Author: cnguyen

July 19, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s Pioneer Day holiday celebrates the arrival of the first group of pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Cities across Utah are celebrating with unique events to mark the holiday.

Days of ’47 celebration

The week of festivities starts with the Float Preview Party on Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22 from 11 a.m.to 9 p.m. at the Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 S. State.

The Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo will kick off with a cattle drive through Salt Lake streets at 9 a.m. on July 21. Then, nightly shows will take place at the Utah State Fairpark, 155 S. 1000 West, from Tuesday, July 21 to Saturday, July 25, with each show followed by fireworks and drone displays.

The Deseret News Marathon is the longest-operating marathon in Utah and it kicks off early (5:30 a.m.) on Friday, July 24, with full, half, 10K, 5K, 1K and the new relay races. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. on July 23.

The multiple-day festival also includes the iconic Days of ’47 Parade, which starts Friday, July 24, at 9 a.m. The route begins at South Temple and State and ends at 900 S. 600 East in Salt Lake City.

Ogden Pioneer Days

Bring your boots and cowboy hat for the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo, one of the top five large outdoor rodeos in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The rodeo begins Saturday, July 18, and runs through Friday, July 24. Bands will perform before the rodeo and drone shows will be held at the Spencer Fox Eccles Pioneer Stadium after the rodeo each night.

• When: Friday, July 24, 9 a.m. Horse and Hitch Parade followed by the Grande Parade.
• Where: The parade route begins on 30th Street, continues north on Washington Boulevard and ends on 20th Street.

This Is The Place

Join in on the Utah festivities in true pioneer style at This is the Place Heritage Park. A full day of festivities includes a flag ceremony, handcart parade, dancing, watermelon eating contest and normal activities at the park. Enjoy the holiday as you step back in time to the pioneer days.

• When: July 24, Flag ceremony at 10:30 a.m., Parade of Handcarts at 11 a.m., dancing and watermelon-eating contest throughout the day (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Where: This is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 Sunnyside Ave. in Salt Lake City; flag ceremony at This is the Place Fort, Parade of Handcarts at Main Street, dancing and watermelon eating contest around the park.
• Cost: Admission price to the park.

Pioneer Fun at the Mill

Celebrate in Tooele County with rich pioneer history at the Pioneer Fun at the Mill event. The free festivities, hosted at the Benson Grist Mill, will include free pioneer games and activities, free hot dogs and drinks and folks dressed in pioneer-style clothing. Try your hand at authentic pioneer chores and see what life was like back in 1847.

• When: Friday, July 24, festivities begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m.
• Where: Benson Grist Mill, 325 Pole Canyon Road, Stansbury Park.
• Cost: Free to the public.

