When events happen in the community, it is often hard to tell who benefits more, the people who go to the event or those that put it on. In the case of the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Government’s Harvest Celebration on September 21, everyone did well.

“We ask so much of so many people and we think that this kind of event is something we can do to give back to the area,” said SEUALG Executive Director Geri Gamber. “There are so many people to thank for all they do.”

The event took place in the Business Technical Assistance Center (BTAC) parking lot on south Carbon Avenue starting at noon. Huge amounts of food along with activities for kids and adults alike were provided. Everything was free to the public.

Kids participating in pumpkin painting and decorating, face painting, a bean bag throw and a go fish booth where they would win prizes on the end of a pole. A cake walk was also offered for those who wanted to take a chance at winning a cake.

During the event awards were given to Price Mayor Mike Kourianos and City Manager Nick Tatton for their never ending support for SEUALG. Terry Johnson got an award for always being there with his volunteers (including at this event) from the Sun Center at Utah State University Eastern.

“A special award was given to Lamar Hussey,” said Gamber. “He volunteers for us and he works so hard, harder than many 20 year olds.”

Hussey works in the food bank and is one of the mainstays working in the Community Garden which is grown each year by the BTAC on land and with water that is supplied by Price City.

The dutch oven cooking was prepared by Jack Clark and his team, and the food went very fast. By 1:45 p.m. almost everything was gone.

“I think we had over 350 people come to the event,” said Julie Rossier, the Community Services Program Manager for SEUALG. “So much of this was done by people who volunteered their time.”

Gamber pointed out that Rossier and her team spent so many of their own hours getting the event ready and that a lot of credit goes to them for its success.

The mission of the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments and Economic Development District is to plan and prepare with federal, state and local governments to strengthen the role of southeastern Utah local officials in the execution of state and federal programs at the regional level. The agency helps to implement economic development, strategize and educate low-income individuals and seniors, stabilize housing and educate individuals for economic stability.