Summer nights in Taylorsville are hard to beat, especially at Centennial Plaza. Between the music, food trucks, stunning sculptures and neighbors gathering together, the plaza has become one of the liveliest and most beautiful places in our community. That is why I am so excited for the return of the Taylorsville Farmers Market, which once again will bring fresh food, local vendors and plenty of energy to the heart of our city every Tuesday evening this summer.
The Taylorsville Farmers Market opens July 7 and continues on Tuesdays through Sept. 29 at Centennial Plaza, just in front of City Hall. It runs from 5 to 9 p.m. in July and August and from 5 to 8 p.m. in September, making it the perfect stop after work or a fun way to spend a summer evening with family and friends. It is also a wonderful opportunity to slow down, enjoy the outdoors and spend time connecting with neighbors in the heart of our community while supporting local businesses and artists.
Each week, visitors can shop for fresh, locally sourced produce and browse a variety of artisan items that may include baked goods, jams and jellies, herbs, soaps, essential oils and other handmade products. Operated by Good4Life Markets, the market supports local farmers, artisans and small businesses while helping create a welcoming space where residents can connect and enjoy the community around them. SNAP payment is also accepted.
But what truly sets the Taylorsville Farmers Market apart is its incredible setting. Centennial Plaza has become a favorite gathering place in our city, with its beautiful landscaping, lighted walking paths, outdoor stage and natural amphitheater creating a vibrant atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Taylorsville. On Tuesday nights, the plaza comes alive as residents stroll between vendor booths, relax with friends and enjoy the sights and sounds of summer.
Adding even more beauty to the experience are the 22 sculptures that make up the 2025-26 Art Walk collection and have transformed the area into a stunning open-air gallery. The sculptures, created by talented local and regional artists, are free to enjoy day or night and add creativity and character to an already wonderful space.
Visitors may also find a few food trucks and live musicians at the market on Tuesdays, complementing our popular Starry Nights @the Plaza concerts and Food Truck League nights held on Fridays throughout the summer.
So come enjoy a Tuesday evening at Centennial Plaza this summer and experience everything that makes these evenings so special!
—Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – JUNE 2026
Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2
Council Corner, Page 3
Taylorsville Dayzz, Pages 4 & 5
Heritage Remembrances, Page 7 Environment, Page 8
Taylorsville Dayzz Marks 30 Years with Birthday Bash Celebration
The reworks, concerts and carnival rides are ready, and this year, Taylorsville Dayzz has an added reason to celebrate: 30 years of Taylorsville.
The city’s signature summer festival is set for June 25, 26 and 27 at Valley Regional Park, 5100 S. 2700 West, with a “Birthday Bash” theme and longtime community favorites, including food and craft booths, carnival rides, the parade, 5K, car show, concerts and reworks.
“This is such a meaningful year for Taylorsville,” Mayor Kristie Overson said. “As we celebrate our city’s 30th birthday, Taylorsville Dayzz gives us the perfect opportunity to come together, remember how far we have come and celebrate our extraordinary community.”
This year’s entertainment features Always, Adele on Thursday, bringing the powerful music and unforgettable personality of Adele to the stage. Friday’s headliner is The Bay Area Bee Gees, a high-energy tribute to the iconic Bee Gees sound, followed Saturday by Abbacadabra, a show lled with disco, sparkle and ABBA favorites. (See the full schedule on Pages 4 and 5 of this section).
The celebration also includes a reworks preview Thursday, expanded reworks Friday and the annual Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday night. Saturday’s festivities begin early with the 5K Race, Kids Fun Run and parade.
It is a tting birthday party for a city built on neighborhood pride and community tradition: three days, one big celebration and 30 years of Taylorsville to cheer.
Taylorsville Recreation Center ......................................... 385-468-1732
Swimming Pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 801-967-5006
Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center 801-281-0631
UDOT Region 2 801-975-4900
Utah Transit Authority (UTA) 801-743-3882
EVENTS
JUNE 2026
Every Friday night through Sept. 25
Starry Nights @the Plaza. The food trucks arrive at 5:30 p.m. and most music starts at 6:30. See www.taylorsvilleut.gov for the full schedule and details about what’s happening each night.
June 3 through 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Dare to Dream Jr. @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. The show is a Disney musical revue presented by the Taylorsville Arts Council. Tickets are only $10.