Fireworks and city celebrations

• American Fork: Steel Days will run from July 18-25 and includes a carnival, parade, pool party, live music and fireworks on Saturday.
• Eagle Mountain: The city’s Summer Bash will showcase free music, games and a late-night laser show on Saturday, July 25, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Cory Wride Memorial Park.
• Beaver: Join in on the pioneer spirit with Beaver’s day of celebration. Start the day with a 5K and fun run, followed by the parade down Main Street at 9:30 a.m. After the parade, stop by the park for foot races, bounce houses and lunch. The rodeo and fireworks beginning at 9:45 p.m. will close out the day at the Tushar Mountain 4-plex.
• Bountiful: Enjoy a day full of food, drinks and fun activities at the annual Handcart Days. The day includes a parade, mountain man exhibition, live music, games and fireworks at the Bountiful City Park Pavilion, 400 N 200 West.
• Fairview: Bring on the party with Fairview’s 5K at 6 a.m., Pioneer Day Parade at 11 a.m., breakfast, car show and old-fashioned kids’ games.
• Heber Valley Railroad: The Fiddlers ‘n Fireworks event offers a historic train ride, gunfighter show and fireworks over Deer Creek Reservoir.
• Kanab: Celebrate in a unique way with the annual fireworks on the water. Spots can be reserved at 4 p.m., but fireworks will not begin until after dark at Jackson Flat Reservoir.
• Kamas: Kamas Valley Fiesta Days involves a rodeo, parade, car show, demolition derby and fireworks from July 18 to July 25, with fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Kaysville: Help to raise funds to support youth sports in the city. On its 35th anniversary, the scholarship program will help youth participate in recreational sports. Stop by Bowman’s, 326 Main, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. for a pancake breakfast.
• Layton: Join in on the fun with a day full of live entertainment, dancing, a Surf ‘n Swim, food truck rally, a special performance from “Riders in the Sky” and a unique electric light parade. Neon lights meet a traditional parade in this special nighttime event from Wasatch Drive, north to Constitution Circle. The evening will end in an electric light party zone.
• Logan: A full day’s festivities will include tournaments, a fun run, a parade, a candy cannon, bingo night, a concert and a culminating evening of fireworks at 10 p.m. at Willow Park, 450 W. 700 South.
• Millcreek: Enjoy a sweet treat with the Millcreek community from 6 to 9 p.m. for slices of pie and root beer floats at the Plaza at Millcreek Common, 1354 E. Chambers Ave. The event also includes live music, line dancing, games, roller skating and more.
• Moab: Beat the heat with the Moab Museum’s ice cream social. Stop by the Moab Museum, 118 E. Center, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to enjoy Aggie ice cream, live music, lawn games and the museum.
• Orem: University Place’s Pioneer Day Celebration & Market will include live entertainment and a local vendor market at 5 p.m. at the Orchard at University Place.
• Salt Lake City: The capital city is hosting a large-scale drone show at Liberty Park, beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday; and fireworks shows will occur at Daybreak Field at America First Square, following the Salt Lake Bees game on Friday, July 24.
• Spanish Fork: Fiesta Days celebration includes a major fireworks finale at the Sports Park around 10 p.m. on Friday, July 24.
• Park City: Head to the Summit Community Gardens and EATS at 4056 Shadow Mountain Dr. on Friday, July 24, for an evening of food trucks, dessert pies, pizza and more.
• Utah County: Utah County’s Pioneer Day Celebration will include a fireworks show over Utah Lake at 11 p.m. on Friday, July 24.
• Vernal: Celebrate the pioneer spirit with Vernal’s day of activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free activities such as rope making, pottery and demonstrations of blacksmithing will be offered. Old-fashioned games, free museum entry and a fundraising bake sale will all complete the day at Vernal Pioneer Museum, 186 S. 500 West.
• Washington City: A free day of festivities ends with a community fireworks show at Veterans Park at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 24.

Read full article here.

The celebration of Utah’s history, and the day pioneers first arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, is marked by events statewide.

It may be one of the first surprises outsiders get when they move to Utah: that Independence Day isn’t our only July holiday.

The second is Pioneer Day, July 24, commemorating the day in 1847 when Brigham Young and the first Mormon pioneers crossed Emigration Canyon and entered the Salt Lake Valley.

More modern “Days of ‘47″ celebrations started in 1947, the centennial of that first arrival, but it’s been a tradition every year since (except for 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.)

The best-known events include a parade through downtown Salt Lake City, a marathon from Emigration Canyon to the city, and a rodeo at the Utah State Fairpark.

Some in Utah instead celebrate “Pie ‘N’ Beer Day,” where baked goods and brews are the order of the day.

Here’s a roundup of what’s happening around the state on and around July 24:

Salt Lake County

Saturday, July 18

First Encampment Hike • A commemorative trek to the Salt Lake Valley’s first pioneer campsite. Starts at 7 a.m. at Donner Park, 2770 E. 990 South, Salt Lake City (up Emigration Canyon, just east of Hogle Zoo). The five-mile trek ends at First Encampment Park, 1700 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City. Trekking is free; breakfast at the end is $5 a plate.

Family Heritage Day • A day of activities, organized by the Sons of Utah Pioneers and Daughters of Utah Pioneers, at This Is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City. Events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; a keynote talk by filmmaker T.C. Christensen (“17 Miracles,” “Ephraim’s Rescue”); and music by composer Clive Romney. Free admission to the park; a $15 “daily experience pass” also gets you access to hands-on activities.

Sunday, July 19

The Cookout• The fifth annual event with “food, vibes, music and games.” Fairmont Park, 1040 E. Sugarmont Drive, Salt Lake City, noon to 7 p.m. Free; registration required. Part of the OurSundays program, supported by the ACE Fund and the Black Faculty and Staff Association of the University of Utah.

