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Celebrating the Season ENTERTAIN M ENT – M EGAN H I LT Y LIVE AT TH E COX ARTIST' S PALET TE – SOUTH ERN UTAH' S SPECTACU L AR SKIES OU R TOWN – A CO M MU N IT Y L AN DM ARK REO PENS

D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Celebrate the Season!

December 2023 PUBLISHER

Paula Christie | paula.christie@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

JJ Abernathy | jj.abernathy@citylifestyle.com

The holidays are here, and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel magical in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child, whether it be the fragrances, the sounds, the sights, the lights or the holiday activities. Celebrating Handel’s “Messiah” became a family tradition early in my life, and I was most likely in my young teens when I first attended a performance at Christmastime. In a way it seemed like a rite of passage, like learning to drive a car or being promoted to the next grade in school. Another event that holds a special memory is “The Nutcracker.” My first time seeing a live production, however, was with my daughter in Hong Kong, performed by the Royal Hong Kong Ballet. At the close of the event in Hong Kong’s Symphony Hall, we were treated to Ferrero Rocher® chocolates, the irresistible hazelnut commodity, found everywhere now, but rarely could one find them many years ago. What a delicacy! I’m thrilled southern Utah holds both “Messiah” and “The Nutcracker,” along with many other events to celebrate the season. Our communities have so much to offer, for which I am most grateful. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace, and that we all remember to take care of each other by extending grace, empathy and love. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Holly Infante | holly.infante@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Terry Dennis | terry.dennis@citylifestyle.com SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Holly Infante | holly.infante@citylifestyle.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Asher Swan | asherswanphoto@gmail.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Angela Broockerd, Lyman Hafen, Holly Infante, Karen Larsen CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

JJ Abernathy, Paula Christie, Kristen Eaton, Janie Jones, Holly Infante, Karen Larsen, Anthony Matula, Holly Pitcher, Asher Swan

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

J J A B E R N A T H Y, E D I T O R @STGEORGECIT YLIFEST YLE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

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Proverbs 3:5-6 St George City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the St George area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in St George City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

From We Time to Me Time

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

15 Southern Utah's Spectacular Skies

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Artist’s Palette A RTS + C U LT U R E

Must See ENT ERTA I NMENT

Our Town LI FE + C U LT U R E

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Locals Only ENT ERTA I NMENT

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Events

No matter our circumstances, we can see the beauty and majesty of skies overhead

20 Meet the Real Megan Hilty

Live at the Cox Performing Arts Center this December

29 A Community Landmark Reopens Looking at the St. George Temple Then and Now

34 December Holiday Happenings at the Historic Tabernacle

DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

KAREN LUND LARSEN

JJ ABERNATHY

JJ ABERNATHY JJ ABERNATHY

2 COURTESY OF NANCY ALLRED

7 5

JJ ABERNATHY

1: The Barkers and spouses of Salt Lake City, St. George and Ogden attend Tuacahn's "Tarzan" 2: Steve Stock, Maxine Chapman and Janet Stock attend the pre-concert entertainment at Heritage Choir concert 3: Artist Tyler Lansing displays his creations at Art in Kayenta Festival in Kayenta Arts Village 4: Arianna Mata and family (Las Vegas) enjoy Day of the Dead festivities at Social Hall 5: Rebecca Densley, Michelle Graves, Peyton Smith and Sarah Stradley at Day of the Dead festivities 6: Kris Barber and Nancy Larsen Allred at Lieto Voices! 20th Anniversary concert in Cox Auditorium 7: Southwest Symphony Board Chair, Alyce Gardner, with the princesses at "Once Upon a Symphony" concert

C I T Y SC E N E

FRED BERNHARDT

DR. NANCY ALLRED

PAULA CHRISTIE

8: American Cancer Society Golf Classic with Brad Buhanan, Joni Dyches, Mike Gutierrez and Keriann Tilton 9: Guest soloist Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller at Heritage Choir concert with parents Barbara and James Hopkins 10: Sheepshearing demonstration with Ben Harris and commentator Rob Christie at Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @stgeorgecitylifestyle

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

DECEMBER 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Fundraising for Cox Auditorium Renovation and Redevelopment Update The donation effort for the renovation of the Cox Performing Arts Center is going well, according to Alyce Stevens Gardner, Southwest Symphony Board Chair and board member of the Southern Utah Performing Arts Foundation, the fundraising arm for the redevelopment of the Cox. "We have some very exciting news regarding a major donor that will be announced soon," says Alyce, "and we are receiving numerous private donations from individuals and businesses. It's all very exciting!"

