July 29, 2024
Alan E. Hall, Chairman of the Ogden Pioneer Days Foundation, announces that he has stepped down. Hall has served as Chair of the foundation since 2011. “I think this is a good time to pass the cowboy hat to a new Chair. We celebrated our 90th anniversary with $4 million in renovations plus a rename to the Spencer Fox Eccles Pioneer Stadium. This is the perfect time to transition,” said Hall.
Stephen “Steve” G. Handy was approved by the Ogden Pioneer Days Foundation Board of Trustees on Oct. 26, 2023 to succeed Hall. He has served as Chair-Elect through the celebration that concluded on July 24th.
Handy has long been acquainted with and involved in Ogden Pioneer Days. In 1988 and 1989, he was the General Chair when the celebration was sponsored entirely by Ogden City.
“I’m thrilled for this opportunity and can’t remember a time when I haven’t been involved in or supported Ogden Pioneer Days at some level. Alan has big cowboy boots to fill but with the help of a tremendous board of trustees and rodeo committee we’re prepared to move forward,” said Handy.
Handy is a long-time communications professional. He was the Director of Marketing for both the Standard-Examiner and Deseret News and currently consults in marketing communications. He served eight years on the Layton City Council and 12 years in the Utah House of Representatives. Handy is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital and Intermountain Layton Hospital. In 2023 he was appointed by Governor Spencer J. Cox to serve on the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission where he is currently the Chair. He and his wife, Holly, a retired Davis County School administrator, have six children and 18 grandchildren.
“I want to remind everyone of what has been built on the shoulders of so many over the past 90 years. We’re not shy about saying that we’re the best July 24th celebration in Utah! Our rodeo is the only one in Utah ranked in the top 5 along with being a PRCA Hall of Fame Rodeo. Add to the fact that our rodeo is held in the west’s most spectacular outdoor setting, and we’ve got things going for us that no other celebration or rodeo in America can match,” said Handy.
Hall also commented on the $4 million stadium renovation. All of the old seating on the south-side grandstand was replaced along with other amenities included a new sound system and other critically-needed infrastructure. The funds have come from a combination of private and public grants and donations.
“We’re financially sound and appreciate so much our loyal sponsors and dedicated volunteers. In fact, we’re all volunteers. We just do this because we love our community and Utah’s amazing heritage. I have full confidence in Steve Handy and his leadership going forward,” added Hall. It has been an amazing experience and I will continue to be involved at some level.
Handy added that attendance over the five-nights of rodeo was 48,000 and included the top NFR (National Finals Rodeo) competitors in each event with 1,000 in total competing from 26 states and numerous countries as well. “We are in great shape and the best is yet to come. Many thanks to Alan and Jeannie Hall and their incredible leadership and dedication along with many, many loyal and dedicated volunteers and especially our top-rated rodeo committee who deserves incredible credit.”
