musical performances starting at 3 p.m., a two-day quilt show, and the gourmet smorgasbord Scandinavian dinner Friday at 6 p.m. On Saturday there will be a fun run starting at 7 a.m., a 10 a.m. parade down Main Street at noon, and more demonstrations of Old World crafts including blacksmithing, woodcarving, pottery making. There will be music and activities all day, a golf tournament, roast beef dinner and more. In addition, there will be tours of Ephraim’s exquisitely restored pioneer homes and cabins starting from about noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Pioneer Park. There will also be a historical bus tour of historical spots in Sanpete Valley that run hourly from 1 to 4 p.m. A complete schedule of events for the festival, including information on the conference, is available online at http://scandinavianheritagefestival.com People may also call 435-835-4241 or 435-283-4631 for information. # # # |
| For more information Contact:Monte Bona Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council (435) 462-2502 |
Rhubarb Festival Celebrates Region, Creativity
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11th Annual Snowmobile ‘Shootout’ Set for March 30 – April 1
| DATE 03/21/2007 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. 11th Annual Snowmobile ‘Shootout’ Set for March 30 – April 1 |
| Eleven years ago, Bruce Kahlhamer came up with an idea: every year, around his birthday, he’d gather in Utah with some of his clients for a snowmobile “shootout.”
Kahlhamer owns PSI Power Inc., now located in Ogden, which manufactures high performance equipment for snowmobiles, motocross and ATVs. The company used to be based in Wisconsin and had clients all over the United States. Every now and then, customers liked to get together to test their latest creations. “Everyone was building faster and faster machines,” he says. “They wanted to see how they compared and competed against what others were building.” So Kahlhamer chose Sanpete County’s Skyline Drive, located up Fairview Canyon, as the meeting place. Every year, clients from all over the country would travel to the region for the annual “shootout” where snowmobilers travel at a high rate of speed and race each other up hills. Kahlhamer eventually moved his business to Utah, and the ‘shootout’ became an official event. This year’s 11th annual Skyline Snowmobile Shootout will be held March 30 to April 1. The free event is open to the general public. “It all started as a gathering for a customer base,” he says. “Every year, it got more and more competitive. Pretty soon, it became a full-blown, annual event and now, upwards of 500 to 1,000 people from all over the United States come out to race one another or just to watch the action.” The popular weekend event includes plenty of “shootouts,” where riders can go as fast as 120 miles per hour, as well as other activities like snowmobile rides, drag races and hill climbs. Turbo and nitrous sleds “will be the norm,” Kahlhamer says. There is no set schedule for the events, as most of the races are impromptu, he adds. Friday usually is the “gathering and catching up day,” and most of the shootouts are held on Saturday, with Sunday being a “packing up” day. Kahlhamer says he originally selected Sanpete County for its central location, “people come from all over the mid-west and even Canada.” It also was chosen for its great terrain and “lots of parking places.” “It really has worked out as the ideal location. For more information on the event, contact Kahlhamer at (801) 393-1010. More information about PSI is available online at: http://www.psipowerinc.com/ # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Fairview, Ephraim Gearing up for Snowmobile ‘State Ride’
| DATE 02/21/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Fairview, Ephraim Gearing up for Snowmobile ‘State Ride’ |
| Brian Howarth loves snowmobiling. He also enjoys helping to make a difference in people’s lives, especially children. On February 23 & 24, he will get the opportunity to combine his two loves by taking part in the Utah Snowmobile Association State Ride and Winter Festival being held in Ephraim and Fairview.“This is a great opportunity for the snowmobile community and our community to work together for a great cause,” says Howarth, president of the Skyline Sno-Riders, which is helping put on the event. The local club has twice been named “Snowmobile Club of the Year” by the Utah Snowmobiling Association and was awarded this honor for a third time again this year. In 2006 the Skyline Sno-Riders was the second-largest club in the state.
He added that people do not need to be a member of any snowmobiling club to attend the two-day event. Highlights include an Ephraim Canyon Charity Fund Raising Ride and Poker Run Friday, Feb. 23, at 9 a.m. All proceeds raised will be given to the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation. Later that evening there will be a dinner and games at the Fairview Senior Citizen Hall. On Saturday, Feb. 24, there will be snowmobile drag races starting at 8 a.m. near the Rodeo Grounds. The Fairview Canyon ride will begin at 9 a.m. at the canyon’s trail head. In addition, Fairview city will host vendors of outdoor equipment and an OHV Training class for 8 to 16 year olds Saturday afternoon. There will also be chilli “cook off” that afternoon and a Dutch Oven dinner and live entertainment open to the public at the Fairview Dance Hall that night. In addition, the Skyline Sno-Riders Club will continue its “Operation Care Bear” tradition of collecting new stuffed bears to give to law enforcement agencies to pass on to children after an accident or other incident. Donations may be dropped off at local hospitals, city offices, sheriff’s office or county building. Last year 900 bears were given out to needy children. The state ride and winter fest are expected to attract people from all over Utah and the inter mountain west. This is the third straight year that the Utah Snowmobiling Association has chosen to hold its “State Ride” in Fairview. “Simply put, it has some of the best riding in the entire country,” as stated in a recent four page article in “SnoWest” magazine, Howarth says. Fairview also has a paved canyon road that leads to a trail head that provides access to more than 50 miles of trails to the north at Skyline Drive and some 30 miles to the south to Joe’s Valley. There is also a paved parking lot and warming shelters. The great access, coupled with the great snow and diversity in the riding terrain made it a prime choice, Howarth says. Howarth moved to Fairview from Utah County a few years ago and his entire family got involved in the Skyline Sno-Riders. The family also started several charity events tied to snowmobiling that have raised food and funds for the local food bank. Howarth, his wife, Miko, his mother Darlene, and father, Clyde Mortensen, were also named the state’s top snowmobiling family of the year in 2004. The Sno-Riders worked to establish a trailhead up Fairview Canyon; including putting in a paved parking lot, as well as a warming shelter located about 15 miles away from the trail entrance that is kept well-stocked throughout the season, which typically runs from December through April. During the off-season, the Sno-Riders also sponsors other events such as trail clean ups, an “adopt a highway” program and are also involved in working with the Forest Service to create another paved parking lot at the area know as “Big Drift” as well as enlarging the Skyline North parking lot next spring. For information on the Feb. 23 & 24 rides, call Barbara Collard: 801-568-7000 (cell) or 801-254-6580. Reservations are required for the Saturday evening dinner at the Fairview Dance Hall as seating is limited. Cost is $19 per person. Call 435-427-3353 for reservations. More information is also available online at www.skylinesno-riders.com and the Utah Snowmobile Association website at www.snowut.com or by phoning Brian at 435-427-3620 or by email, bhow@cut.net or bhowarth@utah.gov. http://www.skylinesno-riders.com http://www.snowut.com # # # |
| For more information Contact:Monte Bona Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council (435) 462-2502 |
Snowkiters Will Harness the Wind, Soar During ‘Masters’ Event
| DATE 02/19/2007 9:29 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Snowkiters Will Harness the Wind, Soar During ‘Masters’ Event |
| Ever wondered what would happen if you harnessed the wind? Come and see for yourself at the U.S. Open Ozone Snowkite Masters being held in Sanpete County March 3 to 4 at the top of Skyline Drive.
