Christmas Events in St. George – 2017 Guide

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The holidays are here, and St. George is celebrating the Christmas spirit with events occurring all throughout December. With the Jubilee of Trees and Santa’s Workshop Christmas Gift Show at the Dixie Convention Center already done, mark your calendars for events to bring the entire family to before Christmas.

Christmas in the Canyon

This year, Tuacahn is celebrating the holidays in multiple ways. Christmas in the Canyon, running from November 24-December 23, where Tuacahn’s campus is decorated in Christmas lights and music on the plaza. Hot chocolate and other concessions are available as you walk around and look at the Christmas lights, along with an open fire. Gifts for the holidays are also available. A live nativity runs from 7-8 p.m. for $2 a person, where acting, music, and narration combine thanks to volunteer groups that put on the story of the birth of Christ. The nativity also includes live animals, such as camels, in this performance. An ice-skating rink surrounded by the beautiful red cliffs of Tuacahn is open to the public for $7 a person ($5 per person for a group) from 5-9 p.m. Santa Claus is available from 6-8 p.m. on these nights, as well as a holiday train ride on the Old Salty Train, thanks to Ruby’s Inn. For more info, visit tuacahn.org.

Fairy Tale Christmas 

Also at Tuacahn this year is Fairy Tale Christmas, a musical by Scott & Michael McLean based on their award-winning book. This musical was performed at the 2016 New York Fringe Festival, and is now coming to Tuacahn’s stage, telling the creative tale of classic villains from fairy tales attempting to kidnap Santa Claus. This musical runs from December 1-23. For seating and other information, visit tuacahn.org.

‘A Christmas Story’ The Musical 

The St. George Musical Theater at the St. George Opera House will be putting a creative twist on the classic holiday film, A Christmas Story. Tickets are $17-21 and can be purchased at sgmusicaltheater.com. Hosted at the historic opera house on main street, this musical runs Thursdays-Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through December 16.

The Forgotten Carols

This classic play put on by Dixie State University, also organized by Michael McLean, tells the story of a nurse whose life is changed by a patient who retells the story of Christ. It is suggested for children 5+, and children over the age of 2 require a ticket. This play will be available  Dec. 6 – 7 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Cox Auditorium, 350 S. 700 E. in St. George. Tickets are available at tickets.dsutix.com and range from $19.50 – $36.50.

The Nutcracker Ballet 

For the 24th year, Westside Studio of Performing arts here in St. George will be putting on their annual production of the classic Nutcracker Ballet, complete with mice, soldiers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy with the talented cast and dancers of this local studio. Directed by Sheila Bailey, the performances for this run from December 15-19 at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee showing December 16 at 2 p.m. The ballet will be held at Desert Hills High School and is $15-20 to attend and can be purchased here.

2017 St. George Christmas Light Spectacular 

HedgeHog Electric is hosting a new tradition in St. George and Washington County this year – an event recognizing the most festive of lights in the county, with a provided map for viewers to drive around and look at the lights of local homeowners who are dedicated to creating beautiful light scenes in their yards. You could win a $300 Visa gift card if you go on the tour and post a picture to Facebook or a social media site by using the hashtag #StGeorgeChristmasMap. The Kuhn home – a home that won $50,000 from ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight – will be available this year, with activities that go on throughout the month as well. For more info on the Christmasn Light Spectacular, including the map, click here. For HedgeHog Electric’s Facebook page, which also has details of the event, click here.

The Spirit of Christmas at DiFiore Center 

An interactive holiday puppet show will be hosted this year at the DiFiore Center, at 307 N Main St, St George. This show is great for the kids and a good way to kick off the holiday season on December 16 from 7-9 p.m. For more info, visit the website here.

GENTRI’s Finding Christmas 

A cinematic pop performance put on by the trio of tenors whose Christmas album made the iTunes top 10 holiday list next to other artists like Michael Buble and Pentatonix. GENTRI will be at Dixie State University on December 18 at 7:30 pm, with $30 reserved seating to enjoy this performance with holiday classics and more. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.dsutix.com.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony

To honor deceased veterans this holiday season, Wreaths Across America Ceremony is an event at the Tonaquint and Shivwits Paiute Cemeteries to honor Amerca’s veterans by placing wreaths on their gravesites on December 16 at 10 am. This event is freeto attend. To donate to this event, you can go to donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org to help this tradition continue to grow.

