Empress Theatre

After being closed more than 50 years, the Empress Theatre has once again opened its doors providing family friendly live theater! See the Empress Theatre’s website for showtimes and for more information.

The Empress Theatre opened in 1916 originally as a Burlesque show for the local miners at Kennecott. In 1917 it began showing silent movies. The theater remained open as a movie theater through at least 1930.

Stephen Barker, a historian-writer, purchased the Empress Theatre and Gem Theatre, and in 1978 began renovating them as part of a Magna City restoration project. Barker hoped to reopen the Empress Theatre for live performances and art films in January or February 1979, but apparently his plans never came to fruition.

In 2006 the Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing culture and education to the Magna community and surrounding areas, leased the Empress Theatre building and continues renovation of the historic structure.

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SL Co. Mayor Peter Corroon talks about Magna

“For the past several years, I have watched Magna evolve and enjoyed working with the community in its redevelopment efforts.

“People who live and work in and around Magna have a real sense of community. Each time I visit, I fell that I am going to some lace unique. There is an energy that ebbs throughout the area.

“The area also has a great heritage. It is evidenced in conversations with people like Ernie Colosimo whose Market and Sausage Factory have thrived since 1923 despite the ups and downs in the local economy. I also feel a sense of Manga’s tradition when I attend the Our Lady of Lourdes Annual Spaghetti Dinner. Each October, members of the Church cook for days to serve plates of steaming spaghetti and meatballs (made of course with Colosimo’s sausage) to the hungry masses of people from all denominations and across the County. They gather in the 80 year old Church Hall for this annual “family” dinner and fundraiser. My children usually leave with spaghetti sauce from head to toe!

“What strikes me the most is the passion that the Magna Chamber, Community and Town Councils share in ensuring positive growth and economic development for the 240 businesses and 7,200 homes in the area. They are committed to local businesses through programs they administer in conjunction with Salt Lake County. The Chamber and Council members are all volunteers. The hours, personal resources, and talents they contribute are immeasurable. And they do it happily to better the lives of others. They get things done and make things happen!

“Magna has a promising future not only for those who reside there, but for the new people and new businesses moving into the region.”

—Peter Corroon
Salt Lake County Mayor

Excerpt taken from the 2007 Magna West Bench Business Guide and Directory.

The Great Saltair

Located in Magna, The Great Saltair sits on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. The Great Salt Lake has been a popular recreation site since the earliest days of Utah settlement, and a number of resorts have been built on its shores since the first two were constructed in 1870. The most popular and the best-remembered resort was the early Saltair. An important cultural symbol, it is deeply embedded in Utah’s history and has long interested artists, essayists, folklorists, and historians.

In 2005 several investors from the music industry pooled together to purchase Saltair and are now holding regular concerts there. Bands like Dave Matthews Band, The Black Crowes, Evanescence, Panic at the Disco and other notable hip-hop music and rock music acts have all performed there.

Saltair’s ownership welcomes all types of events from concerts, comedy, private functions, trade shows, wedding receptions, sporting events, car shows, etc. The venue is also available for rent.

Great Saltair Official Website

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Feature photo by Zach Copley. Some rights reserved.

Magna Firefighters in Action!

See our Magna Firefighters in action! Amazing photos by Jonathan Cretsinger of a recent house fire in Magna can be viewed here.