Tuesday-Wednesday, July 21-22

Float Preview Party • Get a close-up look at the floats to be featured in the Days of ‘47 Parade. Tuesday and Wednesday, July 21-22, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days. Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 S. State St., Sandy. Free admission. (Officially sponsored by Days of ‘47,)

Tuesday-Saturday, July 21-25

Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo • Five days of rodeo events, with gold, silver and bronze medals for the top riders. Utah State Fairpark, 1000 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City. Tickets, from $24.74 to $43.37, at utahdaysof47rodeo.com. (Officially sponsored by Days of ‘47.)

Friday, July 24

Deseret News Marathon • Four races in Salt Lake City — a marathon, a half-marathon, a 10,000-meter run and a 5,000-meter run — with the longer ones starting up Emigration Canyon. The marathon starts at 5:30 a.m.; half-marathon and 10K at 6 a.m.; 5K at 7 a.m. Registration is required, go to run.deseret.com for information.

Sunrise service • Music from the Choral Arts Society of Utah, conducted by Sterling Poulson; a flag ceremony by the Mormon Battalion; a musical number by Days of ‘47 royalty; and a talk by Latter-day Saints general authority emeritus Weatherford T. Clayton. Starts at 7 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 95 S. State St., Salt Lake City. Admission is free; everyone must be seated by 6:50 a.m.

Days of ‘47 Parade • The big event, with floats, marching bands, horses, clowns, dignitaries and more — this year with the theme “Like~Learn~Love Pioneers!” The route through Salt Lake City starts at South Temple and State Street, east to 200 East, south to 900 South, and east to 600 East, ending at the entrance to Liberty Park. Starts at 9 a.m. Camping on the parade route starts the day before. (Officially sponsored by Days of ‘47,)

Uniting Communities POWWOW • The 32th annual event, organized by the Utah Native American Chamber of Commerce, with food booths, arts and crafts, entertainment, cultural sharing and more. The festival starts at 10 a.m.; the grand entry (a roll call for dancers and drum groups) is at noon and at 5 p.m.; activities continue through 9 p.m. A drone light show is scheduled for 10 p.m. Liberty Park, 600 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City. Admission to the powwow is free.

Pie and Beer Day (Salt Lake City) • Friday, July 24: Dubbed the “official” celebration of pie and beer, the event features pies from various Utah bakeries, a celebrity kickball tournament featuring retired Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando, live music, food trucks and an amateur pie-baking contest (note to readers: One of the judges in the amateur contest is The Tribune’s food and drink reporter, Kolbie Peterson). Event runs from 4 to 8 p.m., at Smith’s Ballpark, 77 W. 1300 South, Salt Lake City. Tickets are $10 general admission in advance, $15 on the day of the event, $50 for a VIPP (Very Important Pie Pass); available at officialpieandbeerday.com.

Wasatch Front

Davis County

Pioneer Day celebrations (Layton) • Friday, July 24, starting with activities at the Layton Heritage Museum, 403 N. Wasatch Blvd., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. That’s followed by a food truck rally, 5:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., at Layton Commons Park, 437 N. Wasatch Blvd.; a free concert by Riders in the Sky at 7 p.m. at Kenley Amphitheatre, 403 N. Wasatch Blvd.; and finishing with the Electric Light Parade starting at 10 p.m., on Wasatch Drive from Gentile Street north to Constitution Circle — where a party with a DJ and blacklights will happen at Layton Commons Park from 10:30 to 11:45 p.m. Free.

Handcart Days (Bountiful) • Friday, July 24: Park activities at Bountiful City Park, 400 N. 200 West, 5 to 9 p.m.; concert by Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 25: Parade on Main Street, starts at 9 a.m.; more park activities, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; fireworks at 10 p.m., Mueller Park Junior High, 955 E. 1800 South. Free.

Utah County

Fiesta Days (Spanish Fork) • Monday through Friday, July 20-24: Fiesta Days Rodeo, Fairgrounds, 476 S. Main; tickets at spanishfork.gov/events/fiestadays/rodeo. Wednesday-Saturday, July 22-25: Carnival, craft fair, food in the park and other events, City Park, 49 S. Main. Friday, July 24: Full day of events, including Speedy Spaniard 10K run at 6:30 a.m., and kids’ one-mile run at 7:30; grand parade at 9 a.m.; followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. Saturday, July 25: Activities in the daytime, and a street dance at 8:30 p.m. Go to spanishfork.gov for details.