 

An Intimate Evening – A Kurt Bestor Christmas

The 30th annual A Kurt Bestor Christmas will be held at the Lorraine Boccardo Theatre at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta offer an intimate holiday gathering with a performance from Kurt Bestor – singer, songwriter, and composer. Tickets are available at kayentaarts.com for the two performances on Friday and Saturday (December 8th and 9th) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 until Nov. 27th $40 after $60 ticket includes premier seating and after party with Kurt Bestor. For more info, visit his Facebook page here.

Temple Lights and Downtown St. George Lights

One of St. George’s most welcoming sights during the holiday season is its abundance of lights in its historic district – namely the Temple, with its grounds decorated in an abundance of multicolored lights, as well as Main Street and Town Square. Once these lights turn on in the evening, take a walk through Downtown St. George to enjoy the holiday spirit the city has to offer.

Dickens Festival 

The Dickens Festival is an annual craft and shopping show with food and live entertainment. Nov. 29 thru Dec. 2, 2017 (Wednesday through Saturday) at the Dixie Convention Center from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Olde English themed shops, costumes, and fortune tellers make this event fun for the kids and unique experience this holiday season. If you’re looking for unique gifts and quality merchandise from local vendors, this festival is great for you. This event is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+), $5 for children (4-12), and children 3 and under get in for free.

Temple Lights and Downtown St. George Lights

One of St. George’s most welcoming sights during the holiday season is its abundance of lights in its historic district – namely the Temple, with its grounds decorated in an abundance of multicolored lights, as well as Main Street and Town Square. Once these lights turn on in the evening, take a walk through Downtown St. George to enjoy the holiday spirit the city has to offer.

 

Housing Recovery: Area contractors report increase in building permits

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ST. GEORGE— After some difficult years, construction is starting to look like a bright spot in the Southern Utah economy again, with building permits up, more homes selling and home prices rising.The industry hit hardest by the Great Recession and the end of Southern Utah’s housing boom — experts estimate 50 percent of area contractors either left the area or went out of business — is finally seeing some recovery, and construction workers are getting back to work, with year-over-year job growth for the first time since the recession.

“I think we’re just at that breaking point where people are going to start hiring more,” said Troy Ence, co-owner of Ence Homes in St. George, where business is up by about 10 percent this year.

Ence said the company has been encouraged by gains the past several months, adding that a busy July — a month usually slower because of the heat — included 23 sales. It’s to the point where some contractors are struggling to find skilled laborers because so many left or found other employment, he said.

“This is probably the best July we’ve had in five years,” he said.

Statewide, construction employment was up 4.7 percent year-over-year in June, according to the latest economic analysis from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, and Lecia Langston, area economist for the Department of Workforce Services, said the industry is moving forward with the rest of the economy.

Construction recovered slower than other industries because of its unique ties to the housing boom, she said, but now it is part of a more diversified economy.

“To me the most positive indicator is that every single industry saw growth this year,” she said. “It’s broad based, and hopefully something that can continue.”

For builders, it has been a welcome reprieve after some tough times, said Austin Andersen, owner of AJ Construction.

Andersen said his company has grown from 10 employees to 19 in the past six months, still a far cry from the 40 employees it had during the peak of the boom, but a comfortable number given the work available, he said.

“Our concrete guys are booked out for three months, and I haven’t seen that in five years,” he said.

Andersen said loans are still hard to come by for many Americans, and builders are still wary of overextending themselves past what the market can continue to support.

“We’re still very cautious. I think all of us who went through what we went through will probably be that way the rest of our lives,” Andersen said.

But while the money isn’t flying like it was during the boom, the stricter lending standards and tighter controls all around lend at least a little more credibility to the improving markets, Andersen said.

“It needs to be that way,” he said. “We shouldn’t be building homes for people who can’t afford them, or for people who can’t afford to sit on them if they don’t sell.”

Carol Sapp, executive officer for the southern utah home builders Association, said she thinks the new growth is healthier. People are still tentative, waiting for the elections and holding back on major purchases in some cases, she said, but in the long run, if the economic growth is sustained, they will want new homes. And Washington County, with its scenery, weather and friendly atmosphere, still has some natural advantages to attract new buyers.

“People want to come here,” she said. “That we know.”

http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20120802/NEWS01/308020030/Housing-Recovery-Area-contractors-report-increase-building-permits?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage&nclick_check=1

7 Tips for Easy Spring Cleaning

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Spring is in the air. That means it’s time to dust off your broom and mop and start Spring cleaning at your Southern Utah Home for Sale. However, Spring cleaning doesn’t mean you have to spend long hours laboring in each room until your new home is spotless. Here are a few tips from Ence Homes for keeping the cleaning simple, easy, and stress-free. Share your best Spring cleaning tips with us on Facebook.