“This event will be the largest U.S.- based snowkiting event and will feature riders from all over the world in an all-out jam session,” says Brian Schenck, an instructor and owner of Windzup, a Utah snowkite company. Some of the best snowkiters on the globe will take part in the U.S. Open Ozone Snowkite masters and will soar across the spectacular terrain of Sanpete County’s Fairview Canyon. The free public event will include races and competitions, with riders showcasing both the freestyle potential of the sport as well as the backcountry side with Freeriding Expression Sessions, X/C Tours and a Winduro race. There will also be free clinics, lessons, workshops and information sessions. Registration will be held at 11 a.m. each day. Some 100 snowkiters and at least that many spectators are expected to attend. The event is designed to showcase the sport, and everything is free of charge, making it an excellent opportunity for the general public to try out snowkiting. The sport involves large kites pulling a skier or snowboarder across the snow and is one of the fastest-growing sports around. The only thing growing faster than the sport’s popularity is Sanpete County’s reputation for having the best conditions in North America for snowkiting. These include acres of open flats and hills of every angle and direction. Schenck adds that snowkiters from all over are particularly drawn to Fairview Canyon’s Skyline Drive, which has an altitude of 9800 feet and is known for its excellent snow and wind conditions. Schenck is moving his company, Windzup, which he owns with his wife, Heather, to Mt. Pleasant City’s industrial park. The company has purchased a four-acre parcel of land and is relocating its primary offices and distribution warehouse to the area. The move will create a new world headquarters for Windzup, with all operations based in Sanpete County. In addition to corporate offices, Mt. Pleasant will be the new home to Windzup’s nationwide distribution facilities and in-house marketing. “This year is shaping up to be an epic year for snowkiting, and our new 2007 kites are definitely taking rank in some of the best kites ever produced,” Schenck says. More information about the U.S. Open Ozone Snowkite Masters event and a map of the location is available online at http://www.snowkiting.com/snowkitemasters/. More information about Schenck’s company, Windzup is also available online athttp://www.windzup.com/. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
President Signs Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area Bill
DATE 10/19/2006 7:15 AMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.
President Signs Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area Bill
A bill establishing the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area has been signed into law by President George W. Bush.
“I’m extremely pleased that after years of moving this bill through the legislative process President Bush has signed the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area into law,” said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, who sponsored legislation to create the heritage area. “This is a fitting tribute to Utah’s pioneers and one that will help promote economic development and preserve our unique heritage for future generations.”
The national designation recognizes the history, architecture and culture along “the heritage highway,” and includes U.S. Highway 89 from Fairview to Kanab, the Boulder Loop (state highways 12 and 24), the All-American Road (highway 12) and the six counties through which the route passes: Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Wayne, Garfield and Kane.
Many local residents, including Monte Bona, executive director of the Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance, and Gary Anderson of Utah State University’s Extension, spent years working on the measure and Bona even helped draft the original bill. Bona called Bush’s signing “An important and historic event. It’s very rewarding to see the Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area officially established.” The initiative underwent several renditions in the past six years and survived three sessions of Congress.
Bona says that the cities and towns in the six-county area are the best remaining example of how Mormon pioneers colonized the west. “The heritage area includes countless examples of rich cultural and architectural history shaped by the early settlers,” he says.
The bill specified that up to $10 million may be spent on development of the heritage area, including activities such as historic preservation of buildings and signage, but no more than $1 million per year. Funds are matched on a 50 per cent basis.
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For more information Contact:
Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502
‘Honest Apple’ Day Oct. 21 Event Celebrates Heritage Fruit, Includes Contests, Fun
| DATE 09/25/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. ‘Honest Apple’ Day Oct. 21 |
| Sanpete County’s Native Wines will once again pay homage to one of its favorite ingredients during the 7th annual Honest Apple day Saturday, Oct. 21.
Numerous kinds of heirloom apples will be available for sampling, along with homemade apple pies, apple cider, apple butter and apple wine. There will also be a witch contest, poetry, musical performances, wine and cheese testing’s, an apple pie contest and more. The fall event has become an annual tradition of Native Wines, a Mt. Pleasant company owned by Bob Sorenson and Winnie Wood. Located in a historic building at 72 South 500 West near downtown Mt. Pleasant, Native Wines is renowned for making unfiltered wine. Sorenson and Wood use fruits that are picked from wild trees and shrubs in the mountains and valleys of central Utah in their products, including apples. Honest Apple Days runs from noon to 6 p.m at Native Wines. The festivities get underway with the symbolic “splitting of the apple” at 12 p.m by Jeffrey Berke, the event’s “highly distinguished poet laureate.” Mark Cantor will be master of ceremonies for the day. There will be an “Ugliest Witch in the West” contest, with cash prizes being awarded for both children and adults. People may sign up for the contest at Country Squire, 74 W. Main Street in Mt. Pleasant. The “World’s Best Apple Pie” contest will be held in the afternoon, with more than $200 in cash prizes to be awarded. Pies must be entered by 3 p.m. for judging. Other Honest Apple events include the “Crowning of the New Princess Pomona” and Live Irish Folk Music featuring “Last Night’s Fun.” Apple goods of all kinds will be available for sampling and purchase throughout the day, and the owners of the local restaurant, Loose Caboose, will also be on hand selling refreshments. Some of the varieties of apples that will be available that day include Fameuse, Pinora, Samsou, Wolf River, Cinnamon Spice, Cameo, Goldrush, Goldblush, Hawaii, Winesap Wagner, and Ozark Gold. For more information on Honest Apple Day, phone Native Wines at (435) 462-9261. Information is also available online at http://www.nativewines.net # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
‘Bike for Cure’ Event Honors Mother, Grandma Proceeds to Raise Funds For Breast Cancer Research
| DATE 09/08/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. ‘Bike for Cure’ Event Honors Mother, Grandma Proceeds to Raise Funds For Breast Cancer Research |
| When Ephraim resident Erika Stover and her three young daughters – ages 7, 4 and 1 – get on their bicycles Saturday, Sept. 23, it won’t be for just another family bike ride. They will be taking part in the inaugural Bike for the Cure in Spring City, riding in honor of a mother and grandmother who died of breast cancer.
