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Mod the Modern Market is coming back to St George this Fall

Explore small business markets in St. George, where Mod the Modern Market brings local vendors and neighbors together.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 30, 2026
Mod the Modern Market is coming back to St George this Fall

In St. George, Mod the Modern Market brings small businesses and neighbors together over more than a shopping trip.

 

The family-run market grew from its founders’ concern that independent sellers needed more welcoming places to meet customers and grow.

 

Drawing on more than six years of small-business experience, the organizers aim to make each gathering approachable for vendors and personal for shoppers.

 

Visitors can discover the people behind the products, while sellers have a chance to build connections that may last beyond a single sale.

 

The organizers recently celebrated their seventh market, crediting St. George vendors and shoppers for helping the event continue.

 

For the family behind it, the goal remains simple: give local entrepreneurs a place to be seen, supported and connected with their community.

Second round of severe floods in 2 months for Hurricane Homeowners

Flash flooding near St George reached roughly 130 Hurricane homes, leaving residents to confront residential and basement flooding again.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 30, 2026
Second round of severe floods in 2 months for Hurricane Homeowners

Flash flooding from Gould Wash reached roughly 130 homes in Hurricane on Thursday, sending families near 150 South and 850 West into another exhausting cleanup.

 

For some residents, the muddy water brought a second round of damage after flooding in August, with basements, belongings and floors hit again.

 

Homeowners, firefighters and volunteers pumped water and carried buckets of mud from homes, while city crews responded to flooding around roads, bridges and culverts.

 

A nearby church opened as a shelter for people who needed to leave their homes.

 

Mayor Clark Fawcett declared a local emergency, which could help the city seek state and federal cleanup assistance.

 

Crews were still assessing the damage late Thursday, leaving the full impact unclear.

 

The reported home flooding was in Hurricane, not St George, but its toll shows how quickly an overflowing wash can disrupt a neighborhood.

How Senior Musicians bring joy to St George and improved mental health

Bar None Wranglers bring familiar country songs to St. George audiences, showing how senior musicians can build connection through live music.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 30, 2026
How Senior Musicians bring joy to St George and improved mental health

In St. George, the Bar None Wranglers play country favorites for local audiences, including residents of memory care facilities.

 

Most members are in their 70s and 80s, yet founder Robin Davis says the band averaged about 140 performances a year over the past two years.

 

For the musicians, the reward is connection rather than applause.

 

Member Joe Lawrence has watched residents who rarely speak tap their feet or join in when a familiar song begins.

 

Davis remembers a caregiver’s surprise at hearing one resident sing along after years of speaking very little.

 

The band has changed lives onstage, too: after first seeing the Wranglers perform, Dennis Madsen taught himself ukulele, guitar and banjo before joining them.

 

For these southern Utah musicians, it is never too late to learn something new or brighten someone’s day.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Visits St. George,

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile brought Halloween fun to St. George and nearby communities. See where it stopped and what to know about future visits.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 30, 2026
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Visits St. George,

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile rolled through St. George and nearby communities during a Halloween-themed tour, giving families an unexpected reason to stop and smile.

 

Its southern Utah stops included Utah Tech University’s Tricks & Treats Night, Staheli Family Farm in Washington City, The Farm Zion in Hurricane, the St. George Library and a local blood drive.

 

At the farm, visitors could enjoy hot dogs and Halloween lights alongside the famous hot-dog-shaped vehicle.

 

Hotdoggers Aiden Jaffe and Lauren Tripper brought their pun-filled spirit to the visit, while the crew planned additional appearances at Sandtown Pizza and the St. George Halloween Festival.

 

From campus to farms and neighborhood gathering places, the tour offered a playful moment for residents of all ages.

 

Those Halloween stops are not a current schedule; anyone hoping to catch the next visit should wait for a newly confirmed itinerary.

MOD the Modern Market Returns to St. George November 14

Discover MOD the Modern Market at Vernon Worthen Park in St. George on November 14, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Free admission, local makers, food and holiday shopping.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 21, 2026
MOD the Modern Market Returns to St. George November 14

MOD the Modern Market returns to Vernon Worthen Park on November 14, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Shop local makers, enjoy food, and find unique holiday gifts. Admission is free.

