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Families wait in line for complimentary hot cocoa and doughnuts provided by Mortenson Construction during Eagle Mountain’s annual Christmas Village at Cory B. Wride Memorial Park on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Katelyn Stiles, Special to the Herald)

Katelyn Stiles, Special to the Herald

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There were two horse-drawn carriages and a smaller one drawn by miniature ponies during Eagle Mountain’s annual Christmas Village at Cory B. Wride Memorial Park on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Katelyn Stiles, Special to the Herald)

Katelyn Stiles, Special to the Herald

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Alexis Robinson, 4, of Eagle Mountain competes in the watermelon eating contest at Pony Express Elementary Saturday afternoon. As part of its summer festivities Eagle Mountain celebrated it's third annual Pony Express Days. When finished with her watermelon Robinson replied emphatically, "I want some more." (Corey Perrine, Daily Herald file photo)

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Kids jump through bounce houses during the Pony Express Days Family Fun Night in 2017 in Eagle Mountain. (Dominic Valente, Daily Herald file photo)

Dominic Valente, Daily Herald file photo

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The growing city of Eagle Mountain is gaining renown — specifically for its city events and parks.

Events director Dawn Hancock is gearing up for the busiest time of year, beginning with Halloween and going through the Christmas season.

Before all that begins, the Eagle Mountain City Council took a moment during the Sept. 21 meeting to honor Hancock and Jason Hall, the city recreation manager.

The two departments were honored by the Utah Recreation and Parks Association for services provided to residents. The 2020 Outstanding Special Event award was presented by LeAnn Powell, URPA Executive Director, to the Eagle Mountain Events Department for it Silent Santa program.

Seeing the success of Eagle Mountain’s Silent Santa program has been a catalyst for other cities such as Payson, West Valley City and Murray to inquire about how Eagle Mountain does it.

“I think that people copying it is the greatest form of flattery, and since this program has been initiated it has been one of the most talked about programs when our special events groups get together,” said Powell when referencing the Silent Santa event’s work toward equity and inclusion.

“One in five children experiences sensory sensitivity. The Silent Santa event offers children and adults with sensory sensitivities one-on-one time with Santa without crowds or high levels of noise,” Powell added.

Hancock noted how rewarding it was to see children interact with a Santa who is willing to play on the floor, or dance or just silently sit with the children that come for a visit.

“It is so rewarding to see all the individuals interact with Santa, many for the first time. It is very emotional to see these families enjoying this special moment with their loved ones. I am excited to see this event grow and become tradition not only in our city, but other cities as well,” Hancock said.

The part of Santa at this unique, award-winning event, has been portrayed by the same Eagle Mountain resident since the program was created in 2018.

“This is just one of the free events the city puts on,” Hancock said. “Lots of families can’t afford events like this.”

URPA represents about 1,400 parks and recreation officials across Utah and annually recognizes city departments for their efforts benefitting parks, trails, open space and cultural events.

With a city population of nearly 50,000, Hancock and her full-time assistant are busy from Easter to Christmas with Pony Express Days in the middle.

Currently, Hancock and her department are gearing up for the “adaptive” Trick-or-Treat event for individuals with disabilities. Then there is the annual Halloween Town celebration which brings out thousands of residents and local businesses.

“They aren’t selling anything but they just bring candy. We have so many kids out to this event,” Hancock said. “There is no pressure on parents to buy from these businesses. There will also be food trucks, face painting and balloon animals.”

Hancock doesn’t stop there. Next is the annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot 5K that brings over 1,000 runners to the city streets.

And just as fast as the year passes, Hancock is back planning the Silent Santa event and then the annual Christmas Village.

“The Christmas Village has a Santa, reindeer, and horse-drawn carriage rides,” Hancock said. “The most popular event is children bringing their letters to Santa.”

Children bring letters for Santa at the Dec. 4 event and they receive a letter back from him before Christmas, according to Hancock.

“It’s a fun tradition. And the children love to receive those letters,” Hancock said.

By January, Hancock and team are prepared for spring and summer events. “It never stops,” she said.

Eagle Mountain City’s Recreation Department was also recognized with the 2020 Outstanding Department award in its class.

The number of volunteers needed to successfully run Eagle Mountain’s sports and recreation leagues was a primary factor in the recognition.

“Every year we strive to do our best with the recreation programs,” said Hall. “It is great to be recognized for our efforts. I would like to thank all those other staff members and volunteers that help with the programs and made it possible for us to receive this award.”

Eagle Mountain  continues to pride itself in its community engagement programs. The city commends these departments for their hard work and dedication to the residents of Eagle Mountain.

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