Holladay celebrates its 20th anniversary with birthday bash
Oct 21, 2019 01:46PM ● By Stephanie De Graw
Holladay sisters share a train ride to celebrate the city's 20th birthday. By Stephanie DeGraw
By Stephanie DeGraw | [email protected]
Utah’s longest continuous settlement became an official city 20 years ago and celebrated its birthday on September 20th. Holladay was founded in 1847 and known as Holladay’s Burg in the Utah Territory. John Holladay, an early pioneer in Colorado, Utah, and California, originally settled the area.
About 500 residents attended the city hall to celebrate its heritage with cake, music, children’s train, and Plein Art Quick Draw contest.
“With the re-development of the village center, completion of Knudsen Park and the Cottonwood Mall now on track for re-development, Holladay residents should be exceedingly optimistic. Our future is bright!” Mayor Rob Dahle said.
The Holladay Chamber of Commerce sponsored a face painter and launched the premiere of Taste of Holladay. “The Taste is a unique opportunity to sample the fantastic restaurants that Holladay offers. The Chamber was able to partner with 20+ restaurants this year, and we’re excited about the future of this program,” Selena Kontuly, Chamber Executive Director said.
Another partner of the birthday party was the Holladay Arts Council. They oversaw their annual Plein Art Quick Draw, Art Stroll, and Auction according to Sheryl Gillilan, Executive Director of the Arts Council.
The local businesses who provided donations for the event include: Bill Leslie of Leslie’s French Pastries for the delicious birthday cake, Jeffrey Conrad for design and artwork of the anniversary print, posters, tees, and hats; Relics Frame-makers and Gallery for hosting the art stroll and auction; The Store Fine Foods Market & Deli for providing their famous chips, salsa, and beverages; Randy Fitts & US Novelty for the party-ware and balloons; Holladay Justice Court & Utah State Courts for giveaway items; Mountain Side Spa for gift card; Anatomy of Wellness for a gift card and Oral Dental Design for gift cards.
Many volunteers assisted with the city’s birthday including Chris Moore, Cindy Gubler, D. Wright, Doug Wright, Joni Dahle, Jamie Barton, and Kristen Elizabeth. City staff involved in the event include Diane Burandt, Finance Director, and Kaylynn Olsen, Justice Courts Supervisor.
Jeffrey Conrad contributed artwork for the city’s birthday merchandise. “I studied a lot of the history of Holladay and there was a lot to draw from. That said, most find adventure and connection with Mt. Olympus, so we focused most of our efforts there” Conrad said. “I love storytelling and branding and our little city should have stuff to represent their pride.” The merchandise is available for purchase at City Hall during normal business hours. The city is working on partnerships with other local businesses to sell merchandise in the future.
The Plein Art Quick Draw contest paintings were displayed and for sale at the Relics Gallery. The winners include Professional 1st Place Candy Rideout for Dreams and Reflections; 2nd Place Melody Greenlief for Pete’s Rock; 3rd Place Troy Forbrush for Corner Cross. Honorable Mentions include Don Miskin for Olive Tree; Steve Stauffer for Bike Lane; Candy Rideout for Third Generation and Beckie Rock for Windswept Knudsen Park. Amateur 1st Place Molly Neves for Diagona; 2nd Place Susannah Mecham for September; 3rd Place Pat Newhouse for The Best Dress and Student 1st Place, Eliza Meier.
