SALT LAKE CITY -- As the coronavirus pandemic keeps most people indoors and businesses closed, it’s easy to feel uneasy about the future.
However, if you find yourself in downtown Salt Lake City, you may notice red bows on the trees, heart-shaped lights in the windows, and words of encouragement on display at numerous hotels such as the Grand and Little America. These displays are part of an effort to remind people that even in dark times, there is always a little room for joy and celebration.
“We really saw this across the nation, and hotels are really banding together and displaying these hearts of hope [and] lights of love,” said Rachael Eames, the director of marketing and public relations for the Grand America and Little America hotels. “I think we really just want people to be reminded of the small moments of celebration and joy in light in their day.”
On top of bringing some much-needed cheer, these displays also serve as a way to convey gratitude to those working in healthcare and other essential jobs during this time of self-isolation and social distancing. Other hotels, such as the Hotel Monaco and the Marriott City Creek have set up similar displays, as well as the Salt Lake City Center.
“It’s really heartening to see everyone really banding together,” Eames said, "working together for their communities in ways that we really haven’t seen before, and it’s really beautiful.”
There is currently no word on how long these displays will be up, but they hope that in this small way, they can brighten the day of the people of Salt Lake City as we live through this time of fear and uncertainty.