The Agency Holds Formal Ribbon-cutting with St. George Chamber The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed The Agency St. George at its grand opening. The Agency is a global, boutique real estate brokerage representing a portfolio of properties across the world's prime markets and celebrated destinations. Named the Top Luxury Brokerage by Inman, The Agency is one of the fastest-growing premier boutique brands in the world. Its clients and agents benefit from the shared resources of its international team. Photography courtesy of St. George Area Chamber of Commerce

The Nutcracker: A Southern Utah Tradition Westside Studio of Performing Arts, under the direction of Sheila Bailey, has enjoyed presenting its annual production of the Nutcracker Ballet for 30 Christmas seasons in southern Utah. Grown-ups and children delight in seeing this spectacular ballet. The event is held Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 8 and 9, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Desert Hills High School, 828 E. Desert Hills Dr. St. George. Tickets may be purchased at WestsideStudio.org. Photography Courtesy of Holly Pitcher

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Photography Courtesy of Utah Tech University

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/StGeorge

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Upcoming Events Soirée Musicale – A Rendezvous with Clarinet, Strings & Piano

December 2, 2023

December 7-9, 2023

A Christmas CELLObration - Cello Society of Southern Utah

December 12, 2023

Preliminaries: December 14-16 Finale: December 20, 2023

Visit kayentaarts.org for more information on events

881 Coyote Gulch CT, Ivins, UT 84738

D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

Legacy in the Making: How Liberty Village Captivates Hearts and Minds In Washington County, Utah, a transformative project is underway, and it's calling out to all those who cherish the timeless principles of liberty. Liberty Village is a unique nonprofit organization committed to inspiring and educating visitors (especially youth) about the fundamental principles that define our great nation. Liberty Village's mission is simple yet profound: to breathe life into understanding the founding documents that shaped the United States - The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Through a 30+ acre campus containting historical building replicas, immersive historical experiences, and educational “encounters” with live actors and actresses portraying historically significant figures, this innovative project vividly reenacts the events and stories of America's founding, transporting visitors back to a time when the foundation of our nation was laid. The importance of this endeavor cannot be overstated. Liberty Village's goal is not only to educate but to instill a deep and abiding appreciation for our nation's heritage and the principles that have guided us for centuries. By doing so, they aim to unify our nation by nurturing a profound connection to the values of liberty in the hearts and minds of all who experience its “encounters.”

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WESTSIDE STUDIO OF PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS

The Nutcracker

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Southern Utah's Spectacular Skies NO MATTER OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, WE CAN SEE THE BEAUTY AND MAJESTY OF SKIES OVERHEAD

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN LUND LARSEN People have always been drawn to the sky. It is the same sky that connects us to those who gazed upward for many millennia before us, and has inspired the creation of limitless myths, cultural traditions, works of art and scientific discoveries. Gazing into the heavens creates a backdrop for our dreams and hopes—and allows our imaginations to take flight. In our minds, we can fly through space and dream about what is beyond our reach in the vast cosmos. Maybe we feel a freedom that releases us from what binds us on Earth. And for a moment in time, we can transcend and escape our worldly trials and tribulations and hope for peace and happiness in our futures. Watching the ever-changing scene above us might alter our moods or intensify our emotions. We may feel “down in the dumps” and lethargic when dark, menacing clouds hang low in the sky, or rejuvenated and hopeful when a rainbow appears after a storm, or when waking to a cheerful morning sunrise. Perhaps viewing a beautiful full moon with a sweetheart may stir feelings of love and romance. Bob Berman of The Old Farmer’s Almanac tells skywatchers of exciting events in this year’s December skies, specifically, bright planets and the Geminid Meteor Shower, which he describes as “the star of the celestial show.” Planets Jupiter, Venus and Saturn will be sensational. Venus will be the morning star in early December; Jupiter will be visible all month, especially on Dec. 21 and 22; and Saturn may be located just above the Moon on Dec. 17. As for the Geminid Meteor Shower, which occurs each year from Dec. 4 through 16, one may see more than 75 meteors each hour! Taking the time to look toward heaven and ponder its greatness can evoke spiritual feelings of awe, reverence and gratitude for our little place in this magnificent universe we call home.