After her mother, Susan Sermersheim, passed away last December after fighting breast cancer for five years, Stover wanted to find a way to honor her memory – and recognize a Sanpete County town her mom loved. So she, along with her best friend, Melanie Wathen, organized Bike for the Cure, a fundraiser being held in and around the region of Spring City. “My mother loved Spring City,” Stover says. “She and my stepfather used to come down from Springville just about every Sunday and just drive around looking at the old houses. She loved the history of the area.” Bike for the Cure is being held in conjunction with the Arts Festival in Spring City taking place the same weekend. All of the proceeds from entry fees for the bike event will go to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which is dedicated to help finding a cure for breast cancer. “During the five years she battled cancer, my mom always wanted a cure found, she was worried about her daughters and granddaughters,” Stover says. “This is my way of honouring her, and doing my part. I have three daughters – I want a cure found too.” Stover adds that the event is open to “everyone. The entire state of Utah, bikers, families, anyone who has been touched by cancer, etc.” There are two longer rides (58 miles and 42 miles) for experienced bikers beginning at 7:30 a.m. Entry fees are $35 for adult riders ($40 after Sept. 11) and $15 for children under age 14 ($20 after Sept. 11). A shorter ride ( 5.5 miles) for families will begin at 8 a.m. and will wind its way through the town so that participants can view historical homes. Entry fees for that ride are $25 for adults and $10 for children under age 14 (prices go up to $30 and $15, respectively, after Sept. 11). Advance registration is available online at on www.active.com. (search for “Bike for the Cure” under upcoming events). Additional registration forms can be found at local bike shops throughout Utah. Registration is also available the day of the event. Stover, who moved to Ephraim from St. George a year ago, says she plans on making Bike for the Cure an annual event, as it holds a special place in her heart. Not only does it honor her mother, but it was also a special gift from a best friend. “Melanie didn’t know my mom, but she came to her funeral. Afterwards, she called me up and said she could tell what an inspiring woman my mom was,” Stover says, choking back tears. “Then she tells me: ‘I didn’t sleep at all last night, thinking about what we could do, and I have an idea: we’re going to do a bike race.’ We are both bicyclists, so it was a perfect idea. I know that my mom would be honored and proud.” For information about the event, contact Erika Stover at 435-283-2158. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Spring City Artists To Be On Display Sept. 23
DATE 08/24/2006 7:15 AMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.
Spring City Artists To Be On Display Sept. 23
Spring City will highlight its “best and brightest” artists Saturday, Sept. 23, during the first-ever Spring City Artist’s Studio Tour and Art Festival.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include some 18 artists studios in the small Utah town, known for its historical buildings and homes and its art community.
The artists will be opening their doors to the public, giving people a chance to see the works and works-in-progress of some of Spring City’s finest painters, potters and craft makers. All of the studios are located within a two-mile radius.
Painters taking part in the tour are: Osral Allred, Scott Allred, Lee Udall Bennion, Linda Budd, Joan Durfey Douglas Fryer, Susan Gallacher, Randall Lake, Shirley McKay, George Olson, Ruth Olson, Cassandria Parsons, M’Lisa Paulsen, Kathleen Peterson, Ed Soper, Kerry Soper and Michael Workman.
Other artisans on the tour include potters Joe Bennion and John Parsons, knife maker Jerry Johnson, violin maker Holly Nicholes, marquetrist Les Kraut, boot maker Don Walker, photographer Paul Allred, painted ceramics artisan Gina Garner, and silversmiths Garth and Viv Jepperson.
In addition to the studio tours, there will also be free children’s art work shops, pioneer games, and craft demonstrations at the Spring City Hall, 150 E. Center St.
At the Old Spring City School, photography, paintings and local crafts will be for sale, and antique quilts will be on display. Other local art shops will also be open.
Lunch will be provided from noon-2 p.m. at the city park pavilion and at 6 p.m. a Dutch oven dinner will be served. Entertainment will be provided by Kindred Spirit. Reservations for the dinner are $15.
Tickets for the studio tour are $10 and can be purchased at Spring City Gifts & Goodies, 53 S. Main St.. They will also be available at the Old Spring City School or by calling 435-462-9755. For more information on the event, contact Phyllis Snedecor, 435-462-3850.
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For more information Contact:
Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502
Sanpete Classic Bicycle Race Returns to Spring City
DATE 08/09/2006 7:15 AMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.
Sanpete Classic Bicycle Race Returns to Spring City
Sanpete County will once again play host to bicycle racing enthusiasts from across Utah this month when the second Sanpete Classic Bicycle Race returns to Spring City Saturday, Aug. 26.
Cyclists of all ages will compete in 46-, 72- and 98-mile races on courses that twist and wind through the local countryside. There will also be prizes, medals, a barbecue lunch and more.
The race was held for the first time in Sanpete County last summer. It was such a success that race organizers decided to return for an encore event. “We had been searching for a new venue to hold our race and Sanpete County fit the bill perfectly,” says Eric Thompson, a member of the New Moon Cycling Club, who is helping organize the race.
Last year, ride organizers were attracted by Sanpete County’s beautiful scenery and low automobile traffic, and those are some of the very reasons they decided to come back again. “While no large hills will be included, riders will be treated to rolling hills, false flats and a finishing grind that will separate out the finishers,” Thompson says.
He adds the hospitality shown by the residents of Spring City and the Sanpete Travel and Heritage Council last year were also added draws to returning.
Spring City’s Main Streets will serve as the start/finish location for each of the three courses. Depending on the selected course, riders will make their way through the communities of Mt. Pleasant, Fairview, Moroni, Fountain Green and Wales.
There are various categories for men, women, juniors (age 17 and younger) and master-level competitors. Race start times are between 10 to 10:45 a.m. depending on the category. Prizes and/or medals will be awarded in each division.
Registration will be held at the Spring City Old School, located at 100 East Center Street. People can also register online in advance at www.sportsbaseonline.com. Entry fees ranges from $20 to $40, with day-of registration costing an additional $5.
For more information on the Sanpete Classic Bicycle Race, visit the New Moon Cycling website: http://www.newmooncycling.com/documents/SanpeteClassicFlyer06_000.pdf
General information on cycling is also available on the Utah Cycling Association’s website, http://uca.cycleutah.com.
This is the second bicycling event to be held in Sanpete County this month. Aug. 11-12, Ephraim is hosting the first-ever Pioneer Trail Mountain Bike Event, aimed at introducing biking enthusiasts to the numerous biking opportunities the city has to offer.
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For more information Contact:
Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502
Third Annual ATV Tour This Weekend in Sanpete County
DATE 08/03/2006 7:15 AMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.
Third Annual ATV Tour This Weekend in Sanpete County
The incredible scenery of Manti Canyon will be the highlight of the third annual Manti Scenic Mountain ATV tour being held Aug. 4 and 5.
The event is expected to attract ATV enthusiasts, dealers and others to the city for two-days of riding, exhibits, performances, a parade and more. It’s intended to encourage tourism and promote the trails in the region’s mountains. More than 60 riders are expected.
Manti and all of Sanpete County is known for its beautiful and well-designed and well-managed trails and trail system. Each day during the event, local guides will help riders make their way through miles of intermediate ATV trails in the canyon and forest areas. Friday’s run is for advanced and intermediate riders. They will leave for the Sheep Trail and Vicinity Run at 9 a.m.
Other activities that day include a Dutch-oven dinner at the historical Manti City Hall picnic area, followed by music performances and an ATV display. Saturday features a day trail ride for families, including a “poker run” and a digital Camera Scavenger Hunt.
This event is appropriate for beginner and intermediate riders.
Registration is at 7 a.m. and riders will depart from the LDS stake center at 9 a.m. Riders will take a rest stop at Fox Jet Reservoir at 10:30 a.m. with lunch at Duck Fork Reservoir at noon. Prizes for the digital camera scavenger hunt and the poker run will be awarded at the end of the day.
For more information contact Alvin Kilmer at 835-5050 or Tom Wayman at 835-3923.
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For more information Contact:
Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502
Juilliard School of Music Returning to Sanpete County
| DATE 07/19/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Juilliard School of Music Returning to Sanpete County |
| The Juilliard School of Music is returning to Sanpete County for the second annual “Juilliard Goes to the Mountains Rhythm Section Workshop.” The special event is being held Aug. 3-5 at the Eccles Center for the Performing Arts at Snow College in Ephraim.
