Back to the ’60s: WSU Block Party

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Alisha

Friday, August 26th, 2011 Weber State University had their seventh annual Wildcat Block Party, themed “Blast Back to the ’60s. The whole place was covered with tie dye, and peace signs while The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and other ’60s music filled the air.

What is the Block Party?

The Block Party is one of the biggest events on campus all year. It’s goal is to help students learn about services, clubs, departments, and organizations across campus. Students can get information about everything from the Wrestling Team, the Women’s and Nontraditional center, Davis Campus, Veterans Services, Health Professions, and Botany. “Sometimes people can be intimidated by office situations…we want to make it a fun and relaxed environment where students can approach a booth and ask questions, play games and get to know the university better,” said Nikki Nicolas, the chairwoman of the event.

Check out the WSU Block Party highlights below-

Free purple pancakes for all students, and they're delicious too!

Stocking up on all the Weber Swag.

Embracing all the free food.

Like Weber State on Facebook, all the cool cats are doing it.

Wildcats reaching new heights.

60's Fashion show. Groovy!

Hippies were found all across campus.

Students get to shoot paint balls at moving targets (aka new ROTC students).

Dissecting and eating brains with the Psychology department.

Students anxiously passing out information about their organization.

Wildcats jamming out with Beatles Rock band.

Limboing it up with the Campus Recreation booth.

What's that!? A Flash Mob Dance! Yep, Weber State's just that cool.

WSU Summer Tour: Davis County Fair

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Adam

Megan shows off her new lasso skills.

The 2011 Davis County Fair wrapped up this weekend after four days of everything from snake charmers to Elvis cutouts. We played Just Dance at our booth and had a lot of fun with the fair-goers who were willing to shake their groove thing. We also tried to pick up some important fair skills, check out the videos below.

WSU Summer Tour: Weber County Fair

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Adam

The pigs at the fair were massive, and sooooo tasty.

Megan was hogging the mechanical bull the whole time.

Our team from Continuing Education visited the Weber County Fair and got a crash course on everything from what to feed your pigs to mechanical bull riding. Check out these great pics and video.

Lots of blue ribbon animals.

We tried to trade them t-shirts for a puppy. We really want an office puppy.

Go outside and play: Weber County Fair

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Alisha

Why is the Weber County Fair SO Cool?

Wednesday, August 10th through Saturday, August 13th are four days that you would do well to put a large red circle around on your calendar because it’s the Weber County Fair! Everyday from 11am -11pm Weber County Fair is hosting events, concerts, competitions, rodeos, races, and attractions that you don’t want to miss out on!

Free Concerts

Every night at the grandstand there will be free concerts. Including The Long Run Eagle’s Tribute Band, T Minus 5, and the Blue Sage Band. AND! I actually had a class (Introduction to Music MUSC 1010) from Professor Shawn Satterthwaite who is the vocal percussionist in the group T Minus 5, he’s awesome! So ya, that’s my claim to fame. So if you wanna check out T Minus 5 make sure to be there on Friday at 8pm.

Rodeos

The Weber County Fair Rodeo will take place on Wednesday, August 10 at 7pm at the Stadium. And on Thursday, August 11th there will be a Utah Youth Rodeo at 6:30pm at the Stadium.

More Awesome Activities

Demolition Derby
Weber County’s Got Talent
Wake Board Competition
Live Stingray Encounter
Mud Run
Zip Line
Super Aqua Bubbles
Win it in a Minute
Carnival
Lawn Mower Races
Horse Pulls
Animal Specialties and Petting Zoo
Big Foot Experience
Hypnotist
Local Entertainment and so much more!

Want to get in for cheaper?

On Wednesday, August 10th (the grand opening day) all kids twelve and younger get in for FREE! So if you’ve got lots of little ones, Wednesday is the day to go. Thursday, August 11th is Dollar Day so make sure to bring a nonperishable food item for the Utah Food Bank and get into the Weber County Fair for just $1.00.

If you go…

Remember sunscreen and to keep hydrated because all the fun will be taking place outside at the Weber County Fair Grounds. For Fair admission prices check out the table below and if you would like to purchase your tickets in advance they will be sold at the Golden Spike Arena Box Office. For a complete list of events, times and information download this Fair Premium Book. And while you’re there make sure to stop by the Weber State booth to hang out with some cool cats, play a game of rock band, and get a free t-shirt and bandanna.

Go Outside and Play: Canoeing, Camping, & Climbing

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Alisha

Oh what do you do in the summer time?