Thunder Junction All Abilities Park Marks 10 Years in St. George

Thunder Junction All Abilities Park celebrates 10 years in St. George with an October 20 party and plans for an inclusive Phase II expansion.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 20, 2026
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park Marks 10 Years in St. George

For 10 years, Thunder Junction All Abilities Park has given St. George children a place to play together.

 

Families can celebrate that milestone October 20, from 5 to 7 in the evening, with food trucks, games, music, face painting and magic shows.

 

The celebration will also include a groundbreaking for Thunder Junction Phase II, a 2.5-acre expansion designed for children of different abilities.

 

The planned Ice Age-themed area will add play equipment, rides and another train stop to help families get around the park.

 

Guests can ride the train for free during the event and visit booths hosted by organizations serving people with disabilities.

 

Located at 1851 South Dixie Drive, Thunder Junction remains free to enter year-round.

 

The anniversary is a chance to celebrate a decade of inclusive play and see what comes next.

Three Peaks transmission project: Public input on 54-mile line

The Three Peaks transmission project would bring a 54-mile power line along I-15 in southern Utah. Residents are raising concerns about the route.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 20, 2026
Three Peaks transmission project: Public input on 54-mile line

Rocky Mountain Power proposes a 54-mile, 345 kV transmission line from northwest of Cedar City to Hurricane to help meet southern Utah’s growing electricity demand.

 

The preliminary route largely follows Interstate 15, but residents are concerned about potential effects on wells, ranchland and their use of private property.

 

At recent open houses, property owners pressed the utility for answers about where the line would go.

 

The alignment is not final, and the company says it will study conditions on the ground and work with affected owners.

 

Residents have also asked about burying the line, though the utility says underground construction would cost more, require more excavation and complicate repairs.

 

Visibility near the Kolob Canyons entrance to Zion National Park is another concern.

 

Environmental review, permitting and public outreach lie ahead, with service currently planned for 2033.

 

Residents can raise property-specific concerns while the route remains under review.

Farm Animal Rescue Near St. George Seeks a Permanent Home

Farm animal rescue near St. George seeks a permanent home as The Salty Sanctuary cares for rescued calves and other animals.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 18, 2026
Farm Animal Rescue Near St. George Seeks a Permanent Home

The Salty Sanctuary needs a permanent home for nearly 30 rescued farm animals now living on leased land in Diamond Valley, north of St. George.

 

Founder Emily Potter cares for cows, horses, goats and other animals while commuting from St. George to meet their daily needs.

 

She began rescuing calves after learning about the separation of dairy cows and their young, later bottle-feeding five sick calves through their first weeks.

 

The sanctuary’s name grew from a clothing brand Potter created while her mother faced ovarian cancer.

 

Now rising rent, feed costs and veterinary bills make the rescue’s future uncertain.

 

Potter has found a possible property in northern Utah, but its roughly $1 million price poses a major fundraising challenge and would take the sanctuary away from Washington County.

 

For Potter, a permanent home would mean steadier care and the chance to stay close when an animal needs comfort.

Region 9 Football Keeps Southern Utah Communities Connected

As the regular season approaches its final stretch, local teams and supporters have plenty to celebrate

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 17, 2026
Region 9 Football Keeps Southern Utah Communities Connected

Friday night football has a way of bringing Southern Utah together. The final stretch of the regular season is an especially meaningful time for players, coaches, students and families who have spent weeks preparing for each game. Recent local coverage highlighted three non-region matchups during the next-to-last week of the schedule, with three Region 9 teams enjoying a bye.

Huntsman World Senior Games Bring New Energy to St. George

A celebration of active living, friendly competition and the connections that make Southern Utah special

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 16, 2026
Huntsman World Senior Games Bring New Energy to St. George

Every autumn, St. George has a special way of reminding us that enthusiasm, determination and a sense of adventure don't come with an expiration date. The Huntsman World Senior Games returned to the city with an opening ceremony at Burns Arena on the Utah Tech University campus, setting the stage for another celebration of athletes who continue to challenge themselves.