Pioneer Day Celebration (Orem) • Friday, July 24: Food trucks and activities from 5 to 9:50 p.m., with entertainment by Bluegrass Thunder at 5:30 p.m., Music City Groove at 7:30 p.m., ending with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. University Place, 575 E. University Parkway, Orem. Free admission; no reserving spots in the Orchard before 4 p.m.; no dogs or other animals (except service dogs); no alcohol, smoking or vaping.

Pioneer Day Celebration (Fairfield) • Saturday, July 25: Celebration at Camp Floyd State Park, 69 W. Main St., Fairfield, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with museum and historic exhibits, tours of the historic Stagecoach Inn, pioneer games and activities. Food for sale from Beefsteak’s Bistro. Admission is $5 per person, or $15 per family (immediate family only).

Pioneer Days (Mapleton) • Friday, July 17: “Mapleton’s Got Talent,” 6:30 p.m., and family street dance at 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., Mapleton City Park, West Maple and Main Street. Saturday, July 18: A day of activities, including a parade on Main Street at 9 a.m., activities at City Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; a concert featuring Rhinestone Rodeo at Ira Allen Sports Park, 1728 S. 800 West, at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks. Free to attend.

Weber County

Ogden Pioneer Days • Saturday-Friday, July 18-24: Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo, at Ogden Pioneer Stadium, 668 17th St., with drone shows Monday-Friday; Thursday, July 23, concludes with a concert by country singer Charley Jenkins. Tickets at ogdenpioneerdays.com. Friday, July 24: The Horse & Hitch Parade, followed by the Grande Parade, on Washington Boulevard, from 31st Street to 20th Street, starting at 9 a.m.

Elsewhere in Utah

Beaver County

Horse Races and Rodeo, Beaver • Thursday, July 23: Rodeo at Fort Cameron Complex, … starting at 7 p.m. Friday, July 24: Parade starts at 9 a.m., followed by activities at City Park; horse races start at 1 p.m. at Canyon Breeze Race Track; rodeo at 7 p.m.; fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Go to beavercityut.com for details.

Garfield County

Pioneer Day Celebration (Panguitch) • Thursday-Saturday, July 16-18: Panguitch Invitational Rodeo, open to junior high and high school-age competitors. Triple C Arena, 800 N. Main. Sessions start at 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday, and 6 p.m. all three days. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, $25 for a family pass; all-performance pass is $15 for adults, $10 for children. Friday, July 24: Pioneer Day Celebration, schedule to be announced.

Grand County

Heather Hansman reading (Moab) • Wednesday, July 22: Reading by Heather Hansman, author of “Fierce Country: The Untold Story of Three Women Who Ignited America’s Love for the Wild”; 7 p.m., Moab Library, 257 E. Center St. Free to attend.

Iron County

The Pioneer Legacy (Cedar City) • Thursday, July 23: “The Pioneer Legacy” is a musical and fireworks spectacular, with music by Merrill Osmond and his son, Justin, with a cast of 150 performers. Gates open at 7 p.m., preshow entertainment at 8:45 p.m., performance starts at 9:30 p.m. Eccles Coliseum Stadium, Southern Utah University, 99 S. 1100 West, Cedar City. Free to attend.

Kane County

Fireworks on the Water (Kanab) • Friday, July 24: Fireworks show on the water, after dark (around 10 p.m.), Jackson Flat Reservoir, south of Kanab.

Summit County

Deer Valley Music Festival (Park City) • Three Utah Symphony concerts, all starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley resort, 2250 Deer Valley Drive South. Friday and Saturday, July 17-18, features a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony; Saturday, July 25, will feature Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite,” and the string trio Time for Three. Tickets at deervalleymusicfestival.org.

Charleston Pioneer Day Celebration (Heber City) • Friday, July 24: A day of events from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., including live music, food trucks, kids games, the “Splash & Grab” trout pond, a parade at 6 p.m., a concert at 7 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m. Charleston Town Park, 3527 W. 3600 South, Heber City. Free to attend (except for the trout pond, which requires a ticket).

Washington County

Pioneer Day Celebrations (Washington City) • Friday, July 24: Parade down Telegraph Street, 8 a.m.; children’s booths and events in Veterans Park. Fireworks at 10 p.m. Free.