STAR TRAILS KAYENTA Look at the stars! look, look up at the skies! O look at all the fire-folk sitting in the air! The bright boroughs, the circle-citadels there! – Gerard Manley Hopkins

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BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE LAKE POWELL “What I know for sure is that every sunrise is like a new page, a chance to right ourselves and receive each day in all its glory. Each day is a wonder.” – Oprah Winfrey

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

FULL MOON SAND HOLLOW “We go about thinking we have nobody, when in fact, we have the sun, the moon and the stars to look up to.” – Michael Bassey Johnson

EVENING RAINBOW

SUNSET CLOUDS

LAKE POWELL

GUNLOCK RESERVOIR

“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.” – E.Y. Young

“Having your head in the clouds even for just a few minutes each day, is good for your mind, good for your body, and good for your soul.” – Gavin Pretor-Pinney

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D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

MILKY WAY NEAR BRYCE

“A still more glorious dawn awaits not a sunrise, but a galaxy-rise a morning filled with 400 billion suns the rising of the Milky Way.” – Carl Sagan

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Photo by Anthony Matula

Meet the Real Megan Hilty Live at the Cox Performing Arts Center this December ARTICLE BY HOLLY INFANTE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN EATON; ANTHONY MATULA

When you share a conversation with celebrated actor, singer and voiceover artist—Megan Hilty—you can’t help but feel, as she put it once, “an infusion of joy.” Known for a string of television, theater and animation credits, Megan is bringing her cabaret show to the Cox Performing Arts Center this month for an evening of Broadway and holiday classics you won’t want to miss. In fact, her act is the highly anticipated finale to the December lineup of the 2023/2024 Celebrity Concert Series presented locally by Utah Tech Live. Among the attributes that make Megan a standout are her versatility across a diverse repertoire of

M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

varying musical styles, the warmth and richness of her tone, the power and strength of her vibrato, and the dynamic rapport she develops with her audience. “It’s something I wanted to do from an early age,” says Megan, “I was always vocalizing and singing things.” In time, her mother Donna had the thought to “funnel this into something,” which she did. Megan’s first music lessons were in the classical vocal tradition and soon included competitions, which she describes as excellent practice for demonstrating technique. With the formal training and lessons in classical decorum, Megan explains things snowballed from there.

Photo by Anthony Matula

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Photo by Kristen Eaton

Photo by Kristen Eaton D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

Photo by Kristen Eaton

“It wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘how’—I just knew that I needed to be a part of the performing arts.”

“It wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘how’—I just knew that I needed to be a part of the performing arts.” What occurred next was somewhat unconventional. Again, owing to her mother’s influence, Megan experienced the “gap years,” taking time off between her high school and collegiate studies to discover if a career in entertainment was what she really wanted. “I had two years to really think about it,” the veteran entertainer recounts. During that time she involved herself in community theater productions and gained the experience and insight needed to chart her next steps. In selecting that next training ground, Megan sought a university-level musical theater program that put acting first, not music. Her rationale? “At the end of the day, we’re all just telling a story, whether dancing, singing or acting,” Megan asserts, and she has mastered the art of story, as evidenced by notable honors that include a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in “Noises Off,” and the National Society of Arts and Letters Award for Excellence in Musical Theater, among others. Megan ultimately attended Carnegie Mellon University, majoring in musical theater—a double-major, comprising drama, music, dancing and cabaret. Because of her gap year experience and deliberate planning, Megan says, “Once I got to Carnegie Mellon, I had learned how to take care of myself, do my own laundry and really buckle down.”

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Her strategy paid dividends. Megan’s big break occurred just before graduation during the student senior showcase. Following her commanding performance, talent recruiters from the Broadway production of “Wicked” informed Megan of their plan to put her in the show, “somehow.” Her offer came as a backup to Jennifer Laura Thompson in the role of Glinda the Good Witch, originally developed by Kristin Chenoweth. Nine months later, the role was Megan’s, and she stayed with the company for the next four and half years. Adding to the rewards associated with this hard-earned opportunity, Megan was part of the national tour with a stop in Seattle, Washington, about 10 miles from her hometown of Bellevue. Her beloved childhood music teacher, Merry Kimble, aged and blind, was in the audience. Originally skeptical of Megan’s bridge away from classical music, Merry was won over by her performance. “If this is what musical theater is, you have my blessing,” Merry stated. From there, Megan went on to develop and star in two subsequent theater productions, the role of Doralee Rhodes in “9 to 5 The Musical,” and Brooke Ashton in “Noises Off.” Television credits eventually included Patsy Cline in “Patsy and Loretta” and others. She gained particular notoriety in her role as Ivy Lynn in the NBC musical drama, “Smash.” Locally and to public television audiences, she is also known for her 2021 televised performance with Neal McDonough from Salt Lake City in “O Holy Night: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir.”