Living in Ogden Utah the possibilities are endless for outdoor family fun. For some good family bonding time this summer read through these fun things to do and then go outside and play!

Canoeing

Canoeing is the perfect family activity for a hot summer day, not to mention there are plenty of options for reservoirs and lakes around the Ogden area, although Causey Reservoir (which is 15 miles northeast of Ogden) is my favorite place to canoe because of the smooth water, and the little coves between the cliffs you can paddle through. If you decide to go to Causey dam there are a few things you should know; there are no dedicated boat-launch facilities, powerboats are not allowed, and parking is on the north part of the dam at the Boy Scout camp. Canoeing, fishing, swimming and cliff jumping are all very popular at Causey. Just remember to bring life jackets, sunscreen, water, and snacks for a great day on the water.

Camping

Bring your family together this summer in the beautiful mountains that line the Wasatch front. The Outdoor Program has the gear you need to make an awesome camping trip including; sleeping bags, tents, camping stoves, lanterns and more! So let’s say you decide to camp overnight at Anderson Cove (next to Pineview dam) so you rent a four person tent at Outdoor Program it would only cost you $18.00 if you’re a student and $27.00 if you’re not. To reserve a campground at Anderson Cove call 877-444-6777. Anderson Cove is conveniently located right next to the beach and is right next to a doc. The campsite also has a boat launch ramp, public restrooms, volleyball courts, and pets are allowed in some campsites.

Indoor Rock Climbing

Weber Rocks Climbing Wall is a great place to bring all your little monkeys and let them loose for a day, or bring your significant other and make it a date. With your Wildcard each person costs $5.00 dollars ($8.00 if no one in the group has a Wildcard) which includes shoes, harness, and a student belaying clinic. Weber Rocks is located in the Swenson Stromberg complex in the northwest corner of the gym. This indoor climbing facility is open in the summer Monday-Thursday 4pm – 8pm and Saturday 10am-5pm. Youth (ages 13-17) can only climb on Saturdays from 10am-5pm.

Want someone else to organize your summer fun?

Not only does the Outdoor Program talk the talk but they walk the walk. Throughout the summer they are taking groups of both community members and WSU students to the Snake River July 22-24, August 12-14, and September 9-11. If you would like to go give the Outdoor Program a call at 801-626-6373, pay the trip cost ($85 for students $95 for public), attend your pre-trip meetings, and then show up ready to have some fun. Visit their website for more info on their weekend Snake River trips. Or Check out their complete list of events, adventures, trips, clinics, and workshops.

With the help of WSU’s Campus Recreation you can have fun family outdoor activities, make memories and have experiences that your family will never forget. Rivers, smores and adventure are awaiting you. So contact the Campus Recreational Center today!

Little Known Resources: WSU’s Outdoor Program

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Alisha

Looking for Summer Fun?

For all your outdoor family fun and outdoor gear this summer check out WSU’s Outdoor Program. The Outdoor Program is Ogden’s personal outdoor gear closet. They have everything from canoes and tents, to bocce ball sets and even rock climbing shoes! The Outdoor Program has rentals to accommodate many summer recreational activities. WSU’s rentals include . . .

Camping necessities
River and lake equipment
High adventure outdoor gear
Sport sets

How can I rent WSU’s outdoor gear?

To get equipped for your next adventure, visit the Outdoor Program’s Rental Center and check out all the rentals WSU has to offer. After you have decided on what to rent, stop by the Outdoor Program anytime Monday –Saturday, 8am to 6pm. They are located on 41^st and Taylor, in Annex 9 on the WSU Campus (see map below). Or if you would like to reserve your equipment over the phone, call 801-626-6376. Community members are welcome to rent from the Outdoor Program but if you’re a wildcat you can rent at a discounted price with your Wildcard. When renting don’t forget to bring your drivers license, and a debit or credit card for the deposit.

If you're thinking that's a house. You're right! The Campus Rec Outdoor Program is in a house. And just in case you're wondering, even though it is a house the workers don't actually live there.

Just beyond that little grove of trees.

The parking lot is for Wilderness Rec Center customers. That's you. So enjoy it while it lasts cause everywhere else is permit only.

You don't need to knock because it's not a real house. Just walk right in.

This guy knows everything about outdoor gear so don't be afraid to ask questions.

Wet suits over your clothes are not a great idea in the middle of the summer. FYI

"Just around the river bend, my river trip is just around the river bend!" Think I would make a good Pocahontas?

Rafting last Friday on the Snake River. Thanks to my wet suit from Wilderness Rec I didn't die of hypothermia with 47º water! (And yes I do wear purple on Weber Wear Fridays even when I'm not on campus.)