Wayne County

Bicknell International Film Festival• Friday-Saturday, July 24-25: Celebrating the “best” of B-movies, this year with the theme “Submerged: Tales of Terror Below,” featuring movies about dangers underwater. Friday’s events include a caravan from Etta Place Cider, 700 W. Main St., Torrey, to the Bicknell Theatre, 11 E. Main, Bicknell, starts at 6 p.m., followed by a screening of “Hello Down There” (1969), a comedy about a family that moves to a home under the sea, at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the events include a screening at 7 p.m. of “Lake Placid” (1999), about a killer crocodile in a Maine lake, also at the Bicknell Theatre. Tickets and information available at EntradaInstitute.org.

Read full article here.

Family Fun with Fox 13 (May 27-31, 2026)

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, it’s the 4th annual Utah Valley STEM Fest. Kids can do hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities and demonstrations at University Place in Orem. Click here for more information.

Come and celebrate spring the water-wise way with the Conservation Water Park. This free event for the whole family includes live music, nature crafts and an edible plants tour. It’s happening Saturday, May 30, 2026 in West Jordan. Click here for more information.

Junction Commons in Park City is throwing a Graduation Bash for the whole community. On Saturday, May 30, enjoy live music, food trucks, a climbing wall, face painting, giveaways and more. Click here for more information.

They’ll be celebrating Utah Lake on Saturday, May 30, 2026 with activities like a cardboard boat race, paddleboard jousting, a rock climbing wall and mini golf as well as sailboat rides and admission is free to the public! It’s also a chance to learn about what’s being done to improve Utah Lake. Click here for more information.

Experience an exciting free train event at Stadler in Salt Lake City. Guests of all ages are invited for a facility tour, model railroad displays and a V-R experience as well as food trucks on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Click here for more information.

The National Ability Center is having a Summer Community Kickoff on Saturday, May 30, 2026. There will be yard games, crafts, ice cream and fun with your friends and family. Click here for more information.

Pony Express Days in Eagle Mountain are going on through Saturday, May 30, 2026. This is the city’s annual summer festival that celebrates the rich history of the area with a carnival, derby, rodeo and more. Click here for more information.

Also through Saturday, May 30, 2026, people of all ages and artistic abilities are invited to bring the Festival Street Mural to life in Springville! This one-of-a-kind project will transform 200 South into a vibrant, colorful piece of art. Click here for more information.

The Ogden Music Festival is a 3-day outdoor family-friendly music fest that goes from Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31, 2026. There’s all kinds of music from bluegrass, folk, blues and Americana. Kids 16 and under are free and camping is available. Click here for more information.

Thanks to Parents Empowered for sponsoring Family Fun with Fox 13.

Read full article here.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – Need something for the man in your life this Father’s Day? Don’t worry, Utah business Man Up has you covered with unique gift ideas any guy will love! Owners and husband and wife team Carrie and Erik Keisel tell us their stores are the ultimate man cave.

“The popularity of the store has been taking off so we wanted to get a space where we could actually create the vibe and give the look and feel of a man cave, of a pub, of a garage, something that really feels like this is a place where you’re going to find your gifts for your guy,” Erik says.

The store was born in 2023 out of necessity. Carrie needed to solve the problem of “guys are hard to shop for”. Well, problem solved! You can find everything at Man Up from knifes, to socks to grill items and drink sets. The demand has been so overwhelming that the couple just opened another store at University Place Mall in Orem.

“We just had our grand opening down there and it was a huge success. We’ve had a great response and we couldn’t not be happier for it,” Carrie tells us. The couple attributes Man Up’s growth and success to it’s incredible customers. They’ve received 340 five star reviews since opening. “That is 100 percent due to how much we love what we do here and how much we love our customers,” Erik says.

Visit both Man Up locations: The Shops at South Town in Sandy and University Place Mall in Orem https://manupstore.net/

Read full article here.

There are a lot of fun, family-friendly activities planned throughout the Spring and Summer at University Place Orem.

University Place is a great place to get shopping done at the same time as enjoying the activities.

The Easter Extravaganza is on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 12-pm to 4pm.

There will be FREE photos with the Easter bunny, a petting zoo, pony rides, reptile and magic shows and special characters to meet. The Sunset Farmer’s Easter Market will also be going on, all at The Orchard.

The Orchard is named after the fruit orchard that once grew there and is a community gathering space completed with a fountain choreographed to music and where free, family-friendly events are hosted year-round.

In fact there are more than 80 events throughout the Summer that kids and adults alike love to attend.

Those include:

• Movie Nights in The Orchard
• Utah Valley STEM Fest
• Pioneer Day Celebration
• Back to School Luau
• Utah Valley Symphony Concert
• Freedom’s Melody/American Folk Ensemble

You can learn more at universityplaceorem.com/events.

