About Salt Lake City's 9th & 9th

It's time for the Countdown, Downtown! The new year is here and this is is your last reminder to join in the First Night celebration with three stages of entertainment on Gallivan Plaza. First Night is the state's biggest and best New Year's celebration and it's right in downtown Salt Lake City. First Night is a family friendly event, with something for everyone. There is even a circus of fire performers that always proves to be a favorite! The event promotes cultural, ethnic, and artistic diversity. Transportation is available by using Trax. You can ride Trax free on Dec. 31 from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. with your First Night admission button. Bundle up to stay warm and enjoy the festivities! First Night admission buttons are available at select Albertson's stores, Discovery Gateway, the Gateway concierge and the Leonardo. For more information go to firstnightslc.org.

Coats 4 Kids and Keller Williams Utah Realtors are hosting an open house on Friday, December 12, 2008 from 12:00 - 7:00 p.m. The open house will be held at the Westgate Lofts Condominiums-the latest in renovated loft style residences. The Westgate Lofts are located at 342 West 200 South near the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City. Anyone stopping by the open house to donate a coat will receive a free gift. The purpose of the coat drive is to collect new coats for pre-school and school age children who do not have access to winter coats.

Coats 4 Kids is a non-profit group making an effort to provide winter coats for kids in SLC who don't have them. Established in 2000, they depend entirely on volunteer service and donations. Coats 4 Kids co-founder states "We know that it is a worthwhile and rewarding effort to provide warmth to children who would otherwise be suffering and possibly missing school rather than brave the cold without a coat." All volunteer efforts and sponsorships are gratefully welcomed.

"We are calling out the snow gods and welcoming winter back to the Wasatch" says Jessica Kunzer, spokeswoman for Ski Utah. The Fat Flake Festival is scheduled to kick off this Saturday, November 15 at the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City. Just one of the highlights of Salt Lake City's Fat Flake Festival is a race around the Gallivan Center in snow boots. (Do we know how to party or what?) Winners of the race will receive a new pair of ski boots! A vintage ski clothing contest promises to be a real hoot. There will be prizes of skis, winter clothing, and snowboards. There will be autograph sessions with famous Utah skiers and snowboarders. Live music will include a variety of bands including Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Cavedoll and Junior Giant. Come out to the Fat Flake Festival and help us summon up "The Greatest Snow on Earth"! Gallivan Center-Salt Lake City Plaza - 200 south between State and Main.

If you are considering relocating to Salt Lake City, or are new to the area you may be excited to know that bicycle transportation in Salt Lake City has become much more prevalent! Bikeways have become more plentiful and user friendly. As concern over oil dependence increases, and awareness of health concerns and air pollution is more in the forefront the time has come to consider alternatives. Salt Lake City is putting the bicycle back in the life cycle. The completion of the trail that connects the Jordan River Parkway and the Bonneville Shoreline trail makes a great city wide ride! This trail is now accessible from all parts of the city! Salt Lake City even implemented the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan which seeks to "enhance use of the bicycle for transportation and recreation." You can get your own copy of the SLC Bikeways map at www.slcgreen.com. Happy trails!

Salt Lake City Green! What is it? Salt Lake City Green is arguably the most comprehensive municipal environmental initiative in the nation. This exciting program is an effort to preserve and sustain our most precious natural resources. 'The program has brought Salt Lake City to the forefront in national and international environmental leadership.' SLC Green has already received many awards!

Started in 2001, the 'Green' program is committed to smart growth principles. SLC green promotes transit and pedestrian-oriented development. It even includes a new ordinance to promote walkable communities. The program also seeks to encourage water conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, among other things.

Salt Lake City and the state of Utah as a whole are known world wide for their fabulous outdoor recreation and amazing natural beauty. SLC Green seeks to maintain our high quality of life while ensuring a sustainbale future. Stay tuned for more information on SLC Green and the specific programs that support it!