June 3 & 17 – 6:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting. City Council meetings are held the rst and third Wednesdays of each month.
June 9 – 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall. The Planning Commission meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
June 15 – all day
Juneteenth holiday. City O ces are closed in honor of Juneteenth, commemorating emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
June 25, 26 & 27
Taylorsville Dayzz @ Valley Regional Park. Celebrate Taylorsville’s 30th anniversary with carnival rides and food booths, the parade, concerts, car show, 5K and, of course, the best reworks in the state!
UPCOMING: Every Tuesday, starting July 7 through Sept. 29
Taylorsville Farmers Market @ Centennial Plaza. Shop for fresh produce and artisan products. The market opens at 5 p.m.
UPCOMING: July 14 through 18 – 7:30 p.m.
Anything Goes @ the Mid-Valley Performing Art Center. Tickets are only $15 and may be purchased online soon or at the door.
CAR SHOW AT THE MUSEUM
June 3
Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy presents Discover at the Circus
June 4
Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy presents Lifehouse 2026 Company Showcase
June 4-5
Taylorsville Arts Council presents Dare to Dream
June 5
Tutu School presents Bravo Bash
June 6
Wasatch Arts Center presents Rapunzel: While She Waits
June 17-18
June 9
Raized Wrong presents Louder Than Yesterday Tour
Shift Dance Company presents The Songs That Made Me
June 20 Sonus Productions presents Beatles Songscapes
June 24-25 Utah Festival Ballet Academy presents Sleeping Beauty
COUNCIL CORNER
By Council Member Bob Knudsen
“It’s your kids, Marty. Something’s gotta be done about your kids!” So says Christopher Lloyd’s “Doc Brown” before propelling himself and Marty McFly from 1985 to 2015 to x a problem involving Marty’s future children.
Where were we 30 years ago? 5400 South was a road with two lanes in each direction and a shoulder where visitors to homes along 5400 South could park. I was in fth grade, oblivious to so much. Behind the scenes, something big was already underway for our unincorporated part of Salt Lake County, where my mail was addressed “Salt Lake City, UT 84118.”
In 1995, the community voted on whether to incorporate as a city or remain unincorporated. Current Salt Lake County Council Chair Aimee Winder Newton shared that her brother, Mike Winder, former West Valley City mayor, made a motion to our thenCommunity Council to consider incorporation, similar to what other areas such as West Valley, Draper and Blu dale had done. True to their family’s long history of civic involvement, the Winders took a vested interest, along with so many families who wanted more control over our future.
Kent Winder, one of the five members of our inaugural City Council, shared that many in the community worried we did not have enough control over plans and resources. Some felt our area may not have been receiving as much attention as other areas of unincorporated Salt Lake County. Those concerns,
Taylorsville’s 30-Year Journey Leads Back to the Future
along with a desire to shape our future, led to community education e orts by Kent’s late wife, Sherri, and Patty Monson as co-chairs. After Patty stepped down, Bob Bedont stepped in to continue the work.
The hard work of many led to a majority vote of more than 70% in favor of incorporation. The votes were cast, and from 68 contenders for City Council, Keith Sorenson, Bruce Wasden, Jim Dunnigan, Janice Auger and Kent Winder were elected. From 11 mayoral candidates, LaVelle Prince emerged as Taylorsville’s rst mayor.
Kent recalls Jim Dunnigan spending countless hours going over ordinances and getting things organized. Jim shared, “After the vote to become a city in November of 1995, we had until July 1st of the following year to come up with all the laws governing our city. I was tasked with overseeing the ordinance review committee. We did not have city o ces, so the committee was in my family room on a regular basis.”
Looking back 30 years later, Kent said he wanted Taylorsville to have a sense of community pride, a place where families could live and enjoy life. Though he now lives elsewhere in the valley, he nds himself coming back regularly to enjoy Taylorsville Dayzz. Aimee said it has been amazing to see Taylorsville thrive and come so far, helped by the e orts of many who wish to serve the city. Jim feels we are on track to be a vibrant community.
Looking ahead, Kent hopes Taylorsville stays the course, maintaining scal responsibility, transparency and open communication. Aimee hopes we keep our
neighbors, maintain our sense of pride, know one another and continue showing the kindness and compassion we have today.
At the close of the “Back to the Future” trilogy, Doc shares the most important lesson from his time travels: “Your future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has. Your future is whatever you make it. So, make it a good one!”