Last year, some members of the prestigious music school’s jazz faculty came to Snow College to hold a special rhythm workshop. The event was so successful, they decided to return for a second workshop, and enrollment is already double what it was last year. The workshop is a collaborative effort between the Juilliard School and the Horne School of Music at Snow College. In addition to the workshop, public concerts will be presented each evening at 8 p.m. “We are very excited to be able to work with The Juilliard School to bring this event to Utah,” says Vance Larsen, Snow College Dean of Fine Arts. Students who took part in the workshop last year called it a “life-changing event.” Participants have the opportunity to dramatically improve their talent by intensely focusing on the key issues of the jazz rhythm section. The workshop also prepare students for a future in music by teaching them essential skills and giving them the opportunity to meet people that have already succeeded in the music business. People interested in participating in the workshop must submit a recording to be considered for acceptance. “This event, and the Juilliard faculty’s visits to our campus during the academic year, provides Snow College and area students with a world-class educational opportunity,” Larsen says. “Area residents should take advantage of this opportunity to attend these concerts.” All concerts are being held in the Jorgensen Concert Hall, a 700-seat venue located in the Eccles Center for the Performing Arts at Snow College, and begin at 8 p.m. The concert schedule is:
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| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Show to Feature Unique Works of Artist Larry Neilson
| DATE 07/08/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Show to Feature Unique Works of Artist Larry Neilson |
| The Fairview Museum is hosting a special show of works by Ephraim artist Larry Nielson in July and August.
Nielson is best known for his wildlife and Native American paintings on old and weathered wood; for drawings of “fat cat” and other critters, and posters that were popular in the 1970s; and, most recently, for a painting he did of a famous military scene that ended up being circulated around the country. The two-month-long show will feature 67of these works, starting from his 1970s “retro work” up to his most recent art. This includes a painting Nielson did of the image of the marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima in 1945. That painting was turned into a print that is being circulated around the United States and is very popular with veterans groups. Neilson’s early work included cartoon-like drawings of animals and posters for artists including Janice Joplin, the Beetles, and Jimmie Hendrix. He spent several years working as an artist and back-up singer in Los Angeles. In the 1970s, he was inspired to draw a picture of a fluffy, “sort-of-arrogant-looking” feline that he dubbed “Fat Cat.” He ended up turning it into a poster and for years, Fat Cat was hugely popular. Following the success of Fat Cat, Nielson was inspired to draw other images of cats, followed by a whole series of other critters: elephants, pigs, horses. Recently, Fat Cat and his pack made come back. The smirky orange cat graces the cover of a new book, Cat Miscellany, that was published by a press in London, England. His “weathered wood” paintings are mostly of Native Americans, wildlife, rodeo scenes and Western themes such as rodeos and cowboys. Before making these creations, Nielson always waits for his canvas to “speak to him” before he picking up a paintbrush. “The wood tells me what to do with it, it is like it has its own spirit,” he says. “Every piece of wood is a challenge, a different experience. Sometimes, I see a piece of wood and there is an immediate connection, I know just what it wants me to do with it. Other times, I have to put a piece away for a while, then bring it back out later and I will see something special in it, a face or something, that needs to come out. It is very personal.” Nielsen works mostly from a studio in the garage behind his family home on Main Street in Ephraim, calling it Wind and Wings Wood Works ( www.windandwings.com ). The Victorian home from which he is based has been in his family for more than 100 years. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Snowkite ‘Masters’ Moving to Sanpete County
| DATE 07/07/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Snowkite ‘Masters’ Moving to Sanpete County |
| One of the only companies in the world that makes and sells equipment especially for the growing sport of snowkiting is moving its headquarters to Sanpete County.
Windzup, owned by Brian and Heather Schenck, will be moving into the industrial park in Mt. Pleasant. The company is purchasing a four-acre parcel of land and will relocate its primary offices and distribution warehouse. “This will create a new world headquarters for Windzup, with all operations based in Sanpete County,” Schenck says. “In addition to corporate offices, Windzup will host our nationwide distribution facilities and in-house marketing at this new location.” Snowkiting involves large kites pulling a skier or snowboarder across the snow. It’s a relatively new sport, about five of six years old, but it’s one of the fastest-growing sports around. And one of the most popular destinations for snowkiting enthusiasts is Sanpete County, especially Skyline Drive, which has an altitude of 9800 feet and is located up Fairview Canyon. “It’s at the top of a mountain range, the snow and wind conditions are excellent, and it has mind-blowing terrain. It’s ideal. Skyline Drive has quickly become known in snowkiting circles as THE best spot in North America,” Schenck says. He and his wife, Heather, “discovered” Skyline Drive for themselves a couple of years ago while searching for locations for good snowkiting. They were impressed by the acres of open flats and hills of every angle and direction. “It offered the perfect ride, no matter what,” he says. This past winter, Schneck helped coordinate the Ozone Snowkite Masters that was held along Skyline Drive. The public event was hosted by France’s Guillaume “Chasta” Chastagnol, one of the top snowkiters in the world. It featured races, demonstrations, freestyle and backcountry riding, clinics and workshops, information on the latest technology and more. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
State FAM Tour Comes to Sanpete County June 16
| DATE 06/09/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. State FAM Tour Comes to Sanpete County June 16 |
| Media and tour operators will be familiarizing themselves with Sanpete County during a “FAM” tour June 16 sponsored by the Utah Office of Tourism.
The tour will include some of the county’s “hot spots.” “FAM” tours are being held throughout the state and are targeted to specific travel agents, tour operators and media from various markets in order to generate positive publicity about Utah’s world-class destinations, according to Tracie Cayford from the tourism office. Next year, the state tourism office will be adding even more FAMS, promoting Utah’s national and state parks, ski resorts, cultural and heritage tourism areas, including other heritage attractions along U.S. Highway 89. The day-long Sanpete County tour will begin at 10 a.m. at the restored Moroni Opera House. It was originally built in 1891. In the 1930’s, it was converted into a feed processing plant. The city eventually made restoring the opera house its Centennial Project. The opera house is now used for dinner theaters, children’s theatrical performances, dance performances and community events. Tour participants will then drive to Maple Canyon for a tour and hike. The little canyon located about three miles south of Fountain Green and is known as the best rock climbing area in North America. It contains more than 300 rock climbing routes, ranging from 20 to 400 feet long and designed to please people of all ages and skill levels. Following lunch at Don’s Café in Ephraim, the group will view several video presentations and then take an ATV ride up Ephraim Canyon. At 4:30 they will tour historical downtown Manti, followed by dinner at the Manti House Inn, a bed and breakfast that was first built in the late 1800s to provide housing for people working on the Manti LDS temple. It has long been a popular attraction for visitors to the Manti pageant in the summer. Participants will also have a chance to learn about Sanpete County’s other cities and towns and attractions throughout the Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Rhubarb Festival Celebrates 7th Anniversary
| DATE 05/05/2006 2:15 PM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Rhubarb Festival Celebrates 7th Anniversary |
| Seven years ago, Winnie Wood and Bob Sorenson dreamed up the idea of hosting a thematic celebration that would bring people to Native Wines, the winery they started in the small town of Mt. Pleasant, and to other attractions in Sanpete County.
