Dammeron Valley Community

Events:

St. George Marathon - Annual in October. Before dawn on race day Dammeron Valley residents begin to gather along highway 18. It seems everyone has a favorite spot they return to year after year. Bundled up against the October cold with thermos jugs of coffee or juice and, bags of warm goodies close at hand, they wait for the first runners to materialize in the dim light. The 26 plus mile run begins about seven miles to the north of Dammeron in a small community called Central. Very early, about 4:30 AM, the marathoners begin to arrive by school bus from St George to wait for the official 6: AM start. They try to stay warm and loose while not dwelling to much on the first five miles; all up hill.

October 1996 marked the 20th annual running of the St. George Marathon. It is the largest in the Intermountain West; and thirteenth largest in the USA with 4000 entrants. Runners came from forty-three states and four foreign countries. To make it happen, the race is wholeheartedly supported by the community and a volunteer force of 1400.

Dammeron Valley Christmas Party. December means Christmas and Christmas means feverish activity for the Dammeron Valley Woman’s group. A flyer announcing the annual Christmas party must be designed printed and distributed, local talent lined up for the evenings entertainment, decorating duties have to be assigned, valley cooks asked which of their favorite dishes they will bring, seminally endless details. The worst part; no elves, only dedicated valley residents volunteering their time and talents to make sure this annual event remains a big hit with everyone.

Forth of July picnic and fire works. The Dutch oven is Utah's semi official cooking utensil. One valley resident claims to have over two dozen; he also makes the meanest Dutch oven potatoes in three counties. A most welcome dish at many potluck dinners.

So between Dutch oven potatoes, grilled hot dogs, tons of other potluck dishes, bugs, relaxed conversation and fire works, the fourth of July in Dammeron Valley is one of the most enjoyable, and anticipated days of the year.

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Clubs and Groups:

Dammeron Valley Womans Group. About 40 percent of valley women are members of the Woman's group and they provide the energy and skills for many valley activities. From the annual Christmas party and 4th of July picnic to various potluck dinners this diverse group of talented woman help make the Valley such a pleasant place to live.

Dammeron Valley Quilters. Quilting, needle point, bobbin lace, almost anything that pricks fingers or strains the eyes is fair game for the ladies quilting group. They meet every two weeks through out the year to encourage each other and pass on techniques learned from years of making beautiful craft items for their homes.

Horseback riding clubs:

Dammeron Valley is horse country. Many residents moved here because of zoning which allows for horses on residential lots. Its not unusual to see horseback riders singly or in groups through out the valley. Three riding groups, the Rim Riders, Back Country Horseman and the Ridge Riders are active in the Valley.

The Rim Riders club is open to anyone 16 years of age and older, regardless of experience. The main purpose of the club is to have fun participating in events like Barrels, Poles, Western Pleasure, Water Race, Potato Race and many others, generally referred to as Gymkhanas (Contests involving a skill such as horseback riding.) The group will meet every Monday either in Dmmeron Valley or Hurricane for practice.

Although the club is organized for fun, A and B teams will be formed to compete in Gymkhana events at the District, Regional and State level, during July, August, and September.

The Back Country Horseman are affiliated, through the Washington County chapter, with the Back Country Horseman of America. Membership is composed of families and individuals of all ages. This group has a larger purpose beyond horseback riding. They spend much of there time marking, identifying, and maintaining trails through out Washington County. In addition, members spend time educating riders in back country safety and ways to protect the environment.

The Ridge Riders are a recreational riding group made up of riders over fifty living in Dammeron Valley. They get together whenever possible and ride for enjoyment.