Hundreds gathered at the Central Park Community Center (2797 S. 200 East) to recognize South Salt Lake’s 86th anniversary. The Celebrate South Salt Lake party held on Sept. 27 was a way to highlight the growth, diversity and culture of the city. Established in 1938, the city is home to more than

26,000 residents. 

SSL Mayor Cherie Wood has always lived in the city. She raised her three sons in SSL and can’t imagine living
anywhere else.

“I love that we are so unique and diverse and different and just welcoming,” Wood said. “I don’t think there’s another community that cares as much as we do and is as welcoming as we are.”

Celebrate South Salt Lake featured entertainment from Native American dancers, a high-flying basketball dunk team, the Trash Panda Drum Group, international folk dancers and Bora Vadiar Collective Capoeira and Brazilian Arts.

Residents could play on a variety of inflatables, including one sponsored by the city’s fire officials, and tackle a rock climbing wall. Attendees could get hats and animals from balloon artists, enjoy dinner at the food trucks, get a free 360-degree photo and visit with city officials. Local vendors participated in the event and SSL police and fire departments were on hand to interact with the crowd. 

“It’s just an opportunity for us to bring the community together and celebrate everything in the city that is for residents,” said Joseph Dane, SSL public outreach coordinator. “We want to have residents come out and have a good time with us.”

This is the second time the city held the Celebrate South Salt Lake festival. It was such a hit last year that city leaders decided to make it an annual event. 

“We wanted to incorporate more of our cultural communities and give them an opportunity to build a part of the community,” Wood said. “We wanted to give them a stage to present on and offer something
for everybody.”

The highlight of the event was the drone show at the end of the evening. The airshow featured 300 drones that displayed popular and patriotic images representing Utah and SSL. The show paid tribute to each school in the city, plus state universities, sporting events and the upcoming 2034 Winter
Olympic Games.

“I think kids would be mad if they didn’t get to see their Woodrow Wilson [Elementary] roadrunner mascot,”
Wood said. 

Wood knows it will take time before Celebrate South Salt Lake builds a following but she’s in it for the long run and hopes the community shows up each year to establish neighborhood connections while honoring culture. For more information, visit SSLC.gov. λ