The chosen theme? The ubiquitous rhubarb. OK, so the common garden plant is used in making all kinds of food products ranging from pies and bread to jams, jellies and ice cream sauce. Bob and Winnie, who make wines from native fruits and plants, also use rhubarb in some of their products. But does that warrant holding an annual celebration to honor the rhubarb plant? Winnie and Bob thought so. They even came up with some funky events for the special day: a rhubarb pie-eating contest, unique foods made from rhubarb, wine-and-cheese tasting, an ugly truck contest, and even crowning someone “the rhubarb queen.” Thus, the Sanpete Rhubarb Festival was born. Now in its seventh year, it’s a smashing success, attracting people from all over the state to Mt. Pleasant City and Sanpete County.
This year’s Sanpete Rhubarb Festival is set for May 13 from noon to 6 p.m. at Native Wines, 72 S. 500 West, and at Peel Furniture Works, 565 W. Main Street. It will include a lot of interesting things to eat and drink made from the plant, including ice cream, soda pop, salsa, syrup, pies and pickles, as well as musical performances, vendors, sidewalk sales and more. The celebration begins with the Ugly Truck Contest and Parade at noon. Ugly trucks from all over the region enter the parade, which runs down Mt. Pleasant’s Main Street. The only stipulation is that the truck must run. The parade will also include “The Rhubarb Royalty” float. The Royalty include a “Queen of Rhubarb,” a “Defender of the Rhubarb” and “The Rhubarb Maiden.” The royalty also preside over events such as the pie eating and raw rhubarb eating contests. There will be live music following the parade, including “old-time cowboy music” at Peel Furniture Works, as well as heritage craft demonstrations, food, contests and more until 5 p.m. Native Wines will also be releasing the rhubarb wine made in 2004 and will be open for wine and cheese tasting from noon to 9 p.m. At 3 p.m., judging for the “best rhubarb pie in the world” begins and at 4 p.m. a raw rhubarb eating contest. An awards ceremony for all the day’s contests will be held at 5 p.m. The soap box derby will begin after the noon parade, hosted by local resident John McClellan and Mt. Pleasant City. Soap Box Derby races used to be a popular event in Sanpete County, with a lot of local residents taking part as children. Nationally, races have grown in sophistication over the years, but Sanpete County’s races remain true to the original “anything goes” soap box derby philosophy. Cars can be made of any material, including plastic, wood, metal. They should be about six to seven feet long and about three feet wide. Drivers should range in age from about eight to 16 years. For additional information on the derby, contact McClellan at (435) 462-3808 or Mt. Pleasant City at (435) 462-2456. For more information on the festival, call Native Wines at (435) 462-9261 or Dale Peel at (435) 462-2887. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
The local Mt. Pleasant company Peel Furniture Works, which crafts heirloom quality replicas of early Utah pioneer furniture, came on board in recent years as a sponsor, and has added its own special twist to the celebrations. In addition, for the past few years the festival has also included a soap box derby, one of the few remaining in the state, to help bring the once-popular races back to the streets of Mt. Pleasant.Take a Trip to Sanpete County this Spring, Summer
DATE 04/28/2006 1:13 PMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.
Take a Trip to Sanpete County this Spring, Summer
Worried about taking a family “road trip” vacation this spring or summer due to ever-climbing gas prices? The Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council has a great idea: come and take a holiday in the historical cities and towns along U.S. Highway 89, the Heritage Highway.
“Sanpete County is only a two hour drive from Salt Lake City and less than one hour from Utah County, making it a convenient and economical family get away, whether it’s for a few days or a few weeks,” says Kevin Christensen, the county’s travel director.
“What also sets Sanpete County apart is that no matter which direction you are coming from, the drive into the county is spectacular, with beautiful scenery everywhere. Getting here is truly half the fun,” he says.
Across Utah, many of the county tourism and travel associations are urging Utahans to take vacations “in their own backyards” this summer and explore what the state has to offer.
“In Sanpete County, there are numerous events taking place in the spring and summer months, from Pioneer Day celebrations to star watching parties to a Rhubarb festival. There is literally something for everyone,” Christensen says.
In addition to the planned events and festival, the county also offers ongoing art exhibits, museums and other attractions every day of the year, he says.
May kicks off with the annual Rhubarb Festival, sponsored by Native Wines and Peel Furniture Works, being held May 13 at Native Wines, 72 South 500 West. The event literally honors the rhubarb, a common garden plant used in making food products ranging from pies, bread and wine to jams, jellies and ice cream sauce. The day long festival includes cheese and wine tasting plus a variety of foods and drinks made from rhubarb. There will be contests for rhubarb eating and rhubarb pie baking and awards for the best food products. There is also an ugly truck contest, a parade, soap box derby and more.
May 27 is Spring City’s Heritage Days, a day-long celebration of the city’s historical and artistic roots. Events include a 7:30 a.m. breakfast and a home tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., arts shows and sales, and an antique show. Arts shows feature local artists Orsal Allred, Lee Bennion, Linda Budd, Susan Gallacher, M-lisa Paulsen, Cassandria Parsons, Cathy Peterson and others. A special attraction will be “Arts Squared,” an exhibit that features one-foot square paintings by the abovementioned local artists, as well as national artists Brad Aldrich, Doug Fryer, Brian Kershinik, Ron Richmond and Michael Workman. All proceeds to toward the city’s restoration project of the Old Spring City School.
Also on May 27, Ephraim is celebrating Scandinavian Days. The festival is a celebration of the city’s Scandinavian heritage and includes a parade, smorgasbord food, desserts, craft booths, exhibits, story telling and music, a quilt exposition, performing artists and much more.
In June, one of the highlights in the county’s annual “Fly In” at the Mt. Pleasant municipal airport June 2 and 3. Pilots from all over Utah, the Intermountain West and beyond will be landing in Mt. Pleasant City for the weekend. There will also be a special “hanger talk” by Gail S. Halvorsen, who was known as the “Berlin candy bomber” for dropping packages of candy to children from his airplane. Attractions include free airplane rides for kids, $25 helicopter rides and a “candy parachute” drop by Halvorsen on Saturday.
On June 10, there will be a “Hoedown” in Spring City featuring country and western dancing and singing, cowboy poetry and musical performances.
In Manti, the Mormon Miracle Pageant, runs June 15-17 and 20 to 24. The annual event attracts more than 100,000 visitors to Manti each summer. It has the largest attendance of any outdoor pageant in the United States, attracting an average nightly crowd of about 15,000 people. The performance is held on the grounds of the Manti Temple and is free of charge.
For those who are interested in watching the heavens, Snow College’s Great Basin Environment Education Center will host “star watching” parties on June 23 and July 21 featuring instructors from the college’s physics department. The GBEEC is located at 8,900 feet on the eastern edge of the Great Basin, near both Ephraim and Manti.
July is a very busy month in Sanpete County, with Mt. Pleasant’s Hub City Days held July 1 to 4. It includes a mountain man rendezvous, rodeo, parade, fireworks and more. The celebration, in honor of Mt. Pleasant being the Hub City of Sanpete County, is just some of the many things to see and do along Utah s Heritage Highway, U.S. 89 over the July 4th holiday.
Gunnison City will hold “Home Town Patriots Days” July 2 to 4 featuring a patriotic fireside and parade and Manti will holds its annual celebration July 2 to 4 in the City Park featuring attractions, events, food, crafts, exhibits and more.
