Editing Payson, Utah (section)

== Annual events ==
Payson is home to the Onion Days and Salmon Supper events held every August<ref>[http://www.paysonutah.org/img/File/Salmon%20Supper%202012.pdf Annual Salmon Supper] and [http://www.paysonutah.org/index.php?module=ibcms&fxn=communityevents.paysononiondays Annual Onion Days]</ref> and an annual Scottish Festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.paysonscottishfestival.org/|title=Home|website=Payson}}</ref>

=== The Origins of Payson Onion Days: A Historical Journey ===
At the turn of the 20th century, many farmers in the Payson area faced significant hardships. Among them was Charlie Gale, a determined farmer seeking a viable crop to sustain his livelihood. His son, Elmer Gale, played a pivotal role in transforming the local agricultural landscape. Elmer, who made his living by purchasing crops from farmers and reselling them to local grocers, suggested that his father try growing onions, a crop that was in shorter supply and promised higher returns.

Elmer's suggestion proved to be fortuitous. Onions quickly became a lucrative cash crop for Charlie Gale, a respected early settler of Payson,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Salt Lake Tribune {{!}} 1903-11-05 {{!}} Page 3 {{!}} Funeral of Charles Gale |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=13511827 |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref> who became one of the biggest onion producers in Payson history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Payson Chronicle {{!}} 1989-08-16 {{!}} Page 2 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=25905014 |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref> Witnessing Charlie's success, other farmers in the Payson area soon followed suit, switching to onion cultivation. By 1929, Payson had established itself as a prominent agricultural district and an outstanding producer of onions.

Around this time, many communities across the country were initiating their own harvest festivals. Inspired by this trend, the residents of Payson decided to start their own celebration. They aimed to honor the town's agricultural heritage and its significant contribution to onion production. Thus, the Onion Harvest and Homecoming was born.

To pay tribute to Elmer Gale's influential role in the town's agricultural success, the inaugural Onion Days festival was suggested to be held on his birthday, September 2, 1929, though it was eventually moved to Sept 12-14th, 1929.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Payson Chronicle {{!}} 1929-09-06 {{!}} Page 1 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=29518512 |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref> The celebration became an annual event, marking the town's deep-rooted connection to onion farming and community spirit.