Throughout my career in parks, recreation and community programming, I've had the opportunity to lead talented teams responsible for creating experiences that bring people together.During my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK in South Jordan, Utah, our team produced an ambitious calendar of festivals, concerts, cultural celebrations and signature community events. Some attracted large audiences. Others were deliberately intimate. All were designed around a common goal: creating meaningful connections through shared experiences.The following are selected examples of events produced during that period, with links to the organization's original event recaps.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Daybreak Dragon Boat Festival brought together competitive dragon boat racing, cultural performances, food, and community celebration on Oquirrh Lake. Produced during my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK, the festival demonstrated how creative programming and community partnerships can transform a neighborhood amenity into a distinctive regional attraction. The event also earned recognition from the Utah Recreation and Parks Association as Best Special Event.
Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta
The Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta is one of LiveDAYBREAK's most distinctive community traditions, featuring competitors racing across Oquirrh Lake in hollowed-out, giant pumpkins. Produced during my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK, this unconventional event combined creativity, friendly competition, and community engagement, transforming a simple idea into a memorable experience that attracted spectators and participants alike.
Summer Concert Series
The LiveDAYBREAK Summer Concert Series transformed Oquirrh Lake into an outdoor entertainment destination, featuring local performers alongside nationally recognized touring artists. During my leadership, the series combined talent booking, concert production, sponsorships, and community engagement to deliver memorable live music experiences. The series demonstrated how quality entertainment can bring residents together while creating a vibrant sense of place.
Bollywood at Daybreak
The LiveDAYBREAK Bollywood Festival brought the vibrant sights, sounds, colors, and flavors of India to the Daybreak community. Featuring traditional dance, music, authentic cuisine, and cultural experiences, the festival celebrated India's rich heritage while bringing residents together. Produced during my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK, the event demonstrated how cultural programming can introduce new traditions, celebrate diversity, and build meaningful community connections.
Adult Prom- Royal Regency Ball
The Royal Regency Ball offered adults an opportunity to relive the magic of prom with an elegant evening of music, dancing, formal attire, and socializing. Inspired by the grandeur of Regency-era celebrations, this creative twist on a traditional prom brought residents together for a memorable night of entertainment, connection, and a little nostalgia. Produced during my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK, the event demonstrated how imaginative programming can create unique experiences for adult audiences.
Easter Trail Hop
The LiveDAYBREAK Easter Trail Hop reimagined the traditional Easter egg hunt as an interactive family experience along the scenic trails surrounding Oquirrh Lake. Families enjoyed a springtime stroll featuring themed activity stations, games, treats, and visits from the Easter Bunny. Produced during my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK, the event demonstrated how existing community spaces and creative programming could transform a familiar holiday tradition into a memorable neighborhood celebration.
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Festival Latino
Festival Latino brought the vibrant music, dance, food, and traditions of Latin America to the Daybreak community. Featuring lively entertainment, authentic cuisine, and colorful cultural experiences, the festival celebrated the richness and diversity of Latino heritage. Produced during my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK, the event demonstrated how cultural celebrations can bring people together, introduce new experiences, and strengthen community connections.
Duck Derby
The LiveDAYBREAK Duck Derby brought a playful twist to community fundraising, with hundreds of rubber ducks racing toward the finish line on Oquirrh Lake. Combining friendly competition, family entertainment, and community participation, the event turned a simple concept into a memorable neighborhood tradition. Produced during my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK, the Duck Derby demonstrated how creative, lighthearted programming can bring residents together around a shared experience.Type your paragraph here
Ladybug Festival
Type yThe LiveDAYBREAK Ladybug Festival celebrated the arrival of the gardening season with a unique combination of environmental education, family activities, and the release of thousands of beneficial insects, including ladybugs and butterflies. Produced during my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK, this imaginative event introduced residents to sustainable gardening practices while transforming a simple seasonal tradition into a colorful, hands-on community experience.
Soap Box Derby
TyThe LiveDAYBREAK Soapbox Derby brought creativity, friendly competition, and a little old-fashioned nostalgia to the streets of Daybreak. Participants designed and built their own gravity-powered race cars before competing for bragging rights in this entertaining community event. Produced during my leadership at LiveDAYBREAK, the derby encouraged ingenuity, teamwork, and hands-on participation while transforming an ordinary neighborhood street into a memorable racing experience.