Most people know that earlier this month folks in the United States celebrated Independence Day. Well, for those of us in Utah, there is second major holiday (a state holiday) that occurs during the month. This past week, on July 24, our state celebrated what is known as Pioneer Day.

This day celebrates July 24, 1847, the day that the first pioneers entered the Great Salt Lake Valley and started establishing the first permanent settlements in what would later (in 1896) become the state of Utah.

The day is marked by parades, picnics, fireworks, and outdoor activities. In our neighborhood I believe there were just as many fireworks set off as there were three weeks before, for Independence Day. We even had a block party that drew dozens of people to our front yards.

With two major holidays, July tends to be a pretty busy months for Utah residents. The festivities are all over now, however, and we will soon enter the not-so-hectic days of August.

I hope you have a great week and enjoy the tips in this issue of the newsletter.