CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Get ready to rock out at Red Cliffs with a vibrant music festival that promises an unforgettable experience with live performances, local talent and an atmosphere perfect for music lovers of all ages.
Presented by Cloud 9, the Paper Jams Music Fest will take over The Terrace at Red Cliffs, an outdoor area providing new restaurants and amenities, from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. This free music festival will feature Mr. OK & The Last Light, Acoustic Adventure, Sky Allen Ledesma, No Proof and more of Southern Utah’s hottest emerging artists. Attendees will also have the chance to win prizes.
The goal? To unite the community in a collective stand against the Electronic Cigarette Amendments bill that passed during this year’s legislative session.
Designated SB 61, the bill bans all flavored vapor products and any other vapor products not approved by Utah’s Premarket Tobacco Applications and will go into effect on Dec. 31. Cloud 9 and the Utah Vapor Business Association hope to take action against the decision and hold lawmakers accountable.
“We need as much of the community’s support as we can get,” said Brendon Gunn, owner of Cloud 9 and board member of the Utah Vapor Business Association. “The state legislature has effectively banned vapor products in the entire state of Utah. We need to let people know what their intentions are and why they’re doing it.”
Gunn emphasized that whether or not someone uses vapor products is irrelevant.
“They’re creating a monopoly for the Big Tobacco companies to eventually take over the vapor industry … eliminating all the small businesses in their path,” he added.
Gunn said that the vapor industry has significantly reduced the use of combustible cigarettes, leading to fewer cigarette butts on the streets, a reduction in the smell of cigarettes and less exposure to secondhand smoke.
While Gunn doesn’t expect sympathy from people who don’t smoke or vape, he urges people to consider the reasons behind the ban and the state’s overreach. It’s also important to think about the impact on smokers, ex-smokers and their families, he said. Those who have transitioned to less harmful alternatives like vaping might soon be forced back to combustible tobacco products or have no option at all.
“If you look at the history of addiction and nicotine, they don’t anticipate the majority of people will stop using nicotine altogether; instead, they will go back to smoking,” he added.
Yet, the state is banning their products while tobacco remains readily available on store shelves.
At the Saturday night concert, attendees can participate in a petition drive. Handwritten petitions, along with the legislators’ addresses, will be provided. Envelopes and stamps will be ready for use, so all attendees need to do is fill out the petition and put their own address on the envelope. The organizers will take care of the rest, including mailing the petitions.
“What people can do is show up at this concert, enjoy some great music and a great atmosphere and have an opportunity to make a difference,” Gunn said.
Cloud 9 will also highlight the Utah Vapor Business Association, which represents retail tobacco specialty businesses. The association advocates for the state’s efforts to responsibly regulate tobacco alternatives.
Individuals can take further action by contacting their legislators online or writing them directly. Those unable to attend the event can sign the petition online at utahvapor.com. The form takes less than two minutes, is delivered to all representatives, and there is no signup or donation required to submit. To support Utah’s fight for vaping rights, donate to the GoFundMe.
“This isn’t just about vaping; it’s about standing up against corporate greed and protecting the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their health,” the GoFundMe reads. “That’s why we’re reaching out to you. We need your support to mount a robust defense against this unjust ban and the corporate interests behind it.”
Funds will go toward legal defense costs, advocacy efforts and public awareness through campaigns to educate both the public and lawmakers about the benefits of vaping and the negative consequences of flavor bans.
Stand with Cloud 9 in their battle to uphold individual freedom in Utah by attending the Paper Jams Music Fest on Saturday, June 1, from 7-9 p.m. at The Terrace at Red Cliffs, located at 1770 E. Red Cliffs Drive in St. George.
Written by JESSI BANG for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- Cloud 9 | Telephone: 435-767-1301 | Email: [email protected] | Facebook.
- Locations:
- Washington City: 1055 W. Red Cliffs Drive, Suite B.
- Cedar City: 1390 S. Providence Center Drive, Suite 4.
- Mesquite, Nevada: 114 N. Sandhill Blvd., Unit G.
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