2026 Huntsman World Senior Games Open in St. George

The 2026 Huntsman World Senior Games open in St. George with a parade, record participation and inspiring performances by athletes over 100.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 10, 2026
2026 Huntsman World Senior Games Open in St. George

St. George kicked off the 2026 Huntsman World Senior Games Tuesday night with an opening ceremony and athlete parade at Burns Arena on the Utah Tech University campus.

 

Organizers expect a record 12,200-plus competitors from 33 nations over two weeks of events across the area, including athletes from Ecuador for the first time.

 

Among the newcomers is Yuet Yu Ma, 101, who began playing table tennis as a child in Shanghai and traveled to St. George with her son for her Games debut.

 

St. George resident Alta Pierson, 100, is entering her first track and field competition, taking on six running and throwing events.

 

Inside the arena, DonnaJean Wilde drew cheers as she held an abdominal plank for more than five hours, setting a female world record.

 

With cornhole joining the lineup, the Games continue through October 17, offering local spectators plenty of chances to watch athletes of all ages pursue new goals.

2026 Red Bull Rampage Near St. George

2026 Red Bull Rampage returns near St. George with women’s and men’s fields. See key riders and scheduled livestream times.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 9, 2026
2026 Red Bull Rampage Near St. George

On the cliffs near Virgin, Utah, riders and their dig crews shape narrow routes through steep desert terrain, where a few inches of dirt can determine whether a line is rideable.

 

Red Bull Rampage returns to the St. George area for its 20th edition, 25 years after the freeride mountain biking contest began.

 

The women’s competition was scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8, while the men are set to ride Saturday, Oct. 10.

 

Two-time champion Robin Goomes leads the 12-rider women’s field in the contest’s third year.

 

Defending men’s champion Hayden Zablotny, who won as a newcomer in 2025, returns to an 18-rider field.

 

Unlike a conventional race, each rider chooses a path through drops, exposed ridges and narrow chutes, making every descent a distinct test of skill and judgment.

 

The men’s official broadcast is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Mountain Time Saturday, though mountain conditions could change the timing.

Five Best Food Trucks in St. George: Local Picks

Explore five standout food trucks in St. George for street tacos, smoked barbecue, honey-glazed corn dogs, chicken tenders, and fish and chips.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 9, 2026
Five Best Food Trucks in St. George: Local Picks

Looking for a meal beyond your usual restaurant routine?

 

Five standout food trucks serving the St. George area offer plenty of reasons to try something different.

 

St George Taco Truck serves authentic Mexican street tacos, while Big Lud’s BBQ specializes in traditional Texas-style smoked meats.

 

BBQ By Joe brings creative barbecue, including vegetarian and vegan options, to local markets and events.

 

For a casual family treat, The Corndog Company offers fresh, hand-dipped corn dogs with its signature honey glaze.

 

Love Me Foods rounds out the shortlist with chicken tenders, fries, and Alaskan cod fish and chips.

 

Choose your next stop by your craving, and check each truck’s latest public schedule before heading out.

Blind Marathon Runner Finds His Stride in St. George

A blind marathon runner returns to the St. George Marathon with Utah guides, showing how partnership supports speed and independence.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 3, 2026
Blind Marathon Runner Finds His Stride in St. George

For blind marathon runner Adrian Broca, returning to the St. George Marathon means relying on trusted guides while running every stride himself.

 

The California athlete ran the course in 2 hours, 50 minutes in 2007 and hoped his latest effort would improve his Boston Marathon qualifying time.

 

Utah runners Nate Zarlengo and Sean Feeny planned to split guiding duties, helping Broca navigate turns and hold his line while matching his pace.

 

Broca began distance running after losing his sight as a teenager to Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, a diagnosis that brought depression and uncertainty.

 

Encouraged by his brother, he gradually rebuilt his confidence on familiar routes and later learned to race with a guide.

 

Decades of marathons and triathlons followed, along with multiple Boston Marathon qualifications.

 

In St. George, Broca hoped to finish near 3 hours, 10 minutes and show others facing profound change that their goals can endure.

A buyers market in St. George, Utah: Inventory and Prices

A buyers market around St. George offers more choices and negotiating room, but housing inventory has not made median home prices affordable for everyone.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 3, 2026
A buyers market in St. George, Utah: Inventory and Prices

Homebuyers in St. George and parts of Washington County have more room to negotiate as rising inventory gives them more choices and sellers more competition.