Read full article here.

Rob Kallas served as general manager at the iconic Orem mall since 1978

As a young boy, Rob Kallas used to run through the orchards that stood where Orem’s University Place is today.

Little did he know that much of his adult years would be spent in the same area, working as general manager at one of Utah’s biggest shopping centers.

“These were my playgrounds here. These were orchards where I used to pick cherries and apples and peaches,” Kallas said.

In 1974, when Kallas started working for Woodbury Corporation, which owns University Place, there were just nine employees. Now the company employs over 1,100.

When Kallas took over as manager of University Mall 48 years ago, it was exclusively a shopping center that wasn’t yet even at tenant capacity. The iconic mall now covers 120 acres and is a major multiuse project with retail, housing, hotels, offices, restaurants and entertainment.

It’s safe to say a lot has changed in the decades that Kallas has worked there.

“It’s like running a little city,” Kallas said about what University Place has turned into today.

And how did Kallas and his colleagues accomplish the task?

“A bite at a time.”

Kallas took over the primary responsibility of managing the mall in 1978. The popular shopping center in south Orem was originally called University Mall, but at the start of 2014 it was renamed University Place.

The Woodbury Corporation is a family-run company, and during his time there Kallas has worked with all four generations of the family that have been involved in the company.

“Rob’s been involved in every step of every project in the landscape of University Place,” said Dan Woodbury, senior vice president of leasing for Woodbury. “You could say like, Rob’s been there every moment to make this project what it is today … a centerpiece of the city of Orem.”

Kallas retired recently, with a new general manager in place as the mall moves forward. His impact will be felt for years to come.

Reflecting on Kallas’ career, Woodbury said the concept of malls has changed drastically since Kallas started running the property. Now it is not just about shopping, but more about building community and providing entertainment.

“Rob is sort of a pioneer in a lot of ways, what the future of these, like, shopping centers can be through what he’s done here at University Place,” he added.

After opening in 1973 with a focus on retail, the area soon was designated as a mixed-use project, which allowed for residential units and the many other things that make up University Place today.

Fortunately, Kallas said, the growth comes in increments.

“It’s like eating a great big cake, you take a bite at a time,” Kallas said. “As something grows, you pay attention to that, you work out the details of it, you make logistical changes and things so that it all works. And then by that time, the next piece is coming together.”

Scott Bishop, Woodbury’s president and CEO, said while others might not have been able to adapt to the massive changes, Kallas did.

“Somehow Rob was able to adapt to that,” Bishop said. “Not only has he been able to kind of just roll with it, but thrive, and like, it’s just grown and grown.”

Through the years, Kallas and his team faced a variety of challenges, whether it was a major retailer deciding to leave the mall, managing the COVID-19 pandemic or a physical disaster within the facility.

In 2007, Kallas recalled being on vacation at Lake Powell when he got a phone call saying that a major water pipe had broken and the mall had flooded. More than 8 inches of water coursed throughout the whole mall, he said.

The mall didn’t close, but Kallas said it took over a year to fix all the damages and work things out with insurance.

“You’re going to face obstacles, but a big challenge is finding a way to solve the obstacle or make it better,” Kallas said.

Kallas didn’t turn to someone else. He got to work.

“He’s not calling anybody else, like, that’s his problem to deal with, and he’s going, ‘There are people fishing in the main corridor,’” joked Bishop.

Jeff Woodbury recalled how Kallas managed the many details, things like determining the color of tiles or carpet, or working with and managing different tenants.

He was also willing to stand up to people within the Woodbury Corporation and say “this is the way we want to do it,” recalled Jeff Woodbury, now vice president of development and acquisitions.

“You can look at other mall managers who just want to sit in their office and delegate and not get their hands dirty, but Rob was willing to physically go into a space to figure out how to build a new sewer line or talk to the head of Nordstrom,” added Dan Woodbury.

Dan Woodbury credits Kallas for “his ability to engage with local entrepreneurs to help them realize their dreams.”

A number of businesses got their start at the mall, Dan Woodbury said, including multiple companies that have since grown across the West or across the country. Two examples are the women’s clothing store Böhme and the restaurant chain Aubergine Kitchen.

“I think Rob has always had the ability to engage with these people, like hear their vision and then figure out how to get them in real estate with the resources they need to succeed, and then work through problems as well,” Dan Woodbury said.

