Many Utahns Look For Sense Of Normalcy Over Memorial Day Weekend
May 23, 2020, 11:26 PM | Updated: Jul 13, 2023, 1:29 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Memorial Day weekend is considered by some to be the kick-off for summer — something many have been looking forward to — especially in light of the pandemic.
State officials are lifting restrictions, a very unique school year has come to an end, and businesses are starting to reopen.
For many people, the holiday will be marked by the pandemic, but that’s not stopping them from looking for that sense of normalcy.
Across the state, many have been looking to make the most of Memorial Day weekend under the pandemic’s new norm.
“I have very complicated feelings about this new normal,” said Ashley Talbot.
By noon, Gunlock State Park posted they were at capacity, encouraging visitors to find another activity.
It was a similar story at Zion National Park and Goblin Valley where there was a 1-2 hour wait to get inside.
“Typically, we like to get away for Memorial Day weekend, but there are the concerns of, ‘am I going to be able to book a hotel room?'” said Talbot.
Others like Ashley decided to kick-off summer closer to home with a girls days out.
“We left the house and went and got pedicures, had some lunch, and headed over to the mall,” she said.
Businesses of all kinds were happy to welcome back customers.
“Axe throwing is the perfect opportunity to get some of that stir craziness out, and get some of that anxiety out from life right now,” said Brayden Flowd, owner of Social Axe Throwing.
And while things still feel different — with face masks, extra sanitation, and social distancing measures — for newlyweds like Sunia Sutele, their first date out in months wasn’t too bad.
“It kind of helps us try to remember back to normal life,” said Sunia Sutele.
Because whether it be a date out on the town, or a little retail therapy, getting out still seems to work its magic for those like Ashley and her daughter.
“She turned to me and said, ‘Mom, this is the first time that things have felt normal in a really long time,'” said Ashley.
As businesses like social axe throwing reopen, they’re offering great deals on their website.
Keep in mind, some stores have shorter hours and will require you to wear a face mask to enter their store.
