By Holly Vasic | [email protected]

South Salt Lake’s first Cool Summer Nights took place at Fitts Park on July 12 with an inflatable obstacle course, a magician, popcorn and “Mary Poppins Returns.” 

Residents, friends and family spread out on blankets or sat in camp chairs with snacks from home or delicious eats from the Wasatch Deli and Catering truck. Before dusk, kids were awed and delighted by magic entertainer Paul Brewer who let spectators hold his star performer, the bunny, at the end of the show. 

South Salt Lake’s Mayor Cherie Wood was in attendance as well as Councilmember Sharla Bynum. Bynum said, “Cool Summer Nights is one of my new favorite traditions in our city. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, support local food trucks and just relax with my family while enjoying a movie.” Bynum plans on attending all three nights. 

Cool Summer Nights is a new tradition for South Salt Lake and Bynum said it’s important for the community. “When our city lost access to the Granite High property, we also lost most people's favorite tradition, the fireworks. It was important that we come up with new events to bring our residents together.” Bynum said Cool Summer Nights does just that and creates more of a community than just a city. 

South Salt Lake staff make this and other city events like the Freedom Festival possible and Bynum is grateful. “We have the best employees here in South Salt Lake, they truly care about our residents,” Bynum said. The next Cool Summer Night’s takes place on July 26 with “SOLO: A Star Wars Story.” South Salt Lake Parks and Recreation Department’s Myrna Clark said next time come early for Jedi training.