Jeff Woodbury added that Kallas is also highly respected by city officials he has worked with over the years.

Others mentioned how Kallas became a mentor to many.

Kallas’ family has also been a major part of his life and his career.

Janeal Kallas, Rob’s wife, said, “Rob’s the most dedicated person I know, the hardest worker and sometimes your best traits are your worst traits.”

Together the couple has five kids and 16 grandchildren, who have all spent plenty of time at University Place over the years. Up until his retirement, Kallas brought his grandchildren into the office and into the mall.

“He’ll bring the grandkids around and introduce them to all of us, and it’s just so fun to see the other side of Rob like when he’s out of the office,” said marketing director Cindy Nguyen.

“I love Orem! I was born and raised in Orem, educated in Orem schools, married an Orem woman, and lived and raised my five children in Orem,” Kallas said. “I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the development and vibrancy of this city.”

One of the biggest reasons Kallas has stayed at the mall and with Woodbury for so long is the people. He added that being in Orem was also a contributing factor.

“I love this community, and I wanted to make a difference and kind of leave a mark and make it a better place,” said Kallas.

Over the years, Kallas and his team have tried to make sure they were bringing in the businesses that mallgoers wanted, including The Cheesecake Factory and Trader Joe’s.

“We went out, we kind of tried to identify the big hitters,” Kallas said. “We wanted to bring in all those things that the people want and that’s really the name of the game. Over the years, things change, and what’s popular today may not be popular in the five years.”

Janeal said while managing the mall has been her husband’s “life and his hobby,” he now will be focusing on other hobbies.

Kallas loves snow skiing, so he has been excited to hit the slopes more often in retirement.

“He loves his horses. He just bought a new horse, and so he’s planning on spending a lot of time in retirement hopefully skiing and riding horses,” Janeal added.

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Kallas’ role will be filled by Mike Jorgenson, who has worked in mall management for years. He said he was interested in the role because University Place is “dynamic.”

“This is one that’s evolved, and it’s been at the forefront of Utah, I would say it’s brought the best practices in the industry,” Jorgenson said.

Jeff Woodbury said that as they looked for someone to take Kallas’ place, they wanted someone who could adapt and bring new ideas to the table.

“University Place will always be dynamic, and will always be changing, constantly changing,” he added.

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Rob Kallas will be retiring from University Place after 52 years of employment.

By University Place//Jan 16, 2026

University Place is honored to announce the retirement of an esteemed employee of over five decades, Rob Kallas, and concurrently, welcomes an exciting new hire to fill the role of general manager, Mike Jorgenson.

Kallas has been involved in real estate management and development with the Woodbury Corporation since 1974 and has had the primary responsibility of managing University Mall, now University Place, since 1978.

“I have been so fortunate to have worked the last 52 years with a wonderful company and at such a great legacy project as University Mall and other Woodbury Corporation owned projects in Orem,” said Rob Kallas, retiring general manager of University Place. “I love Orem! I was born and raised in Orem, educated in Orem schools, married an Orem woman, and lived and raised my five children in Orem. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the development and vibrancy of this city. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with great businesswomen and businessmen, community leaders, government and education leaders, dedicated employees, associates and residents here as well.”

The new general manager is Michael Jorgenson, a Utah native who most recently oversaw operations for nine regional shopping centers throughout the western United States, totaling approximately 8.5 million square feet.

“I am excited to work with Woodbury Corporation and the community on continuing to create unique and engaging experiences at University Place.” said Michael Jorgenson, general manager of University Place. “I have closely followed University Place over the past decade as it evolved from a traditional shopping center into a dynamic, mixed-use destination, setting a standard in the Utah market by thoughtfully integrating office, multifamily and entertainment uses.”

Jorgenson most recently worked as Vice President of Asset Management for the Western Region at Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP). Prior to working for PRCP, Jorgenson worked for Macerich for over a decade as the senior property manager at shopping centers in Utah, Arizona and New Jersey. While working for PRCP and Macerich, Mike was General Manager of The Shops at South Town in Sandy, where he successfully navigated a change in ownership and led a comprehensive multimillion-dollar renovation that transformed the center inside and out.

“Woodbury Corporation and the Woodbury family will be forever grateful to Rob Kallas for his friendship, loyalty and dedication to the success of University Place and its impact on Orem and surrounding communities,” said Randy Woodbury, vice chairman of Woodbury Corporation. “We are excited for the next chapter, utilizing Mike Jorgenson’s extensive experience to build upon the legacy of this outstanding development.”