July 11 to 24, Fairview City will hold its Pioneer Days celebrations, including the annual “Lace Days” at the Fairview Museum, which celebrates the art, history and skill of lace making, and attracts lace-making enthusiasts and visitors from the state, country and even outside the United States. Highlights include lace-making demonstrations, information on crochet, knit, netting, and needle lace, exhibitor tables, and a class on making lace ornaments.
Mayfield will also hold a Pioneer Day celebration July 24 with a parade and other events.
In addition to the scheduled events, the cities and towns of Sanpete County are known for being rich in art and art history. There is the Fairview City museum, with historical artifacts, exhibits and work by local artists, including works by the famous late sculptor Avard Fairbanks and his works on Abraham Lincoln.
There are also restored theatres and buildings, including the Moroni Opera House, the Star Theatre in Gunnison, the Manti City Hall Building, and most of Mt. Pleasant’s Main Street. The county is also home to numerous artists, craft makers and unique boutiques and craft shops, including the Ephraim Co-op, which carries works of many local artists.
Sanpete County is also a popular spot for outdoor sports. Many of its back and country roads are open to vehicles, ATVs and bike riders. Rock climbing is also a big draw in the summer months with the county’s rugged cliffs that draw rock climbers from all over the country. In particular, Maple Canyon, located west of Moroni, offers climbers more than 80 established routes. Fishing, horseback riding and camping are all other popular warm-weather sports. For more information on the spring and summer opportunities in Sanpete County, call (435) 462-2502.
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For more information Contact:
Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502
‘Fat Cat’ Makes a Comeback
DATE 03/03/2006 7:15 AMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89.
‘Fat Cat’ Makes a Comeback
Drawings by Ephraim Artist Featured in New Book on Felines
In the 1970s, Ephraim artist Larry Nielson was inspired to draw a picture of a fluffy, “sort-of-arrogant-looking” feline that he dubbed “Fat Cat.”
“It was sort of a whimsical drawing, and I ended up turning it into a poster. It took off big time,” he says.
For years, Fat Cat was a popular image on walls, lockers and anywhere else posters could be found. Following the success of Fat Cat, Nielson was inspired to draw other images of cats, followed by a whole series of other critters: elephants, pigs, horses. “Some of them got wide exposure, but a lot of them weren’t seen by too many people.”
Now, some 30 years later, Fat Cat and his pack are making a come back. The smirky orange cat graces the cover of a new book, Cat Miscellany, that was recently published by a press in London, England.
The book was written by Max Cryer, a New Zealand-based author and talk show host who just happens to be a friend of mine. “He called me one day and asked me if he could send an image of Fat Cat to his publisher to look at. I told him ‘fine, go ahead.’” The publisher loved it and enquired whether Nielson had any other cat drawings.
Neilson sent in a bunch of drawings and sketches of felines that he had done over the years. “They called and said ‘Can we use all of them?” he says with a laugh.
Fat Cat ended up on the book’s cover, and some 30 other of Nielson’s drawings illustrate the rest of the text, which includes funny tidbits, factoids, quotes and other information about cats.
“It just flew off the shelves, it’s already on its second printing,” Nielson says, adding the book will start to be promoted in the United States this month.
While he isn’t making any money off the sales, Nielson says the book’s popularity is igniting new interest in his “cats-and-critters” illustrations.
“I do love to do whimsical drawings, along with my other art work,” he says.
Nielson is best known for his paintings on old and weathered wood, especially images of Native Americans, wildlife, and Western themes. Recently, a painting he did of the likeness of a famous battle scene, the image of the marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima in 1945, was turned into a print that is being circulated around the United States and is very popular with veterans groups.
Images of Fat Cat and the other felines that appear in the book are available on Nielson’s web site, http://windandwings.com/bookcats1.html . There are also links to his other “critter” drawings, as well as information about his other art work.
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For more information Contact:
Monte Bona
Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council
(435) 462-2502
Bikers, Wind Walker Ranch Team Up to Raise Money to Prevent Child Abuse
| DATE 02/21/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Bikers, Wind Walker Ranch Team Up to Raise Money to Prevent Child Abuse |
| Hundreds of motorcycle riders will be winding their way through the towns and streets of Sanpete County April 20 to 22 to raise money for child abuse prevention.
The annual “poker run” event attracts motorcycle clubs from throughout Utah, who join forces to raise money for Bikers Against Child Abuse. The event is being coordinated with assistance from Loretta Johnson, owner of the Wind Walker Guest Ranch, where many of the bikers will be staying. The Wind Walker ranch will be the starting base for the poker run. During the weekend, participants will ride through the valley picking up playing cards and pledges to support their cause. There will also be activities that are open to the public at the ranch, including food, games, dances and other events. Many of the bikers will also be doing leisurely rides throughout the weekend. U.S. Highway 89, the heritage highway that winds its way through Sanpete and other southern Utah counties, was named the No. 1 riding trail in the nation by the American Motorcycle Association in recent years. Bikers Against Child Abuse has chapters throughout Utah. Members work with local and state officials to lend emotional and physical support to abused children, including supporting them at court and parole hearings and attending interviews. The organization also has chapters in some 22 states and in Canada. For additional information on the poker run event, contact John Motsinger at (801) 224-7583. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Open House Honors Life of ‘Big Daddy’ Roth
| DATE 02/21/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Open House Honors Life of ‘Big Daddy’ Roth |
| The Fourth Annual Big Daddy Roth Open House, which honors the life and work of renowned artist/car designer Ed Roth, will be held April 20 to 24 in Manti.