 

The shift is especially clear in Hurricane, where many homes sold below asking price during the spring selling season.

 

Several St. George ZIP codes also showed buyer-friendly conditions, though opportunities vary by neighborhood.

 

For sellers, realistic pricing, a well-presented home and flexibility on concessions may help keep buyers interested.

 

But more negotiating power does not mean homes are affordable: Hurricane’s median home price remained above $500,000 in the second quarter of 2026.

 

Buyers should weigh financing, insurance and taxes alongside any discount or help with closing costs, and compare recent sales in the neighborhoods they prefer.

 

More inventory offers local families welcome breathing room, but the bigger question is whether home prices will move closer to what local wages can support.

5 Best Coffee Shops in St. George

A local coffee crawl for every kind of morning.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 29, 2026
5 Best Coffee Shops in St. George

Whether you want downtown brunch, a purposeful roast, or a fast drive-through cup, St. George has a coffee stop that fits.

 

Try Café FeelLove, Switchpoint Coffee Co., Perks!, Bonrue Bakery, and Liberty Cafe for five distinct takes on the morning ritual.

Construction Careers Take Center Stage in St George

Construction careers get a hands-on spotlight in St. George as local seventh graders explore skilled trades and the need for future homebuilders.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 26, 2026
Construction Careers Take Center Stage in St George

Hundreds of Washington County seventh graders got a hands-on look at construction careers during the third annual Careers in Construction Day in St. George.

 

At Career Tech High School, students explored woodworking, masonry, framing, concrete work, interior design, heating and cooling systems, and heavy equipment operation.

 

Organized by local homebuilders, the event introduced young people to skilled trades as the industry looks for its next generation of workers.

 

That need matters to local families: a construction labor shortage can slow homebuilding and add to housing costs.

 

Students also saw that a four-year degree is not the only path to a career.

 

Trades education can help teenagers develop practical skills in high school, though no single event guarantees a job.

 

For St. George, giving students a chance to try the work is a step toward building the workforce that future homes will require.

Red Rock Film Festival 2026 Brings Independent Film to St. George

Red Rock Film Festival 2026 brings Utah stories and international premieres to St. George. Explore film festival tickets and screenings through September 26.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 25, 2026
Red Rock Film Festival 2026 Brings Independent Film to St. George

Red Rock Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary in St. George with independent films from Utah and abroad screening through September 26 at the Performing Arts Center.

 

Among the Utah-connected selections, Jill Orschel’s documentary Snowland follows a former child bride from a Colorado City polygamist sect as she searches for healing.

 

St. George plays a starring role in Ba Ba Bound, filmed around the city with local residents appearing alongside German actors.

 

Other films explore a Boy Scout collection’s sale, a young farmer’s disappearance in Lucin and a Utah coyote-hunting trip with skateboarder Jason Ellis.

 

International premieres include Still Spirits, set at a wildfire-threatened campground, and the Creole-language film The Coruskan, set on Réunion Island.

 

Screenings run daily from 1 to 11 at the Performing Arts Center, 905 South Main Street, with single-day and multi-day passes available online.

 

A second festival section is planned for Cedar City in November.

VHS Movie Rentals Bring Nostalgia to St. George,

VHS movie rentals return to St. George at Legacy Media Digital, alongside VCR rentals and photo digitization for families.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 25, 2026
VHS Movie Rentals Bring Nostalgia to St. George,

In St. George, VHS rentals are bringing back the simple pleasure of choosing a movie together.

 

At Legacy Media Digital, owner McKay Murdock has opened his tape collection to customers who want to browse the shelves, pick up a treat and take a film home.

 

Parents can share a familiar childhood ritual with their kids, while younger viewers get a break from scrolling through streaming menus.

 

The store rents VCRs, too, making movie night possible for families without a working player.

 

Since 2009, Legacy Media Digital has helped Southern Utah customers preserve aging photos, film and home videos through digitization.

 

The rentals offer a different way to reconnect with the past, putting usable tapes back into circulation and giving families a reason to gather around one screen.