Photo by Kristen Eaton

Megan and the band

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Photo by Kristen Eaton D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

Photo by Anthony Matula

Although Megan has moved across the country eight times, this December will mark her first trip to St. George, traveling with band members including husband, guitarist and vocalist Brian Gallagher; Grammynominated writer, producer, pianist and vocalist Matt Cusson; bassist Dennis Michael Keeth; and drummer Jack DeBoe. “My band is amazing. We’re best friends, and I am touring with my husband,” says Megan. “It’s so joyful for us, we just really genuinely love performing together!” As for the show, says Megan, “If the audience feels like they’ve gotten to know me, the real me—outside of the characters I play—that’s a success.” An Evening with Megan Hilty takes place Friday, December 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cox Performing Arts Center, 325 South 700 East, St. George. For tickets, visit utlive.org.

“If the audience feels like they’ve gotten to know me, the real me—outside of the characters I play— that’s a success.”

CONTINUED >

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M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

A COMMUNITY LANDMARK REOPENS

ARTICLE BY LYMAN HAFEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY

©INTELLECTUAL RESERVE, INC.; HOLLY INFANTE

LOOKING AT THE ST. GEORGE TEMPLE THEN AND NOW

For nearly 150 years, the St. George Temple has been the dominant man-made feature on our remarkable southwestern Utah skyline. When it was built by devoted members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1870s, it stood alone, well south of the town center, surrounded by a sea of brush, creosote and crusted alkali. Church President Brigham Young rallied the impoverished new residents of southern Utah to come together in a spirit of unity and sacred devotion to build the Church’s first temple west of the Mississippi. They had little to offer but their specific skills and a willingness to work. The result of their sacrifice was a magnificent House of the Lord, a stunning physical structure, and a powerful monument to their faith. Today the gleaming white edifice continues to inspire residents who look at it in wonder. And its imposing presence continues to turn the heads of millions of visitors who travel to southern Utah every year. Brigham Young was prescient when, in May 1861, he called his carriage to stop atop a rise at the

southern end of the valley. There he pronounced, “There will yet be built, between those volcanic ridges, a city with spires, towers and steeples, with homes containing many inhabitants.” Late that same year more than 300 families made the trek from northern Utah to settle the town to be named St. George. They came with a charge to grow cotton, grapes and other crops viable in the temperate climate of a region soon to become known as Utah’s Dixie. They arrived with only what their wagons could carry. And what they found here was little more than rocks and dust. Within a decade, even in the depths of their deprived conditions, they began to use those rocks to build a magnificent, holy structure. Since the St. George Temple was completed and dedicated in 1877, it has undergone several physical renovations, remodels and updates. Most were necessary due to natural deterioration with the passage of time. As the temple approached its centennial in 1977, Brigham Young’s 1861 pronouncement was coming to reality at a rapid pace. Not only was the temple now physically in the middle of a thriving city, it was the centerpiece of one of the country’s fastest growing communities. The stress on the physical structure to accommodate the growing number of patrons coming to conduct and participate in the sacred rites of the temple was ever growing. In 1974–75, the temple was closed for 18 months for extensive remodeling, then rededicated in November 1975. In May 2019, plans for another extensive renovation were announced. The temple closed November 4, 2019, as the process began to renovate not only the building, but the entire CONTINUED > D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

Temple fountain

Photo by Holly Infante

Photo by Karen Lund Larsen

block upon which it stands. Four years later, with work now complete, the temple is ready to be rededicated and resume its sacred role in the lives of the thousands of Latter-day Saints who have eagerly awaited its reopening. Before the rededication on December 10, 2023, the interior of the temple has been open for eight weeks for public tours. This has been a unique, one-time opportunity for all members of the general public to walk through the temple’s magnificent halls and rooms. This latest renovation assures the temple’s continued use by faithful Latter-day Saints who come daily by the hundreds to participate in sacred ordinances and enter into eternal covenants, including marriage for eternity. It is the longest operating temple of the Church and was the first built in Utah. The luminous white building is a striking monument among the red rock ridges and the black volcanic mesas that characterize Utah’s Dixie. It represents the faith, courage, grit and reverence of the pioneers who built it, and the hope, commitment and continued devotion of future generations of Latter-day Saints.

