FARMINGTON — When it comes to group picnics, no amusement park in the world can probably beat Lagoon.
Picnics have always been a part of the Lagoon tradition, dating back to 1886, and 2006 is no exception.
"I suspect Lagoon has a more extensive group sales business than any park on the planet," said Dick Andrew, Lagoon spokesman.
With more than 40 major picnic pavilions, Lagoon can cater to many separate large picnics each day. He said virtually all of Utah's largest employers have a special "Lagoon Day" and reserve a picnic area.
"It has been such a big part of what we've done historically," Andrew said.
For example, "Stake Lagoon Days" were held for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by at least 1905.
Lagoon began 120 years ago on the shores of the Great Salt Lake in west Farmington. However, as the lake began to recede, the park decided to move inland in the 1890s. At its present location, it began to feature shady, grassy areas and picnic tables. It was also a major destination along the Bamberger Railroad, sometimes nicknamed a century ago "The Lagoon Road."
Andrew declined to say how many LDS stakes come to Lagoon each year, but there are hundreds each season. On any given Tuesday through Friday, there may be four or more stakes celebrating their "Lagoon Day" with reduced admission costs and their own designated picnic pavilion.
(However, not all northern Utah LDS stakes have special Lagoon Days. Some stake presidents don't like the commercial nature of the activity and decline them.)
Some other churches have their own Lagoon days. There is a Catholic Day and some for other faiths. There's also an Italian Day and special occasions for other groups.
Lagoon remains one of the few amusement parks in America where people can carry in their own food. Each summer day, families carry in large coolers filled with lunches.
Most parks today prohibit outside food. But Lagoon has always offered more freedom.
Andrew said he believes there are fewer Lagoon visitors all the time who are carrying in their own food. More and more, groups take advantage of Lagoon's catered services. Lagoon added a third park location for catering this year.
Also, Lagoon offers many options to purchase food individually. There are pizzas, burgers, hot dogs and other foods available to buy. Arby's and Subway are among the chain restaurants in the park. New this year is a Colosimo's Sausages outlet.
Despite the large companies and groups that may utilize Lagoon's picnic areas, Andrew believes that each weekday of each summer, individual families have an excellent chance at finding their own little picnic area.
He said weekends remain the biggest group days at Lagoon.
"During the week, not all terraces are reserved," he said.
Lagoon also has a 140-spot campground located on its south side. Although full most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, camping vacancies are common on other days of the week, Andrew said.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com