 

Murdock does not expect VHS to become the shop’s main business, but a shared movie night may help families make a new memory.

Bank of Utah Championship Brings PGA TOUR Excitement to St George

Experience the Bank of Utah Championship golf tournament in St George, Utah, a premier PGA TOUR event filled with excitement and community spirit.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 18, 2026
Bank of Utah Championship Brings PGA TOUR Excitement to St George

The upcoming Bank of Utah Championship is set to put St George in the spotlight as golf’s biggest names arrive at Black Desert Resort in Ivins this fall.

 

Southern Utah’s golf community is buzzing with anticipation, as locals and visitors gear up for four days of high-stakes PGA TOUR action framed by breathtaking red rock scenery.

 

Beyond the thrilling tournament, guests can sample local food trucks, sip signature cocktails, and enjoy live entertainment across the resort grounds.

 

For newcomers and families, the experience offers much more than golf, featuring interactive games, shopping, and activities for all ages.

 

This year’s event also highlights leading Utah organizations, including a healthcare nonprofit supporting local families.

 

With new eateries, upscale stays, and a festive autumn atmosphere, the championship is quickly becoming a must-see tradition, reinforcing pride and investment in Southern Utah’s recreational scene.

Washington County Honors Constitution Day with Readings of America’s Founding Documents

St. George marks Constitution Day with a U.S. Constitution reading and Bill of Rights reading, uniting the community in celebration of this important tradition.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 18, 2026
Washington County Honors Constitution Day with Readings of America’s Founding Documents

St. George’s lively Constitution Day celebration brought residents together downtown, highlighting the lasting power of America’s founding ideals.

 

Families, students, veterans, and community leaders filled the steps of the historic Pioneer Courthouse for a shared U.S. Constitution reading.

 

First responders and city officials joined the crowd, each person taking turns reciting passages from the nation’s pivotal document.

 

A sense of reverence grew as the event transitioned to the Bill of Rights reading, connecting the words of the past to freedoms enjoyed in Utah today.

 

Organizers stressed the value of civic education and the lessons these founding texts still carry for young people.

 

Nearby Hurricane City also joined in, with Liberty Village hosting its own reading at the Green Dragon Tavern.

 

Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution further enriched the celebration with presentations and local history.

 

These annual gatherings unite St. George in honoring heritage and building informed citizenship.

Cancer Center Expansion Elevates Cancer Care in St George, Utah

Discover how the new cancer center is transforming cancer care in St George, Utah, with advanced neuro-oncology services now available locally.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 18, 2026
Cancer Center Expansion Elevates Cancer Care in St George, Utah

St. George has achieved a milestone in local cancer care, bringing advanced treatment options directly to southern Utah residents.

 

The newly expanded cancer center at St. George Regional Hospital now provides specialized services that once required long journeys for families and patients.

 

This week’s unveiling marks an important advancement, with the facility offering a dedicated infusion space and introducing leading-edge neuro-oncology services for brain and nervous system cancers.

 

For many, these improvements mean expert care is finally available at home, signaling a huge step for the community.

 

Regional leaders emphasize the center’s commitment to meeting the unique healthcare needs of a rapidly growing population.

 

Patients now benefit from a seamless continuum of care, including palliative and survivorship programs, all under one roof.

 

These enhancements are generating optimism and gratitude among families, solidifying St. George’s role as a health care innovator.

Chamber Music Festival in St. George: Classical Music Concert & Piano Quintet

The chamber music festival in St. George, Utah features a classical music concert and piano quintet performance, offering a vibrant cultural experience.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 11, 2026
Chamber Music Festival in St. George: Classical Music Concert & Piano Quintet

The celebrated chamber music festival is making its return to St. George, promising to enchant Southern Utah’s classical music fans.

 

The Dolores Dore Eccles Fine Arts Center will once again host international musicians, turning the venue into a showcase of refined melodies and artistry.

 

Anticipation is building as musicians prepare for an evolved lineup, highlighted by a captivating piano quintet performance.

 

Growing demand for tickets reflects increasing local interest in classical events.

 

The festival's program spotlights pieces from Mozart and Schumann, with the night’s climax being the dramatic Brahms quintet.