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 32

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“

This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / STG E O R G E

December Holiday Happenings at th e Historic Tabernacle DECEMBER 2023

1—CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

13—MASTER SINGERS

Interfaith Choir features Zion Brass, Barnum Kids Violins and Masters Men’s Choir and other soloists and ensembles. Hallelujah chorus sing-along. Tabernacle 7 p.m.

A men’s vocal group, directed by Louise Segar and accompanied by Dana Mathews, presents “Holy is the Lord.” Tabernacle 7 p.m.

2—CHORAL ARTISTS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

14—O NIGHT DIVINE

Concert directed by Marsha Borovica. Artists perform joyful Christmas favorites. Tabernacle 12 p.m.

Christmas carols performed by Nancy Allred (piano), Anna Mooy (mezzo soprano), Ka-Wai Yu (cello) and KateLyn Syphus (violin). Tabernacle 7 p.m.

2—COLOR COUNTRY CHORUS

15—ST. GEORGE CHAMBER SINGERS

“Harmony of the Holidays” is a magical evening of heartwarming melodies and holiday cheer. Tabernacle 7 p.m.

Directed by Dr. Paul Wiens, Professor Emeritus, Wheaton College. Tabernacle 7 p.m.

4—LEGACY LECTURE SERIES

16—JOHN MINER AND FRIENDS

Del Parson, artist and professor, shares his lifelong love of painting and teaching at Utah Tech University. Tabernacle 12 p.m.

Prominent musicians perform their annual Christmas concert. Tabernacle 7 p.m.

5—ZEPHYR SINGERS

17—SOUTHERN UTAH HERITAGE CHOIR

Singers present “Christmas Gifts” with both traditional and newer sacred and secular choral favorites. Tabernacle 7 p.m.

Under direction of Dr. Ken Peterson, the choir presents “A Christmas Gift.” Tabernacle 7 p.m.

6—KEYNOTES

19—SANTA CLARA FRIENDS

This 11-member women’s choir celebrates its 60th anniversary in a “Keynotes Christmas.” Tabernacle 7 p.m.

Santa Clara ladies perform “Sing a Glad Noel.” Tabernacle 7 p.m.

8—ED TRACEY “Celebration of Christmas” in a collection of Christmas favorites. Tabernacle 7 p.m.

9—STEINMORE STRINGS “A Christmas Celebration” presented by a Utah County group of string musicians ranging from ages 6 to 17. Tabernacle 7 p.m.

12—PINE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL CHOIRS Under the direction of Rob Reimer, students present sacred Christmas music in “A New Noel.” Tabernacle 7 p.m.

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20—LIETO VOICES! Directed by Robert Reimer, the choir presents “On That Holy Night.” Tabernacle 7 p.m.

22—THE WOODEN TANTRUM CELTIC BAND Tara Tichenor and Sevy family members share original Christmas Celtic adaptations. Tabernacle 7 p.m.

23—EPIC PERFORMING COMPANY Brooke Hurdman directs an ensemble of talented children and teens in holiday magic. Tabernacle 7 p.m. The St. George Tabernacle is a historic building first opened in 1876, and is located at 18 S. Main St., St. George. Tel. 435.677.6230 for information.

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Holiday Entertaining Boards The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Tips for creating the perfect board: • Start with the larger items first and build around those. If you are using jars on the board, place those first. • Be sure to have enough to fill the space. It is best to overfill so that the board doesn’t look sparse. Stack, stack and stack some more. • Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing the foods you want to use. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement. • Be sure to place similar colors in away from each other to help give symmetry.

Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board • • • • •

Fig Jelly Honey Variety of Cheeses Salami or meat of choice Olives (provide a variety)

• Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut • Grapes, berries, persimmon • Crackers

Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

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DECEMBER 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. T H RO UG H JA N UA RY 1 ST

Holiday Lights at Red Hills Garden

RED HILLS DES ERT GAR DEN , 3 7 5 E . R E D H I L L S PA R K WAY, ST. G E O R G E | 6 :0 0 A M A winter wonderland with thousands of lights and displays. Phone 435.673.3617 for information.

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St. George Christmas Village

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Christmas in the Canyon

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Encore Presents A Christmas Carol, A New Musical

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She Loves Me—The Musical

GREEN GATE VILLAG E, 76 W. TA B E R NAC L E , ST. G E O R G E | 6 :0 0 P M The annual St. George Christmas Village is the place to be for some holiday cheer! Enjoy movies in the park, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, coloring with the Grinch, Santa’s workshop and so much more. Tel. 208.360.2800.