As our future is still not written, may we all contribute to making Taylorsville even better, the best place for our families. Let us make our future a good one, the best one!
Graduating Students Recognized for Service, Leadership
Eleven members of the Taylorsville Youth Council are graduating from high school this year and were honored by the City Council and Mayor Kristie Overson at their meeting on May 20.
During their time as Youth Council members, these teens have learned about leadership, as well as local and state government, and have provided countless hours of service to the community. They are:
Peyton Burnett — Throughout Peyton’s senior year at Taylorsville High School, she accomplished several goals, including participating in track and cross country all four years, being involved in Seminary Council, serving as vice president of Graces and performing in concert choir for two years. One of the most meaningful experiences was completing a dental externship. She has served on the Youth Council for three years, including as public information o cer (PIO) this year. In addition, she has worked a part-time job at Rita’s. After gradu-
ation, she plans to attend Weber State University to study dental hygiene.
Kate Christopherson — Kate is graduating from Taylorsville High School this year and will be attending Brigham Young University in the fall. Over the past three years, she has been actively involved on the Youth Council, where she especially loved participating in the Wreaths Across America program. You may have seen Kate performing with Madrigals and Concert Choir or on stage in school musicals and Shakespeare productions. Most recently, she was named a Top 10 state quali er for State Props.
Emily Cottrell — Throughout high school, Emily has served on the Youth Council for three years and held a leadership po-
sition. She also participated in Taylorsville drill team for three years. Emily challenged herself by taking multiple AP and concurrent enrollment classes. She has been learning Mandarin Chinese since the rst grade and has continued it all the way to her senior year. In the fall, she will attend Utah State University. Studying Chinese and political science, she hopes to pursue a career in international law.
Bethany Dieckmann — During the past four years at Taylorsville High, Bethany was a cellist in the school’s Concert Orchestra and was rst chair in her section for three of those years. She also played in the pit for “Hello Dolly” and participated in many after-school activities such as volunteering at the animal shelter and serving as chair of the Youth Council. She volunteered as a member of the Utah Youth STUDENTS RECOGNIZED CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Left to right: Bob Knudsen, Chair (District 5), Curt Cochran, Vice Chair (District 2), Ernest Burgess (District 1), Meredith Harker (District 4) and Anna Barbieri (District 3)
STUDENTS RECOGNIZED
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Council during her junior year and took care of two adorable litters of puppies during her freshman year. She will serve a mission for her church and then attend either Utah State University or Arizona State to study dietetics and nutrition.
Hudson Hathaway — Hudson has excelled in academics, planning to graduate from Taylorsville High with a 3.9 GPA. Throughout high school, he has participated in many activities and counts the Taylorsville Youth Council among his favorites. He served on the Youth Council for three years and has enjoyed being part of the Taylorsville community and serving where he can. Hudson is kind, funny and hardworking. He loves to travel and is always up for an adventure. He has a talent for woodworking and even won awards for his work at the district level. While his future is still evolving, the world should watch because here he comes!
Sophie Scott — Sophie’s senior year has been a busy and rewarding time as she has balanced academics and extracurricular activities. She has been a member of the drill team for three years, which strengthened her discipline, teamwork and passion for dance. One of her proudest accomplishments was receiving the Business and Marketing Sterling Scholar Award. Looking ahead, she will pursue her higher education, with plans to major in occupational therapy and minor in a nancial-related eld to broaden career opportunities. She hopes to continue dancing in college.
Brinley Shields — Brinley was a member of Youth Council for two or her four years in high school and served as a Taylorsville Youth Ambassador this year. She was a member of the tennis and golf varsity teams, lettering all four years. She loves to sing and is currently a member of the Taylorsville High School Madrigals. She completed eight AP classes and ve CE classes. She is recognized as one of the Top 10 in her class. Brinley is planning to nish her associate’s degree in a semester at Salt Lake Community College and then serve a mission for her church. She anticipates continuing her education at Brigham Young University.
Emilee Taylor — During her time at Taylorsville High, Emilee has loved being involved in different activities and clubs, including Key Club and National Honor Society. One of her favorite parts of high school was participating in choir, especially being part of Graces during her sophomore and junior years and Madrigals during her senior year. After graduation, she plans to earn Certi ed Nursing Assistant and esthetician licenses. This fall, she will attend Brigham Young University, where she plans to study nursing and prepare for a career in the medical field. She is excited to use these skills and experiences to help others.
