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The dream, death and second life of Evermore park

Utah's immersive LARPing park will be bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson's new event center.

News

Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson is buying Pleasant Grove&#x27;s Evermore — and he will convert the site to corporate space rather than reopen the short-lived Old World theme park.Why it matters: Sanderson is planning to raze the site, extinguishing the last hope of success for an elaborate experimental concept once seen as a major potential innovation in themed attractions.

Wasatch County sheriff's indictment follows years of controversy

The charges cap off a tumultuous tenure for Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby since he took office in 2019.

Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby faced years of scrutiny over his conduct and leadership before being charged in connection with the prosecution of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kouri Richins&#x27; murder case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/17/kouri-richins-convicted-aggravated-murder" data-vars-content-id="1dff4676-ff60-40c6-a8a5-2d30c38cee11" data-vars-headline="Wasatch County sheriff&#x27;s indictment follows years of controversy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/17/kouri-richins-convicted-aggravated-murder" target="_self">Kouri Richins&#x27; murder case</a>.Why it matters: The charges cap off a tumultuous tenure for Rigby since he took office in 2019, marked by allegations of retaliation against officers and interference in investigations.

Flu hits Salt Lake early this year

Salt Lake County health officials are warning residents not to put off their flu shots as the winter illness season gets off to an unusually early start this year.Why it matters: It takes patients &quot;up to two weeks to build the immunity triggered by the vaccine,&quot; county health department director Dorothy Adams said in a statement.

Salt Lake's best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped

See scores of amazing haunts all around Salt Lake County.

Salt Lake&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" target="_self">neighborhoods</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" target="_self"> </a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are getting spooky" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" target="_self">are getting spooky</a> with fog machines, wiggling animatronics and eerie lighting — and we want you to relish every jump scare. The big picture: We curate a map of the county&#x27;s best-decorated houses <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="each" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/08/map-salt-lake-free-haunted-houses-halloween-pumpkin-patch" target="_self">each</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/29/salt-lake-home-haunts-halloween-displays" data-vars-content-id="d49dc210-04ed-4271-8392-051d09b84743" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake&#x27;s best haunted houses and Halloween displays: Mapped" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/29/salt-lake-home-haunts-halloween-displays" target="_self">year</a>, with updates throughout October so you can find the biggies near you.

Phragmites creativity inspires — but with risk

Artists globally have sought uses for the invasive, water-draining weed — but it's a risky tactic.

Holidays

<figure><img alt="Tall dried palm fronds surround a thick trunk in a front yard; a brick house with a chimney sits behind under a gray sky." height="4032" id="499cc5c8-16e9-40e9-8d34-969f5da0181f" src="https://images.axios.com/oFX-EAhIOUCeFD6uuJVVImw18As=/2026/10/15/1792096395689.jpeg" width="2268"/><figcaption>A menacing haunted &quot;corn&quot; shock. Seedheads from garden plants, not phragmites. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios</figcaption></figure>As invasive phragmites soak up water the Great Salt Lake desperately needs, I figured claiming a few stalks for my Halloween display would be a good deed.<ul><li>Turns out, I might have made things worse.</li></ul>

How to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in Salt Lake

Festivities and performances are underway all weekend.

Indigenous Peoples Day is Monday, with celebrations kicking off this weekend in and around Salt Lake.💍 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indigenous Art Market &amp; Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://nhmu.utah.edu/programs/indigenous-art-market-festival" data-vars-content-id="a139b490-1924-4e95-8d74-24a56ca79276" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nhmu.utah.edu/programs/indigenous-art-market-festival" target="_blank">Indigenous Art Market &amp; Festival</a>: The October tradition brings live performances, artists and experts to the Natural History Museum of Utah on Saturday and Sunday. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://12368a.blackbaudhosting.com/12368a/tickets?tab=2&amp;txobjid=526d01f6-e5ab-4c0f-9d54-1ca4a2d25db9&amp;_gl=1*1mz74mx*_gcl_au*MjA3MTYxOTg2OC4xNzkxNDk2NTE1Li0uLS4xNzkxNDk2NTQ2LjE4NzU3NzcxMjAuMTc5MTQ5NjU0Ni4xNzkxNDk2NjA2*_ga*MTM3MTQ3ODg1Ny4xNzgxNzMwNDg0*_ga_FSZEXE1XND*czE3OTE0OTY1MTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTE0OTY2MDYkajYwJGwwJGgw" data-vars-content-id="a139b490-1924-4e95-8d74-24a56ca79276" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://12368a.blackbaudhosting.com/12368a/tickets?tab=2&amp;txobjid=526d01f6-e5ab-4c0f-9d54-1ca4a2d25db9&amp;_gl=1*1mz74mx*_gcl_au*MjA3MTYxOTg2OC4xNzkxNDk2NTE1Li0uLS4xNzkxNDk2NTQ2LjE4NzU3NzcxMjAuMTc5MTQ5NjU0Ni4xNzkxNDk2NjA2*_ga*MTM3MTQ3ODg1Ny4xNzgxNzMwNDg0*_ga_FSZEXE1XND*czE3OTE0OTY1MTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTE0OTY2MDYkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank">Tickets</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online" data-vars-click-url="https://12368a.blackbaudhosting.com/12368a/tickets?tab=2&amp;txobjid=7632a35c-f6aa-4119-a21b-dbbd8ff15a32&amp;_gl=1*1pm8seb*_gcl_au*MjA3MTYxOTg2OC4xNzkxNDk2NTE1Li0uLS4xNzkxNDk2NTQ2LjE4NzU3NzcxMjAuMTc5MTQ5NjU0Ni4xNzkxNDk2Njc4*_ga*MTM3MTQ3ODg1Ny4xNzgxNzMwNDg0*_ga_FSZEXE1XND*czE3OTE0OTY1MTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTE0OTY2NzgkajYwJGwwJGgw" data-vars-content-id="a139b490-1924-4e95-8d74-24a56ca79276" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://12368a.blackbaudhosting.com/12368a/tickets?tab=2&amp;txobjid=7632a35c-f6aa-4119-a21b-dbbd8ff15a32&amp;_gl=1*1pm8seb*_gcl_au*MjA3MTYxOTg2OC4xNzkxNDk2NTE1Li0uLS4xNzkxNDk2NTQ2LjE4NzU3NzcxMjAuMTc5MTQ5NjU0Ni4xNzkxNDk2Njc4*_ga*MTM3MTQ3ODg1Ny4xNzgxNzMwNDg0*_ga_FSZEXE1XND*czE3OTE0OTY1MTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTE0OTY2NzgkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank">online</a>

