My Own Downtown: Christianna Johnson

June 08, 2018 Written by

Seven Questions with Christianna Johnson, Program and Grant Manager for Urban Food Connections of Utah. When she's not at the Downtown Farmers Market, see how this Idaho native spends her time in downtown SLC!

What is your first or fondest memory of downtown? 

I'm originally from Pocatello, Idaho, and moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah. So one of my first memories of downtown was taking a trip to Salt Lake with my high school friends to see Modest Mouse perform at Pioneer Park for the first concert of the 2010 SLC Twilight Concert series. My friends and I were so excited to see one of our favorite bands perform and thought it was an amazing show. Compared to my hometown of Pocatello, downtown Salt Lake City seemed like such an amazing and exciting place. Eight years later, I still think it is. 

What is your favorite thing about downtown?

My favorite thing about downtown is that it feels welcoming to everyone regardless of their background or reason for being there. Whether you take TRAX to see all the lights during the holiday season or you ride your bike to see a show at the Depot, you know that you will feel welcome. 

How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now?

I hope that five years from now there are more engaging public spaces, more people on the streets (especially at night), there are more people using active transit, there are more affordable housing options, and a public market is thriving. 

If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why?

I would like to see more people biking and walking to get places downtown. 

Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to?

If you're looking for a more relaxing fun night out, I would recommend checking out a concert at the Eccles Theater, seeing a movie at the Broadway Theater, or enjoying a craft beer at Beer Bar. There are so many other fun bars in downtown SLC as well. 

What's your favorite day of the year downtown?

My favorite day of the year downtown is the opening day of the Downtown Farmers Market. It's great to see all the local farmers and small businesses being supported—not to mention I love enjoying all the delicious food on a beautiful summer day. 

When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment?

When I'm not working or playing downtown, I am taking as many trips as I can. Whether that's visiting Utah's national parks or enjoying all that other big cities in the US and other countries have to offer, I always enjoy experiencing and learning from new places.
 
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