  1. First make a list. What areas of your new home need cleaning? Then, prioritize your list. What needs to be done first? Once you have your list and your priorities straight, you can tackle your cleaning in a more organized fashion.
  1. Break your Spring Cleaning list up into chunks. Spend no more than 15-30 minutes per day cleaning. This will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed and taking on more cleaning than you are up for at your Southern Utah home for sale.
  2. Start cleaning one room at a time. It’s easier to tick projects off your list if you start in one room and break up the projects into sections. You will also feel more accomplished and motivated once you have finished cleaning one room.
  3. Start your list by de-cluttering each room. It’s difficult to clean behind furniture or other hard to reach places if there is too much stuff in the way. Once you have cleaned away the clutter, you can really clean your living spaces.
  4. When organizing your clutter, try the three pile system. Make a pile for things that you need, one for things that you don’t need but really want, and a discard pile. Place damaged, broken, or items you never use in the discard pile and then donate or throw them out when you are finished organizing.
  5. Try using green cleaning products at your Southern Utah home for sale. Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean your home, try using products that are less harmful to the environment. You will feel better about cleaning once you try them.
  6. Make cleaning fun. Listen to music or books on tape while you clean. Don’t forget to dance around and sing into your pretend microphone while you do. It’s okay to have fun while you are cleaning, especially since it will feel less like chores and work.

St. George Parade of Homes

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The 22nd Annual St. George Parade of Homes took place last month for ten days. Running from February 17th-16th, this  southern utah home builders Association and Zions Bank co-sponsored event showcased twenty-eight homes. This was the largest number of homes ever displayed in the history of the twenty-two year event.This annual event was an opportunity for Southern Utah residents and visitors to preview what’s new in home building and connect with contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and interior decorators.

Attendees were able to gain insight on the latest innovations while getting ideas for decorating their home and landscaping during the self-guided tour. Those who turned out had a chance to enter free giveaways for a chance to win amazing prizes.

One of the twenty-eight homes showcased included one of our homes. The Southwestern-Tuscan style, Arroyo Roja, was the Ence Home 2012 St. George Parade of Homes featured during the event. It’s a 2,228 square feet and is comprised of four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

A banquet kicked of the St. George Parade of Homes at the Dixie Center on Thursday, February 16th to honor the achievements of those involved in making this event happen. Featured was guest entertainer, Jason Hewlett. This great impersonator and entertainer performed hits by Michael Jackson, Nat King Cole, U2, Cat Stevens, Ricky Martin and Alvin & The Chipmunks.

Though you missed this year’s event and great entertainment from Jason Hewlett, be sure to stay tuned for details on next year’s St. George Parade of Homes.

Christmas Events in St. George

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Ence Homes encourages you to get into the Christmas spirit by bringing your family out to Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon and The Forgotten Carols near your new home in St. George, UT.Christmas in the Canyon kicked off the day after Thanksgiving and is open every evening, Thursday through Saturday, until Friday, December 23rd. There will be hot chocolate, Christmas lights and Christmas music for your enjoyment and entertainment. The Tuacahn Gift Gallery will also be open for your Christmas shopping needs. Santa Claus is available for your kids nightly from 6:30 PM until 9:00 PM. Entrance into this event is absolutely free. A Live Nativity scene, with real live camels and period costumes, will also be shown each night in the Amphitheatre at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The cost is $2.00 per ticket or $10.00 per family. The Live Nativity is a great way for you and your family to come and see what Christmas is truly about.

Another event near your new home in St. George, UT is The Forgotten Carols. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Michael McLean’s play. The show runs from Wednesday, December 14th until Friday, December 16th at Dixie State College in the Cox Auditorium beginning at 7:30 PM each night. Tickets are now on sale ranging in price from $14.50 to $30.50. Group discounts are available by calling the box office at (435) 652-7800. For more details visit their site.

From the Ence family to yours, enjoy this season’s festivities close to your new home in St. George, UT and have a wonderful and merry Christmas.

Jubilee of Trees Event

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This year marks the 31st annual Jubilee of Trees, an event the Ence family has been a long-time supporter of. It will take place from November 16, 2011 to November 21, 2011 at the premier Dixie Convention Center in St. George.

The Dixie Convention Center is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, except for Friday, November 18th and Monday, November 21st. They will close early on Friday at 4pm and remain open late on Monday until 8pm.

The Jubilee of Trees event, which is the largest showcase of trees between Salt Lake and Las Vegas, attracts many people from the southern Utah area and is pleasing for attendees of all ages. This event would definitely be a great experience for Ence Homes home builder in St. George, UT residents to attend.