 

Organizers say this concert aims to nurture both local talent and visiting enthusiasts seeking an intimate chamber setting.

 

The festival’s inclusive approach, offering free student admission, spotlights a commitment to inspiring young audiences.

 

St. George’s cultural scene is thriving, placing the city in the regional spotlight.

Dixie Days and Community Festivals in St George Utah

Experience Dixie Days, a lively celebration of utah heritage events and community festivals in St. George, uniting locals for history, food, and fun.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 11, 2026
Dixie Days and Community Festivals in St George Utah

Dixie Days returns to downtown St. George this autumn, uniting locals and newcomers for a celebration rich in tradition and lively spirit.

 

Anticipation is high as crowds prepare for highlights like the sold-out golf tournament, concerts beneath the stars, and the mesmerizing Dixie Days Drone Show — a modern twist on classic Utah heritage events.

 

Historic exhibits at the Tabernacle invite residents to reconnect with St. George’s roots, while guided treks and exclusive film screenings spark conversations about the city’s evolving identity.

 

The expanded university community night and bustling Town Square carnival reflect St. George’s growth, fostering enthusiastic crowds and showcasing new local businesses.

 

Rodeo nights at the Dixie Sunbowl and Dinner on Main headline evenings filled with cowboy flair and acclaimed local cuisine.

 

The festival’s grand parade and finale at Vernon Worthen Park underscore Dixie Days’ enduring importance as a vibrant, unifying force for the community.

Flags to commemorate 9/11 at the Historic Town Square in St. George

Experience 9-11 memorial events in St. George, Utah—Patriot Day ceremonies, stair climb, and September 11 remembrance bring the community together in tribute.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 11, 2026
Flags to commemorate 9/11 at the Historic Town Square in St. George

The 9/11 memorial events in St. George, Utah, serve as a stirring reminder of unity and remembrance.

 

As September 11nears, the community prepares to honor the lives lost and celebrate the remarkable courage shown on September 11, 2001.

 

This year's Patriot Day and September 11 remembrance activities invite residents of all ages to reflect together.

 

On September 11, Historic Town Square becomes a gathering place for a heartfelt patriotic program, featuring children’s choirs, moving words from guest speakers, and a solemn bell tribute by the St. George Fire Department.

 

Families will find meaningful participation, with face painting and activities for kids.

 

The evening concludes with a flag retirement ceremony led by the Sons of the American Revolution and United We Pledge.

 

The Field of Heroes displays hundreds of flags, each honoring a fallen first responder.

 

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Tech Ridge—open to all—emphasizes resilience and remembrance, strengthened by new partnerships supporting this year’s events.

America First Performing Arts Center Grand Opening at St George

America First Performing Arts Center celebrates grand opening in St George, Utah, showcasing Utah Tech University events and revitalizing the performing arts center.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 4, 2026
America First Performing Arts Center Grand Opening at St George

The highly anticipated America First Performing Arts Center officially opens its doors in St George, marking a transformative moment for southern Utah’s arts community in partnership with Utah Tech University.

 

This state-of-the-art center, positioned within the university’s cultural corridor, reflects years of collaboration among America First Credit Union, local leaders, and generous private donors.

 

Blending tradition and modern design, the venue is set to host everything from symphony concerts to student showcases, making it a vibrant hub for both professional and emerging talent.

 

Although a scheduled morning ribbon-cutting was rescheduled due to power outages, the community’s excitement only grew, culminating in a festive evening celebration.

 

Beloved groups like the Southwest Symphony and Southern Utah Heritage Choir now have a fitting home, fueling economic growth and further revitalizing downtown St George.

Christensen’s Returns: St. George Utah Welcomes Family Legacy Back

Discover Christensen’s return and what's new in St. George Utah.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 3, 2026
Christensen’s Returns: St. George Utah Welcomes Family Legacy Back

St. George, Utah stands out for its unique blend of cherished heritage and vibrant renewal.

 

With Christensen’s making a celebrated comeback, the community is reminded of the generations who have found connection and belonging through this local favorite.

 

Longtime residents and newcomers both view the reopening as more than commercial news—it’s a milestone for a business interwoven with family traditions and memories of first jobs.

