Events for May 24, 2008

Being that it's Memorial Day weekend, there are a lot of things going on, that are free or inexpensive, all over the state. Here are a selection of a few that look like fun.

Camp Floyd State Park in conjunction with the Utah Civil War Association are hosting a Civil War Encampment on Memorial Day Weekend at Camp Floyd State Park. The event will allow visitors to experience camp life and participate in several activities performed by soldiers of Johnston's Army; learn to drill and march, load and fire a Civil War period rifle, watch a battle and medical display. Bring your picnic and have lunch with a soldier and participate in 1861 period games. The events will be conducted on both Saturday May 24th and Monday, May 26, 2008. All events are free of charge. Standard museum entrance fees of $2 per person or $6 per family still apply.
Directions: From I-15; take the Lehi exit #279, which is Lehi's Main Street. Continue west along this street, which eventually turns into Hwy 73. Continue along this highway to the town of Fairfield, approximately 22 miles from Lehi. Once in Fairfield, follow the highway signs into the park.
Park Information

Head out to Antelope Island and celebrate Memorial Day weekend at one of Utah's earliest ranches, the historic Fielding Garr Ranch. Learn how the people of Antelope Island lived. Learn to make pioneer handkerchief dolls, pick up a needle and quilt. Dip candles and make a pioneer lantern. Learn pioneer games such as farm ball and race your family in a sack race. Participants will need to bring an empty vegetable or soup can to make their own pioneer lantern.
Directions: Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive to the park entrance.

Eagle Mountain — 7 p.m., a free family concert at the SilverLake amphitheater, 7920 N. SilverLake Parkway, performed by Y Mountain Productions (BYU students) in a presentation called "Good Two Shoes," featuring pop, rock, country, jazz, folk and acoustic music. Also appearing is an a cappella group "Impact." Eagle Mountain will celebrate Military Appreciation Week. City officials are collecting donations for care packages to be sent to local deployed military personnel. Donation boxes will be available May 27-30 at City Hall, Eagle Mountain Elementary, Pony Express Elementary and the Ranches Academy, and also at the Memorial Day concert.

The Salt Lake Astronomical Society will be holding a public star party on Saturday evening at the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex. Head on out to Stansbury Park and get a great view of the planets, stars and galaxies through the great telescopes they have at the observatory. The evening will begin at dusk as objects become visible and will include a 30-45 minute program.
Directions: From Salt Lake City, take I-80 West and exit at the Tooele/Granstville exit. Continue south until the road forks to Grantsville. Take the right fork and go about 1 mile, to the west entrance of Stansbury Park. Turn in and take the first right to the parking lot. The observatory is located west of the parking area just past the skateboard park.