Syd Thompson — As a senior, Syd has been involved in art, animation and graphic design classes, as well as FFA and Key Club. Syd continued to develop creative skills by exploring animation and
graphic design techniques at the Granite Technical Institute and pushed artistic abilities by taking a variety of art classes. Through FFA, Syd built leadership and teamworking skills, taking part in hands-on agricultural experiences. In Syd’s words, “Together, these experiences have shaped who I am today and inspired me to pursue further education in graphic design after high school. I hope to expand my skills and turn my passion into a career.”
Lexi Walker — Lexi has maintained excellent academics, scoring a 35 on the ACT and graduating with 39 college credits and her general education certificate from SLCC. She was selected as the Instrumental Music Sterling Scholar for drumming and was a regional finalist. She has received a scholarship from BYU, which she plans to attend in fall 2028 after serving a church mission in Melbourne, Australia, starting in August. For her Youth Ambassador project, she and her peers interviewed and recorded nearly 40 residents to learn about their lives and uploaded more than 13 hours of stories to a genealogy platform to preserve their history.
Hallee Winberg — Hallee has been a dedicated member of the Youth Council for two years, most recently serving as Youth Mayor. A highlight of her time on the Youth Council was attending the youth leadership conference at Utah State University, where she enjoyed networking with peers and deepening connections within her own council. At Taylorsville High, Hallee was a member of Madrigals, Concert Choir and various other choral ensembles, in addition to serving on the Seminary Council. Following graduation, she will serve a Spanish-speaking mission in Ontario, Calif., starting June 24.
Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES
Jones Dairy Legacy Preserved at Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center
By Susan Yadeskie
In 1918, David and Clara Jones decided to buy a farm in Taylorsville. The farm originally was owned by Tom and Jenny Bennion Gerrard and has since been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm was a wonderful way of sustaining a family, which included nine children. Later, son Raymond, shown in the picture above, started a full dairy operation. Raymond had 10 cows and borrowed money from the U.S. government to get started. After 10 years, all the cows were paid for.
Gary and Marvel, Raymond’s sons, later joined the full-time operation. The Jones family sold raw milk for $1.42 a gallon, along with homemade carrot and apple juice, fresh eggs and, best of all, penny candy for neighborhood children. Several youth in the community were hired to sell products in the store and clean glass bottles. Customers came from as far as 25 miles away to buy raw milk, which is milk that has not been pasteurized, or heated to kill bacteria.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration came regularly to test the milk for bacteria. Raymond had a unique way of processing milk that was di erent from other dairies in the Salt Lake Valley. Rather than using metal tubing to move the milk into the large processing containers, he used glass tubing. This allowed sunlight to shine through the glass, helping kill bacteria. Rarely did the tubing need to be taken apart and cleaned by hand. Cleanliness was key in all they did.
Marvel is shown in the dairy store picture on the last day it was open to the public. Taylorsville City purchased the property, including the house and dairy store, with a vision in mind. On Dec. 4, 2004, a grand opening was held for the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center.
Most recently, the museum hosted third-graders from Calvin Smith, Truman and Vista elementary schools. During their visit in May, they were the rst to see the museum’s new presentation about dairy farming. Each student received a coloring book created speci cally about the Jones Dairy. We love sharing Taylorsville history with children!
Taylorsville Library Events
The Salt Lake County Library's Taylorsville branch is thrilled to announce that it will reopen on June 1, with regular operating hours on Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WELCOME BACK PARTY — Wednesday, June 10, 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate the library’s grand reopening with an outdoor adventure on the lawn, full of fun activities, hands-on experiences and plenty of ways to reconnect. Festivities will take place outside, weather permitting. Great for all ages.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE: UNEARTH A STORY — Monday, June 1 to Friday, July 31. Treasure awaits when you dig in to the Summer Reading challenge! Complete 30 activities (up to ve per day) by reading, creating, learning, playing and connecting all summer long. Choose activities that t your interests and track your progress as you go. Finishers receive a book, a prize drawing entry and a coupon sheet for local attractions. All ages.
EXPRESS SCAVENGER HUNT: DINOSAURS — Monday, June 1 to Friday, July 3. Look for the dinosaurs hiding in the library. Return to the Info Desk for a small prize. They move to a di erent spot each week.