 

This resurgence is set against a dynamic backdrop.

 

St. George has welcomed a wave of new restaurants, specialty shops, and recreation spots, signaling growth that complements its historic charm.

 

Road upgrades and colorful art installations are enlivening the downtown scene, encouraging community gatherings and weekend strolls.

 

As more families arrive, the real estate market heats up, all set beneath the enduring beauty of southern Utah’s red rocks.

 

Christensen’s return stands as a symbol of tradition evolving alongside progress, fueling local anticipation for the future.

New Leadership in St George Steers Famous Fossil Site into a Bold Chapter of Discovery

Experience St. George's dinosaur discovery site and fossil trackways at the interactive dinosaur museum. Discover ancient footprints and Utah’s rich prehistory.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 2, 2026
New Leadership in St George Steers Famous Fossil Site into a Bold Chapter of Discovery

The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site continues to captivate visitors with ancient fossils and lifelike trackways, offering a window into Utah’s prehistoric world from over 200 million years ago.

 

Families and fossil enthusiasts are especially thrilled by the intricate footprints—some showing toe marks and tail drags—preserved in stone under bright lights.

 

Recent leadership changes have sparked renewed energy, with the new executive director aiming to broaden the museum's reach and deepen ties within the community.

 

The site has evolved into a hub for interactive learning, with hands-on exhibits, active dino digs nearby, and local scientists pioneering innovative ways to study ancient bone beds.

 

Beloved field trips, creative workshops, and cultural programming have made the museum a local treasure, fueling anticipation about what fresh discoveries may come next—cementing St. George’s place at the heart of paleontology in the region.

Quilts of Valor Honor Military Veterans in St. George, Utah

Quilts of Valor honors military veterans in St. George, Utah, with special ceremonies and veteran honors, celebrating service and community unity.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Aug 27, 2026
Quilts of Valor Honor Military Veterans in St. George, Utah

The Quilts of Valor program recently honored two St. George military veterans, offering heartfelt recognition and gratitude amid a gathering at a local quilting shop.

 

William Winn, a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran, was moved to share his service experiences and a family quilting story, expressing surprise at the deep personal meaning the quilt now holds for him.

 

Kenneth Sabo, another former Army member, received his tribute surrounded by fellow veterans and supporters, reflecting on the profound sense of purpose shared within their ranks.

 

Community pride soared as Patriot Guard Riders were also commended for safeguarding the dignity of veteran events.

 

This year, Ruth Hoover was applauded for her leadership as she turned 80, steering the Southern Utah branch’s steady growth.

 

For many in St. George, these ceremonies embody respect, unity, and public gratitude for service members—a tradition brightening an ever-growing city.

Local Produce Market Shines at Washington Farmers Market

Discover fresh finds and vibrant community spirit at the washington farmers market, where the local produce market brings southern Utah together every week.

St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Aug 27, 2026
Local Produce Market Shines at Washington Farmers Market

The Washington Farmers Market pulses with community energy each Saturday at Veterans Park, transforming into a hub for both locals and visitors.

 

Shoppers weave between stands overflowing with farm-fresh produce, handcrafted jams, and award-winning salsas that capture the taste of southern Utah.

 

Families gather for face-painting, balloon artists, and lively music, creating an atmosphere where laughter and joy run free.

 

Vendors and artisans find a supportive environment to network, learn, and celebrate successes, making the market a launching pad for small businesses.

 

The farmers market St. George also draws health-minded visitors seeking local greenhouse greens, dairy, and crisp fruit, harvested just miles away.

 

Community groups add deeper purpose, hosting pet adoptions and seasonal events that foster impact and generosity.

 

With each visit, it’s clear the Washington Farmers Market embodies the collaborative spirit and vibrant heart of downtown Washington City.

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© 2026 St George Thrives Insider.

St George Thrives Insider is your trusted guide to life in Utah’s red rock country. From local news and community highlights to events, dining, outdoor adventures, and business spotlights, this newsletter celebrates the energy and growth of St. George. With a friendly, upbeat tone, it keeps you connected to what matters most — your city, your neighbors, your community.

© 2026 St George Thrives Insider.