Go outside and play: Waterfall Canyon on the Summer Solstice

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Adam

Waterfall Canyon on the Summer Solstice

A great summer activity for the whole family.

The Waterfall Canyon trail in foothills above Ogden is one of the most scenic trails in northern Utah. It’s a great family hike. It’s about 3 miles round-trip with a steady incline over rocky terrain. The last push into the canyon is the hardest, but it’s well worth it. The 200+ foot waterfall is an amazing sight. It’s even more spectacular this year with all the added water coming off the mountain.

Step-by-step guide

If you’re not familiar with all the trails, it’s easy to get off course on your way to Waterfall Canyon. Here is a step-by-step photo guide to help get you there.

Park at the 29th St. trailhead. It's not usually this crowded, but there were a lot of hippies on the trail for the solstice.

Start out by turning left from under the awning.

Stay left as you start out. The other trails will take you across the top of the golf course, but you want to head up the mountain.

Turn right here. (It's still pretty clearly marked at this point, in case you don't want to print these photos out as your guide.)

No joke, this part is not fun. It's a steady incline of about 120 yards. The incline after this is in the shade and by the stream, so it's not as bad.

Watch out for off-leash dogs on the trail. (Don't freak out, they're just as hot and tired as you are.)

This is the last place you can get mixed up, and it's not clearly marked. So after you cross the stream on the first wooden bridge, stay left.

The last part of the trail is like step aerobics, it's pretty rocky. But once you get to the canyon, the mist from the waterfall cools you down right away.

See, the hike is good for all ages.

This isn't even the best view of the valley from these trails (we'll do that hike later), but it's still pretty awesome.

Seriously! Look how awesome the zoom is on this thing.

Go outside and play: The Dinosaur Park

Posted on June 10, 2011 by Alisha

Kids driving you nuts this summer? Take them to see a T-Rex.

So the kids are probably out of school by now and after a week or two of having them home full time I bet everyone is climbing the walls. Especially Mom. A great family activity for the summer is to visit Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park. They have over a hundred full-sized dinosaurs that act as both main attraction and park security.

Something for kids of all ages (except for sulking emo teens, and there are plenty of benches for them to pout on)

The Dinosaur Park offers:

A fully operating Paleontology lab.
Eight acres of life-sized dinosaurs.
An education museum filled with information that will blow your mind (Related to modern birds?! Really?!)
Awesome exhibits like the 45-foot long, 20-foot high Tyrannosaurus.

Classroom activities too

For extra fun, check out the Dinosaur Park’s Dino Day Camps and Adventures in Art. These educational programs are designed to spark your child’s imagination (a muscle they probably haven’t used much since school got out). In Adventures in Art, children will have an opportunity to to work on weekly projects while they experiment with clay, chalk, and weaving. Lunch will be provided each session and a final art show will showcase all the kid’s work. Students in the Dino Day Camp will get to spend six fun-filled hours participating in hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and enjoying lunch in an outdoor setting. They will have lots of special projects to take home and they will be able to work in the Paleontology Lab with trained volunteers. Kids ages five to eleven can be signed up for Dino Day camp for $45.00 and four year old kids can be signed up for the Beginners Dino Day Camp for $15.00. Kids ages five to eleven can also be signed up for the four week long art adventures class for $60.00. To sign up for either program call the dinosaur park at 801-629-8877 or stop by the park to register in person.

If you go…

Apparently, dinosaurs have not forgotten their ancient alliance with wildcats. So the Dinosaur Park offers WSU students a $1.00 discount on a single admission with their Wildcard. Much of the park is outdoors, so they’ll be plenty of walking. So wear good shoes, bring plenty of water and snacks and don’t forget the sunscreen. Take some quarters for fish food by the stream, they swim right up to you (Sorry Dad, no fishing inside the park). And bring a camera for all the photo ops, (great for facebook status updates).

Bottom Line

The Dinosaur Park is a great summer activity for families. You can easily spend most of the day with all the stuff they have to see and do. It’s a lovely walk for couples and there’s a great playground for little ones. If the kids are really starting to get on your nerves by now (and I know they are), the park’s a great way for them to get outside and burn off some energy.

Visit Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park for more fun summer activities and dinosaur details. The Dinosaur Park is located at 1544 East park Boulevard in Ogden Utah, near the mouth of Ogden Canyon, right over by Rainbow Gardens. During the summer (May 30-Sept 5) the park is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm and on Sundays 12pm-6pm. They shut the gate one hour before closure so make sure to get there early to ensure a fun and worthwhile trip.