ADULT VIRTUAL LECTURE | Beyond the Nasca Lines: Ancient Life in the Peruvian Desert — Monday, June 8, 7 p.m. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries
Stretching across the Peruvian desert, the Nasca Lines remain one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries. Explore the ancient societies behind these remarkable creations.
SPLISH SPLASH STORYTIME at the Taylorsville Outdoor Pool — Fridays, June 12 and 26, 11 a.m. Meet at the Taylorsville Outdoor Pool for songs and splashing fun. Taylorsville Library and the Taylorsville Outdoor Pool are partnering to o er free summer story-times in the pool for families.
The Splish Splash Storytime is free. Attendees re-entering the pool after the program are subject to the regular fee. This will be in the shallow beach area. Children 2 and under must wear a swim diaper. Children 5 and under must be within arms reach of a parent or guardian. All children must be accompanied by a grown up.
Go to slcolibrary.org for details about more programs including the Primordial Dinosaur Program on Wednesday, June 17, at 10:30 a.m., the Walking Book Club on Thursdays in June, starting June 18, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Teens: Fantasy Map Making on Tuesday, June 23, at 1 p.m., and the High Desert Exotics Reptile Show on Wednesday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES: Friday, June 19, all day — Happy Juneteenth! Saturday, July 4, all day — Happy 250th Independence Day!
TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER
4743 S. Plymouth View Drive
June Activities
The Taylorsville Senior Center has planned a variety of classes every month. Classes are free for those over age 60. Among the activities scheduled this month:
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) — Mondays and Fridays at 1 p.m. This is a community-based recreational exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. Trained AFEP instructors cover a variety of range-of-motion and endurancebuilding activities, relaxation techniques and health education topics. All the exercises can be modi ed to meet participants’ needs. The program’s demonstrated bene ts Include improved functional ability, decreased depression and increased con dence in one’s ability to exercise. Classes are Monday and Fridays at 1 p.m. Call the front desk or stop by to register for the class. It starts June 1.
Find the center’s full calendar and Senior Scoop Newsletter online at saltlakecounty.gov.
ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY
JUNE UPDATES
Taylorsville Supplemental
Bulky Waste Drop-O Event
In addition to WFWRD’s annual Seasonal Container Reservation Program (SCRP), this year WFWRD is o ering a supplemental, central bulky waste dropo event for Taylorsville residents to get rid of certain bulky household items that do not normally t in your weekly curbside bin.
The supplemental event will take place July 14-16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., south of the basketball courts at the Taylorsville Recreation Center, 4870 S. 2700 West. Reservation dates for the event are based on your assigned SCRP service week listed on your postcard. Residents should be prepared to unload their own items and provide proof of residency. For more information, visit the WFWRD website at wfwrdutah.gov.
Postcard Billing Means Cost Savings
In a continued e ort to keep costs down and retain reasonable service pricing, WFWRD has identi ed a cost savings measure that will save $190,000 per year on printing and postage costs. Your next WFWRD billing statement will be in the form of a 6” x 4.25” postcard as opposed to a full-size page as WFWRD has done in the past.
This simple change will also reduce the amount of paper and resources necessary for WFWRD’s customers that want to continue to receive paper bills.
WFWRD’s new payment processing vendor, Point & Pay, went live during the month of May. Please consider signing up for electronic, paperless billing at paymybill.link/ wasatch. You can also sign up for convenient automatic payments!
Consumer Confidence Report Available
Each year, The Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District publishes a Consumer Con dence Report to share important information about your drinking water. The report outlines water quality testing results, conservation resources, potential sources of contamination, and where your water comes from. Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District is proud to provide culinary water that meets or exceeds all federal and state quality standards. You can view the full report on TBID’s website at www.tbid.gov. If you prefer a printed copy, please contact TBID’s o ce at 801-968-9081 and TBID will be happy to mail one to your home.
Drought Response Level
A weak winter snowpack and limited precipitation have contributed to ongoing water supply concerns across the state. The Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District Board has established a Drought Response Level of 2, which indicates severe drought conditions.
Customers are strongly encouraged to conserve water and use it e ciently to help protect this limited resource. Please limit outdoor watering to no more than two times per week.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District by calling 801-968-9081 or visiting www.tbid.org. Follow TBID on Facebook and X.