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Jan 17, 2026

In the 1970s, Woodbury Corp. launched a two-anchor mall in Orem, anchored by ZCMI on the west end and JCPenney on the east.

Over the last half-century, the property has grown into the sprawling campus now called University Place, which is arguably the retail hub of Utah County, fitted with stores, restaurants, apartments and entertainment amenities.

One man behind the mall’s evolution is Orem native Rob Kallas, who has been with Woodbury Corp. since 1974 and became the mall’s general manager in 1978.

After nearly a half-century of managing the property, Kallas is calling it a career. He will retire and be replaced by Michael Jorgensen after helping build what Woodbury Vice President Randy Woodbury called the largest tax-generating entity in Utah County.

“It does make me really proud,” Kallas said. “I was born and raised in Orem, and I grew up, went to Orem High School, I went to BYU, and I married a girl from Orem, and I raised my kids in Orem. It’s really, really satisfying to know that you’ve had some influence in your community that you love so much.”

A kid from Orem

Woodbury said it is rare to have continuity in the business world these days, but that Kallas bucked the trend, working for Woodbury Corp. through four generations of leadership.

“Who else these days works for over 50 years anywhere, much less for one company?” he said. “That kind of loyalty and continuity has just been invaluable. Rob is like an extended family member, and we have had a level of trust virtually through our whole careers together that’s just been wonderful.”

The relationship started when Kallas returned from military service and wanted to find employment that would keep him in the area.

“I looked up the biggest development in that community and pestered them until they hired me,” Kallas said.

Kallas was brought on by Woodbury Corp. to work in real estate management in 1974 and took on the general manager position in 1978. He has played an integral role in planning and expansion decisions since.

Kallas believes he managed to do so with local interests in mind. He said there were times when neighbors would call to complain about a new carpet style in the mall, and that he would listen and, in some cases, make a change.

When Woodbury Corp. bought 30 to 40 homes north of the mall — land that later became a Costco, which opened in 1999, and then apartments — it was Kallas who facilitated the deal, because he knew many of the residents from growing up in the area.

“Rob has always maintained a real estate license throughout his whole career with us,” Woodbury said. “He had those relationships, and he was the one who basically negotiated all of those acquisitions as the property has grown in size.”

“I had so many close friends that I knew around the mall, and I think it really helped,” Kallas said. “I think I knew personally about five or six of the mayors that went through while I was at the mall and became good friends with any that I didn’t know.”

Persistent leadership

Kallas said the goal for the mall was always to see it grow and develop, even in the face of economic turmoil.

During the recession in the late 2000s, he said they focused on managing efficiently while keeping costs relatively low so tenants could survive. Through that approach, he said, the mall endured and was later able to attract new retailers who saw its success.

“There were a lot of times when national tenants were not expanding, but they did take a second look at what we were doing and were impressed enough to give us a chance. And that success begat success,” Kallas said.

Even after the recession, enclosed malls continued to struggle as many department stores declined. This marked a major inflection point for University Mall, Kallas said, prompting leaders to step back and determine the best path forward.

They chose to invest in a $500 million revitalization project to turn the mall into a mixed-use facility equipped with new retail, office, hotel and residential space. University Mall was rebranded as University Place in 2015.

“We just decided that this was way too important for us as a family and for the community,” Woodbury said. “So we more than doubled down.”

As new phases of the project unfolded, Kallas became the face of the transformation. His role evolved from mall manager to real estate manager overseeing infrastructure and retail for the 112-acre facility. Woodbury said Kallas continued to excel in his ability to “bend over backward” to maintain relationships with tenants, despite years of disruptive construction.

New entities that have arrived at University Place in the last decade include RC Willey, Trader Joe’s, Sephora, Courtyard by Marriott, The Cheesecake Factory and LEGO.

“In many respects, it’s like its own little city, and Rob’s been the mayor of that for a long time,” Woodbury said.

Looking back on his career, Kallas said the most important lesson he learned, and would pass on to others, is persistence.

“Hang in there. Don’t give up,” he said. “Things have ups and downs and hardships, and you stick with it. You try to face it and overcome it. I’ve always been the kind of person that says, ‘Why do I think it’s going to be any better somewhere else? Why not just make it good here?’ And just solve your problems.”

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