The event is held each year at the museum that Ed Roth’s wife, Ilene, created to showcase her late husband’s art and memorabilia. The museum, which is an addition on the Roth home, is located at 404 East 300 North, Manti. After Ed Roth’s death in April 2001 at age 69, Ilene Roth decided she needed to find a way for people who loved and respected her late husband and his work to honor his memory. She came up with the idea for the open house and it is now an annual event. Roth, who was also known as “Big Daddy Roth,” was famous for designing and building hotrod cars and for creating the cartoon characters the Beatnik Bandit and “Rat Fink” in the 1960s. This year’s open house will include the touring “Rat Fink Statue Display,” which includes more than 40 depictions of the character Rat Fink painted by artists from all over the United States and Japan. The collection was recently on display in Austin, Texas, and will be going on to the Peterson Museum in California following the weekend’s events. The museum that Ilene Roth created to honor her late husband, which includes displays of Ed Roth’s art work and other memorabilia, will also be open during the reunion and is open to the public year-round by appointment. Other highlights of the event include a Friday night fundraising barbecue at 6:30 p.m. and an 8 p.m. showing of Tales of the Rat Fink, a new documentary by Canadian film maker Ron Mann. The movie stars John Goodman as Big Daddy Roth. It’s a combination biography/cultural commentary on Roth. Goodman narrates the film from heaven, playing Roth as he looks down on Earth with fond memories. The film also includes the voices of Jay Leno, the Smothers Brothers, Matt Groening and Paul Lemat. The real Ed Roth is included in the film in archival footage and new interviews. Ilene Roth has said she is delighted about the film. Both she and her late husband met with Mann in 2000 when he came to Utah to discuss the movie. She said her husband was very excited about having a movie produced to spotlight his creations with Rat Fink and fiberglass cars. On Saturday, there will be a 1 p.m. lunch and a 5 p.m. parade of cars down Main Street. The parade will feature both hotrod and antique cars. Roth was known for building one-of-a-kind show cars and is famous for his “plaster and fiberglass” creation method. The movie, Tales of the Rat Fink, will be shown again at 8 p.m. In addition, two of Ed Roth’s creations will be on display during the Open House, a Stealth he built in 1999 and his “Rat Fink,” constructed in 1963. The open house will also include musical performances, videos and slide presentations, displays of show cars, food, and professional car “stripers.” An avid hotrod enthusiast from the age of 12, Ed Roth started out by fixing up old cars in his garage. He then moved on to building cars from scratch and quickly became known as an artist rather than a mechanic, with his creations earning the title “sculptures on wheels.” He financed his passion by making cartoons and T-shirts, including drawings of cars and monsters driving cars. His most famous cartoon character was a rodent named Rat Fink, which became very popular in the 1960s and was featured on posters, T-shirts and more. Ilene Roth met her husband after he moved to Manti from California in 1987. For more information about the Ed “Big Daddy” Roth Open House, contact Ilene Roth at (435) 835-2142. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Snowmobilers to ‘Shootout’ at Fairview Canyon March 30 – April 1
| DATE 02/21/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Snowmobilers to ‘Shootout’ at Fairview Canyon March 30 – April 1 |
| Some 600 to 800 snowmobiling enthusiasts from the United States and Canada will gather in Fairview March 30 to April 1 for the 10th annual Skyline Snowmobile Shootout
“People come from all over to attend this event,” says organizer Bruce Kahlhamer, who owns PSI in Ogden. “We get riders from Wisconsin, Minnesota and even from Canada. Sometimes they drive eight to 20 hours straight to get here.” The popular weekend event is held at the top of Fairview Canyon at the end of Skyline Drive. It includes plenty of “shootouts,” where snowmobilers travel at a high rate of speed and race each other up hills. “People tend to race against those who have similar makes of snowmobiles, so everyone gets a chance and there is something for everyone. So bring your sleds and enjoy a couple of days,” Kahlhamer says. There is no set schedule for the events, as most of the races are impromptu, he adds. People tend to start gathering around mid-morning and stay throughout the day. Kahlhamer says the shootout started casually about a decade ago. “Friends and customers would get together for some fun and for some racing, and every year, it got more and more competitive. Pretty soon, it became a full-blown, annual event where people started coming out with their high-performance snowmobiles.” In addition to races and other activities, producers such as Yamaha will be on hand to display the latest sleds and equipments. For more information on the event, contact Kahlhamer at (801) 393-1010. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Snowkite ‘Masters’ Set to Soar Along Skyline Drive
| DATE 02/21/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Snowkite ‘Masters’ Set to Soar Along Skyline Drive |
| Some of the world’s leading snowkiters will be in Sanpete County March 25 & 26 for the Ozone Snowkite Masters being held along Skyline Drive.
The free public event will feature snowkite races, demonstrations, freestyle and backcountry riding, clinics and workshops, information on the latest technology and more. Activities get underway at 10 a.m. both days, with a barbecue lunch being held each day. The Snowkite Masters is being hosted by France’s Guillaume “Chasta” Chastagnol, one of the top snowkiters in the world. He is spending two months in Utah promoting the sport and exploring new snowkiting areas. “This is the snowkite event of the season,” says Brian Schenck, who is helping organize the event. He is an instructor and owner of a snowkite company, Windzup, one of the only companies in the country that makes kites especially for the winter sport. “It’s a non-competitive event designed to showcase the sport, and everything is free of charge. It’s an excellent opportunity for the general public to try out snowkiting, everyone rides together and shares the experience.” Snowkiting, one of the fastest-growing sports around, involves large kites pulling a skier or snowboarder across the snow. Recently, the sport was featured in news articles published in National Geographic’s Adventurer magazine, the New York Times, Men’s Journal and Utah’s Deseret Morning News. “But it is still a relatively new sport, only five to six years old,” Schenck says. “We are still only at the beginning of where the sport can take us.” And one of the most popular destinations for snowkiting enthusiasts is Skyline Drive, which has an altitude of 9800 feet and is located up Fairview Canyon. “It’s at the top of a mountain range, the snow and wind conditions are excellent, and it has mind-blowing terrain. It’s ideal. Skyline Drive has quickly become known in snowkiting circles as THE best spot in North America,” Schenck says. He and his wife, Heather, “discovered” Skyline Drive for themselves a couple of years ago while searching for locations for good snowkiting. They were impressed by the acres of open flats and hills of every angle and direction. “It offered the perfect ride, no matter what,” he says. Schenck expects about 100 snowkiters to attend, as well about more than 100 spectators and people interested in learning more about the sport. A special highlight at the Snowkite Masters will be the Winduro kite race, an endurance challenge that pits kiters against the terrain and wind conditions. Kiters will chase each other along a downwind course across the Skyline Drive ridge. If the wind fails or riders choose a “bad line,” they must finish the race by kit or on foot. For more information, visit the website: http://www.snowkiting.com/snowkitemasters . # # # # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Newspaper Editor Living Her Small-Town Dream
| DATE 02/21/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Newspaper Editor Living Her Small-Town Dream |
 As a child, Suzanne Dean, editor and publisher of the Sanpete Messenger, dreamed of running her own newspaper and living in a small town.