Your guide to spooky season in Salt Lake

Your guide to the best spooky season attractions in town.

Salt Lake&#x27;s Halloween attractions are launching earlier and earlier, with most of the biggies opening this weekend. Why it matters: Halloween is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="so big" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/29/utah-trick-or-treaters-halloween" data-vars-content-id="fac7a836-a722-4574-b060-53ecc4a8108e" data-vars-headline="Your guide to spooky season in Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/10/29/utah-trick-or-treaters-halloween" target="_self">so big</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/07/01/rocky-mountain-haunters-slc-halloween-utah" data-vars-content-id="fac7a836-a722-4574-b060-53ecc4a8108e" data-vars-headline="Your guide to spooky season in Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/07/01/rocky-mountain-haunters-slc-halloween-utah" target="_self">Utah</a> that it&#x27;s hard to fit all the fun into one month.

Salt Lake this weekend: Sleepaway camp and chalk art

Plus: A Labor Day singalong and a rave for theatre kids.

There&#x27;s a lot happening this Labor Day weekend.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what caught our eye:</li></ul>

Shake your whale tail for 801 Day

Parties, art, music — and a new look for the Whale.

Saturday is 801 Day — Aug. 1, or 8/01, celebrating the world&#x27;s best area code that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is not a toll-free number" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLBR6x1r-ao&amp;t=127s" data-vars-content-id="93102e50-014a-4692-b214-be9a19e30590" data-vars-headline="Shake your whale tail for 801 Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLBR6x1r-ao&amp;t=127s" target="_blank">is not a toll-free number</a>.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s happening.</li></ul>

Confusion follows Utah's new fireworks restrictions

Carve-outs in Gov. Cox's order mean some cities still haven't figured out where fireworks will be allowed.

<figure><img alt="Fireworks over Salt Lake City. Image: Erin Alberty/Axios" height="450" id="6c1eb17e-7945-41e8-aa23-e90d2d83aff6" src="https://images.axios.com/6HpQmgNrHFRiUai-UQtuxuii1mI=/2026/06/26/1782500622961.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Amateur fireworks over SLC. Image: Erin Alberty/Axios</figcaption></figure>Utah cities are publicizing a patchwork of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fireworks bans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/27/where-fireworks-banned-utah" data-vars-content-id="0dc44c9a-b48a-4a63-8679-ffbed802f0ae" data-vars-headline="Confusion follows Utah&#x27;s new fireworks restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/27/where-fireworks-banned-utah" target="_self">fireworks bans</a> after Gov. Cox&#x27;s executive order changed restrictions statewide amid historic drought and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/04/utah-wildfire-season-drought" data-vars-content-id="0dc44c9a-b48a-4a63-8679-ffbed802f0ae" data-vars-headline="Confusion follows Utah&#x27;s new fireworks restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/04/utah-wildfire-season-drought" target="_self">wildfires</a>.The intrigue: Thursday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="order" data-vars-click-url="https://governor.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026.06.25-EO-State-Forester-Authority.pdf" data-vars-content-id="0dc44c9a-b48a-4a63-8679-ffbed802f0ae" data-vars-headline="Confusion follows Utah&#x27;s new fireworks restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://governor.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026.06.25-EO-State-Forester-Authority.pdf" target="_blank">order</a> is a legal shift away from Utah&#x27;s relatively permissive approach to fireworks — but they could still be allowed in some neighborhoods.

America's time capsule features a mostly businesslike Utah

Our contributions are heavy on government and business, light on nature.

Theme park tickets, coins and documents will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="represent Utah in a national time capsule" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/#UT" data-vars-content-id="b71f5d24-3858-4ba1-8998-c6ea664c7c53" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s time capsule features a mostly businesslike Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/#UT" target="_blank">represent Utah in a national time capsule</a> honoring America&#x27;s 250th birthday.The intrigue: Utah&#x27;s contributions barely acknowledge the state&#x27;s iconic landscapes, focusing instead on Republican office-holders and industries like mining and railroads.

Ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Utah

The main event is in Ogden, but there are other parties along the Wasatch Front.

Ending slavery is something all Utahns can celebrate. <ul><li>Here&#x27;s how:</li></ul>

How to watch the Kentucky Derby in Salt Lake

Here are the fanciest parties in town — or pour a mint julet and watch on your own.

It&#x27;s time to muddle your mint and don your fanciest spring &#x27;fits for a day at the races.How it works: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Post time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kentuckyderby.com/come-to-the-derby/visiting-information/event-information/" data-vars-content-id="c949c938-5f8c-4c24-a4bb-efa2e7f76353" data-vars-headline="How to watch the Kentucky Derby in Salt Lake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kentuckyderby.com/come-to-the-derby/visiting-information/event-information/" target="_blank">Post time</a>&quot; — when the horses are due at their gates — is at 4:57pm.