This six-day affair will be a marvelous display of various Christmas designs featuring holiday décor and wreaths, gingerbread houses, full size custom designed Christmas trees and mini and table-top trees. The festive décor is sure to provide you with inspirational ideas to decorate your tree, front door and interior of your custom home builder in St. George, UT house during the upcoming holiday season.

The Jubilee of Trees helps raise money for the not-for-profit hospital, Dixie Regional Medical Center, to advance their Children’s Services. Kick off the Christmas season right and get into the festive spirit by attending the Jubilee of Trees for a noble cause and good times with your fellow home builder in St. George, UT neighbors.

 

Rent vs. Buy (Why buying a new home is the better option)

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Deciding whether or not you should rent or buy a new home? When you look at the pros of homeownership it really isn’t a hard decision to make. Ence Homes lists out several reasons why buying a new homes for sale in St. George, UT is the better option.

Gives you more control – Homeownership gives you one thing renting can and never will be able to give you, control. When living in your own home you are able to do whatever you want compared to having to abide by the rules of your landlord. You can customize your home with an Ence Homes Representatives to fit the needs of you and your family. You’ll also be able to decorate it however you’d like compared to having restrictions from a landlord.

Long term plans –Buying a home is the better option when wanting to stay in your homes for sale in St. George, UT long-term. There is nothing like planting roots in a home that is your own. You can watch your kids grow up in your home and create everlasting memories. You’ll find comfort in befriended your neighbors and having a sense of community with your Ence Homes neighbors.

Lack of increase in payment – Eventually you’ll pay off your homes for sale in St. George, UT mortgage and won’t have to pay anything to stay in your home. On the other hand, a landlord can increase your rent making the cost of staying in their home increase.

Security – Not only can your rent increase, but also at anytime your landlord can decide to sell the property or move back in it. Homeownership provides you with the stability to make your house a home and keep it that way by not worrying about if you’ll have to move out at any moment.

Tips on How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

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Earth Day is April 22nd but that doesn’t mean you can’t take certain measures every day throughout the year to reduce your carbon footprint in your Ence Homes. Here are some tips of how to save money and energy in your St. George, UT homes.

Water Conservation – one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint and keep money in your pocket is through water conservation. Reduce the amount of time you spend bathing. Showering takes less water than it does to fill up your tub. While brushing your teeth, turn the faucet off between brushes and only turn on to rinse. A low water showerhead will help you save water. Your ENERGY STAR dishwasher can help conserve energy and water by helping you save on average more than $25 a year in energy expenses.

Energy-proof your home – the majority of your household energy goes to cooling and heating your home. With high performance energy efficiency you can save up to 30% on heating and cooling. Use a ceiling fan instead of running the air conditioner. During the hottest times of the day close all your windows to ensure your air condition unit isn’t in overdrive but keep the windows open in the early morning or in the evening. Compact light bulbs use 75 percent less energy and last longer than standard light bulbs but don’t forget to use natural light in your St. George, UT homes.

Eco-friendly modes of transportation – You live in a great neighborhood and have great neighbors, why not carpool to and from work or school? Try making all your errands at once while you’re out instead of going back-and-forth and using more gas. If you have errands bring a neighbor or two to save energy and have fun.

Get disconnected – if there are any appliances you don’t use in your home frequently, unplug or turn them off. Items like battery chargers or televisions use electricity even when they’re not being used. Power strips are recommended if you have a group of electronics to simply turn everything off in one click.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – designate an area in your St. George, UT homes to put all your paper, plastic and bottles away in a recycling bin rather than in the normal trash. When shopping, look to buy items that use recycled materials to fill your pantry and cabinets. Instead of using paper or plastic bags purchase environmental reusable shopping bags.

Treasure Valley Ribbon Cutting!

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Friday June 25, 2010 was the ribbon cutting for Ence Homes new community Treasure Valley. Treasure Valley is located in Washington Fields at 3945 S. 20 E. right next to the new Treasure Valley City Park.

“We are extremely glad to have Ence Homes being built in Washington City. You have a great product and reputation.”
-Mayor Neilson

Ence Homes is excited to be building in Treasure Valley. A total of 15 homes have already been sold in Treasure Valley including Ence Homes new 2-story Southwest Tuscan style home. Prices start at $174,900 for a 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage home.

Treasure Valley offers large lots with scenic views. Staffed with sales agents Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. They have floor plans, prices, and features lists to share, so please come pay them a visit.

We hope to see you there!

Ence Brothers Finish Strong

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Ence Homes would like to congratulate owners Troy and Tracy Ence on finishing the St. George, Utah Triathlon.