“I grew up in Salt Lake City, but I spent quite a bit of time at my grandparents’ house in Joseph City, Arizona, then a town of about 500,” Dean says. “My grandmother’s house fronted on Route 66. In Joseph City, I got a taste of a close-knit town, everybody pitching in on community projects, and an environment where a wide spectrum of types of people were accepted in the community. I think that’s where I started thinking about someday living in a small town.” Dean achieved her goal of running a newspaper early in life. When she was only 12 years old she started a neighborhood paper with the help of some friends. But it took a bit longer for her to realize her small-town dreams. “I had always thought Manti and Ephraim were some of the nicest small towns along U.S. 89 – in fact in the whole state,” Dean says. “I had thought several times that if the Ephraim Enterprise/Manti Messenger combination came up for sale, I would be interested.” But there were a few things that Dean needed to do first, starting with going to college. She spent her freshman year at Utah State University where she enrolled in a class on community journalism. “I think that’s where I started thinking about buying weekly newspaper.” She later transferred to the University of Utah, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Following graduation, Dean did the exact opposite of moving to small town – she went to New York City. She enrolled at Columbia University and graduated with a master’s degree in journalism. “Between Columbia and buying the Messenger, I did a bunch of things,” Dean says. That included working at the Deseret News and Standard-Examiner newspapers, teaching journalism at both the University of Idaho and University of Wyoming, working on a PhD in communications, and working for the University of Utah’s public relations department for seven years and for Magellan Behavioral Health, a national corporation, for a decade. “By the time I left the U of U Public Relations Department in 1992, I was getting pretty serious about the weekly newspaper idea,” Dean says. “When I got to Magellan, I started putting money away for it.” Then one day, she heard that Max Call, the then-owner of the Manti Messenger and Ephraim Enterprise, was putting his newspapers up for sale. “I decided to write Max a letter telling him about myself and my interest in buying a weekly newspaper.” The two signed an agreement in the fall of 2000 and in March 2001, Dean arrived in town to take over the reins. “I recruited stringers from throughout the county, started covering all the town council meetings and both the North Sanpete and South Sanpete school boards, and started soliciting subscriptions from all towns in Sanpete County, not just Manti and Ephraim.” In September, 2003, with quite a bit of fanfare, Dean changed the name of the paper to the Sanpete Messenger. One of her goals was to expand the paper countywide, so in August, 2004, she bought the Gunnison Valley News and Salina Sun, the latter of which she later sold to “friendly owners” with whom she has some business arrangements. “In the past five years I believe we’ve given the community a taste of a much more professional newspaper,” she says. Before Dean came on board, most of the newspapers in the county relied heavily on reader submissions. “Anybody could bring in a self-written article. The paper would edit it a little, but for the most part, they’d print it verbatim. Occasionally, the papers would send someone out to take pictures of a car wreck. But for the most part, they didn’t cover the news,” she says. “Now we put a huge effort into covering the news. We take on controversial issues, including naming names, and write hard-hitting editorials. Since I came to town, we’ve covered a hurricane, a bank collapse, a multi-million embezzlement that led to the bank collapse, published school administrator’s salaries and reported on a negative state audit of the Student Life area at Snow College,” she says. The efforts of Dean and her staff have been validated by their professional colleagues. The paper has won the “general excellence” award in its circulation category for four consecutive years. Staff members have also earned four National Newspaper Association awards in areas such as spot news, editorial page and investigative reporting. In addition, Salt Lake City’s City Weekly named the Sanpete Messenger the “Best Feisty Rural Newspaper.” And in March, Dean will be inducted in the Daily Utah Chronicle’s Hall of Fame, where she will take her place alongside fellow members Sen. Bob Bennett and Fred Kempe of the Wall Street Journal. But success has not come easily. “Some local people don’t like our approach-they think we should only report ‘good news’ and shouldn’t embarrass local people by reporting on their mistakes.” Dean has also had to spend a lot of time at work. “For the first five years, I worked 80-90 hours per week. That virtually always translated to a seven-day work week. This year, I’m trying to cut back, take a little personal time, and get some rest on weekends. Still, I invariably put in way more than a 60-hour week.” Dean still edits the paper, writes much of the news, and oversees all of the business matters, sales and marketing. “Being an independent weekly newspaper publisher is a very tough job, especially in a market such as Sanpete County where there are competing newspapers,” Dean says. “But like other small business owners, I guess, I continue to forge ahead, grapple with the editorial and business crises as they hit, strategize about expansion, and try to turn the strategies into action.” All of her hard work is producing results. The newspaper’s circulation today is at least two and a half times its circulation when she took over, and its revenues are up 85 percent. Dean’s future goals include setting up newspaper offices in three regions of the county: Gunnison Valley, Manti-Ephraim and North Sanpete, and expanding the paper to include two sections, one containing countywide news and the other news from the respective regions. She also strives to live up to her company’s mission statement that promises to make the Sanpete Messenger “the best little newspaper in America.” “I plan to visit newspapers around the country that have won national “general excellence” awards to learn how they achieve such remarkable news products,” Dean says. # # # |
| For more information Contact:
Monte Bona |
Fairview, Ephraim Gearing up for Snowmobile ‘State Ride’
| DATE 02/21/2006 7:15 AM |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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This is part of an occasional series by the Sanpete Country Travel and Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance on the people and places along U.S. Highway 89. Fairview, Ephraim Gearing up for Snowmobile ‘State Ride’ |
| Brian Howarth loves snowmobiling. He also enjoys helping to make a difference in people’s lives, especially children. On February 23 & 24, he will get the opportunity to combine his two loves by taking part in the Utah Snowmobile Association State Ride and Winter Festival being held in Ephraim and Fairview.“This is a great opportunity for the snowmobile community and our community to work together for a great cause,” says Howarth, president of the Skyline Sno-Riders, which is helping put on the event. The local club has twice been named “Snowmobile Club of the Year” by the Utah Snowmobiling Association and was awarded this honor for a third time again this year. In 2006 the Skyline Sno-Riders was the second-largest club in the state.He added that people do not need to be a member of any snowmobiling club to attend the two-day event.
Highlights include an Ephraim Canyon Charity Fund Raising Ride and Poker Run Friday, Feb. 23, at 9 a.m. All proceeds raised will be given to the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation. Later that evening there will be a dinner and games at the Fairview Senior Citizen Hall. On Saturday, Feb. 24, there will be snowmobile drag races starting at 8 a.m. near the Rodeo Grounds. The Fairview Canyon ride will begin at 9 a.m. at the canyon’s trail head. In addition, Fairview city will host vendors of outdoor equipment and an OHV Training class for 8 to 16 year olds Saturday afternoon. There will also be chilli “cook off” that afternoon and a Dutch Oven dinner and live entertainment open to the public at the Fairview Dance Hall that night. In addition, the Skyline Sno-Riders Club will continue its “Operation Care Bear” tradition of collecting new stuffed bears to give to law enforcement agencies to pass on to children after an accident or other incident. Donations may be dropped off at local hospitals, city offices, sheriff’s office or county building. Last year 900 bears were given out to needy children. The state ride and winter fest are expected to attract people from all over Utah and the inter mountain west. This is the third straight year that the Utah Snowmobiling Association has chosen to hold its “State Ride” in Fairview. “Simply put, it has some of the best riding in the entire country,” as stated in a recent four page article in “SnoWest” magazine, Howarth says. Fairview also has a paved canyon road that leads to a trail head that provides access to more than 50 miles of trails to the north at Skyline Drive and some 30 miles to the south to Joe’s Valley. There is also a paved parking lot and warming shelters. The great access, coupled with the great snow and diversity in the riding terrain made it a prime choice, Howarth says. Howarth moved to Fairview from Utah County a few years ago and his entire family got involved in the Skyline Sno-Riders. The family also started several charity events tied to snowmobiling that have raised food and funds for the local food bank. Howarth, his wife, Miko, his mother Darlene, and father, Clyde Mortensen, were also named the state’s top snowmobiling family of the year in 2004. The Sno-Riders worked to establish a trailhead up Fairview Canyon; including putting in a paved parking lot, as well as a warming shelter located about 15 miles away from the trail entrance that is kept well-stocked throughout the season, which typically runs from December through April. During the off-season, the Sno-Riders also sponsors other events such as trail clean ups, an “adopt a highway” program and are also involved in working with the Forest Service to create another paved parking lot at the area know as “Big Drift” as well as enlarging the Skyline North parking lot next spring. For information on the Feb. 23 & 24 rides, call Barbara Collard: 801-568-7000 (cell) or 801-254-6580. Reservations are required for the Saturday evening dinner at the Fairview Dance Hall as seating is limited. Cost is $19 per person. Call 435-427-3353 for reservations. More information is also available online at www.skylinesno-riders.com and the Utah Snowmobile Association website at www.snowut.com or by phoning Brian at 435-427-3620 or by email, bhow@cut.net or bhowarth@utah.gov. http://www.skylinesno-riders.com http://www.snowut.com # # # |
| For more information Contact:Monte Bona Sanpete County Travel and Heritage Council (435) 462-2502 |
