Hoodah in the fall of 2023. Image by Shawn Rossiter.

In the evolving landscape of Salt Lake City’s Granary District, where brick warehouses mingle with new creative spaces, one figure has come to symbolize the neighborhood’s spirit of reinvention: Hoodah, a towering, hand-built wooden troll who watches over the streets from his perch near 400 West and 700 South.

If you’ve spent time in the neighborhod, you might have noticed the sculpture’s first impromptu appearance in the summer of 2023. Local woodworker and artist Garth Franklin was assembling the sculpture piece by piece outdoors because it was too massive to fit inside the artist’s workshop. Standing roughly fifteen feet tall when seated, he’s crafted from reclaimed wood, thick rope-like strands forming his beard and hair, and expressive eyes that manage to feel both mischievous and wise. Hoodah looks like he could rise to his feet at any moment and lumber through the Granary’s alleys—yet his gentle posture gives him a sense of watchful patience.

Franklin has described Hoodah as a protector of the district, a symbolic guardian for a neighborhood undergoing rapid change. Once dominated by mills, factories, and abandoned rail lines, the Granary District has become one of Salt Lake City’s most vibrant hubs for makers, brewers, performers, and small creative businesses. Amid all that activity, Hoodah has become a point of stability, an unofficial mascot, a local landmark. Visitors often pause to photograph him, lean against his giant wooden toes, or take in the scene from his perspective.

Hooday, installed on the tracks at 400 South and 700 West

Soon after Hoodah was completed, Franklin organized the first Hoodah Fest, an annual block-party-style celebration. Centered around the sculpture that inspired its name, the festival honors the creative energy that defines the district.

The third annual event will take place Saturday, September 27, from 5:00 to 10:00 PM at 700 South & 400 West, with free admission for all. Attendees can expect one of the district’s most energetic nights of the year. The lineup features live bands including Cecret Souls, Goyk, Chac XOL, Moodium, and English Budgies, along with DJs and prizes throughout the evening. A wide variety of art booths, street art, glassblowing, and live painting showcases the district’s creative heartbeat. Food lovers will find trucks and booths serving favorites from Comfort Bowl, Argentina’s Best Empanadas, and Jamaica’s Kitchen, while a dedicated beer garden will feature local brewers Kiitos Brewing and Fisher Brewing Co.

Adding to the fun, festivalgoers can also meet Kosmo the Kosmosaurus and, of course, celebrate with Hoodah himself. Opportunity drawings from local businesses round out the night, with support from sponsors such as Mark Miller Toyota, Intermountain Health, Traeger Grills, Rimini Coffee, Calle Street Soccer, and others.

Hoodah, fall of 2025. Image by Shawn Rossiter.

Hoodah, winter 2025

In Plain Site

With our In Plain Site byline we feature publicly viewable art, both official and street art, throughout the state of Utah.