1. Utah became a state
On May 3, 1896, Utah was admitted as the 45th state in the United States. The state had been a territory since 1850, and the path to statehood had been a long and contentious one, largely due to disputes over the practice of polygamy by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

2. First female state senator was elected
Martha Hughes Cannon became the first female state senator in the country when she was elected to the Utah State Senate on May 3, 1896 - the same day Utah became a state.

3. The May 3, 1983 winds
On May 3, 1983, strong winds swept through Utah, causing widespread damage and destruction. Gusts reached over 100 miles per hour, knocking over power lines and trees, and causing damage to buildings and vehicles. The winds were caused by a strong pressure gradient between a low pressure system over Colorado and a high pressure system over California.

4. First Miracle Network Telethon
The first annual Miracle Network Telethon was held on May 3, 1983. The telethon, which was broadcast live from Utah's Primary Children's Medical Center, raised money for children's hospitals across the country.

5. Salt Lake City hosted the 2000 NBA All-Star Game
On May 3, 2000, Salt Lake City hosted the NBA All-Star Game for the first time. The game was played at the Delta Center (now the Vivint Smart Home Arena) and featured some of the league's top players, including Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O'Neal.