T UACAHN AMPHITHEATR E, 1100 T UACA H N DR ., I V I NS | 6 :0 0 P M With over 250,000 twinkling lights, a live nativity show, train rides, an open fire and a visit with Santa, you don’t want to miss Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon event. Live Nativity is a 20-minute performance that begins at 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. each night. Visit tuacahn.org or call 800.746.9882.

E L ECTRIC THEATER, 68 E. TAB E R NAC L E , ST. G E O R G E | 7 :30 P M A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Corbin Allred stars as Scrooge. For tickets go to encorepa.org .

HISTORIC OPERA HOUSE, 212 N. MAIN ST., ST. GEORGE | 7:30 PM She Loves Me is a euphoric romantic comedy with a soaring score. For tickets visit sgmttickets@gmail.com or call 435.628.8755.

CONTINUED >

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EVENTS CONTINUED

THR OUGH DECEMBER 22ND

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the Musical

H A F E N T H E AT R E AT T UACA HN , 1 1 0 0 T UACA H N DR ., I V I N S | 7 :30 P M The timeless movie “White Christmas” is adapted for the stage in a lavish production that the New York Times says to “put on your wish list.” Matinee performances are available. Evening performances at 7:45 p.m. Tel. 800.746.9882 or visit tuacahn.org . THR OUGH DECEMBER 23 R D

Christmas Drive-through Light Show

STA H E L I FA R MS , 34 0 0 S . WAS H I NGTO N F I E L DS RD. , WAS H I NGTO N Staheli Family Farm’s spectacular holiday light display features thousands of lights illuminating acres of farmland. Encounter whimsical characters that come to life with your favorite Christmas music. Drive through in the comfort of your own car or on an open-air wagon. Visit stahelifamilyfarmticketspice.com . DECEMBER 1ST AND 2ND

LaVerkin Winter Fest

L AV E R K I N C O MMUNI T Y C E NT E R , 1 1 1 S . MA I N ST. , L AV E R K I N | 8 :0 0 A M A winter festival with continuous entertainment, carnival, light parade, vendors, displays, races, fireworks and much more. Visit laverkinwinterfest.com . DECEMBER 2ND AND 16TH

Holiday Cheer in Kayenta Art Village

8 8 1 C OYOT E G ULC H C T. , I V I N S The village galleries and shops will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a special holiday sale. KayentaArtVillage.com

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Holiday Swingin’—A Kat Edmonson Christmas and University Orchestra

C OX PE RFO RMIN G ARTS C E NT ER, 3 2 5 S . UN IVERS ITY AVE. , ST. GEO RG E | 7:30 PM Kat Edmonson is an award-winning songwriter and singer. She will perform swingin’ Yuletide favorites such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “O Christmas Tree” and “Let It Snow” as part of her festive show. Visit utlive.org . D E C E M BE R 2 N D

Soiree Musicale—A Rendezvous with Clarinet, Strings & Piano

TH E LO RRAINE BOCCARDO TH E ATE R, 881 COYOTE G ULCH C T. , IVINS | 7 : 30 PM Soiree Musicale features top local musicians tackling some of the most advanced and inspiring classical music in the repertoire. The event will feature guest clarinetist Alex Yu, who will play alongside Urs Rutishauser and Joie Whittaker (violin), Linda Ghidossi-DeLuca (viola), Christian Bohnenstengel (piano) and Dr. Ka-Wai Yu (cello). For tickets, visit kayentaartscom. thundertix.com . D E C E M BE R 7 T H - DE CE MB E R 9TH

The Nutcracker

DESERT H ILLS HIG H S CHOOL, 8 28 E. D ESERT HILLS DR., ST. G EO RGE | 7 : 3 0 PM Westside Studio of Performing Arts continues a time-honored holiday tradition in southern Utah, with five performances of the classic ballet, The Nutcracker. Tel. 435.674.9728 or email info@westsidestudio.org for more information.

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Season of Giving Back

INTRODUCING THE 2024 KIA EV9 All-electric EV9 debuts as Kiaʼs first dedicated three-row EV SUV with space for adventure, premium accommodations rivaling ultra-luxury SUVs. *Pre order yours at findlaykiastgeorge.com Findlay Kia St. George 1369 S. Sunland Dr., St. George, UT 84790 435-817-4242 findlaykiastgeorge.com

On the SAVINGS SIDE of the Freeway!