This will not be a boring summer, and you can take that statement to the bank and cash it! There are more events and activities in Utah County and surrounding counties than you can shake a stick at!
With longer days and warmer nights, the possibilities for energizing activities are seemingly endless – if you know where to look and are willing to try new things. As a longtime resident of south Utah County, I’d like to invite you on a quest, or as all the cool kids are calling it, a “side quest” to some or all of the following activities.
Attend a rodeo. Rodeos have a lot of interesting events and activities. Watching the rodeo royalty riding at full speed as they race along the edge of the arena giving a wave to the audience is impressive. The seats right close to the arena fence should be called the “Pepper Zone,” because as the horses and cattle rush by, there’s a chance you may get peppered with dirt! The clowns who are not only comical but also right there keeping fallen bull riders safe from the riled up bulls. There’s the barrel racing competition, pole bending, hide race, kids riding bucking calves or jumping sheep, team roping, bull dogging and goat tying. I shouldn’t forget to mention the snow cones and hamburgers, because good food is always a must-have at rodeos.
Go to the library. Not every summer moment needs to be high adrenaline. Go to the library to get a book to read. Whether it’s a new release or old classic or something in between, there is something for everyone. Not only that, but libraries also offer summer programs and events for kids, so check out your local library for what they offer.
Bowling, laser tag and music! Yes, all three of those things belong together here in the south end of Utah County. South County Lanes offers bowling, laser tag and highlights local bands in what it calls Lane 13! This is a great place to listen to and support local musicians. South County Lanes is a must!
Visit Angelus Theatre. Located in Spanish Fork, Angelus Theatre has fun performances with local talent. The time, effort and talent that goes into a theater production can’t be overstated. Getting out and seeing what’s on the stage is a chill way to spend a summer evening. This is definitely a place to go.
Attend an art museum. South Utah County is blessed to have one of the most coveted art towns in the United States: Springville. Springville Art Museum showcases pieces from local artists from a wide range of mediums. I find it interesting to see what creative ideas and how the artist decided to portray that idea to be quite interesting. A visit to a museum sparks the creative possibilities that make us feel alive. Artists have such rizz!
Participate in local festivals. Utah is a festival state with many town still honoring traditions going back hundreds of years. South Utah County is no different. From Springville Art City Days, to Payson’s Adventure Day coming up in June as well as the Scottish Festival happening in July and everything in between. Just go to your local city’s website and see what festivals they have to offer, and you will no doubt experience a festive summer.
Attend the farmers’ market. I love a good farmers’ market, and I confess, the Green River Crenshaw melons are one of my favorite reasons to go to mine. No matter which farmers’ market you go to, it will always be referred to as “THE farmers’ market.” Jalapeño and cheddar sourdough bread and the Crenshaw melons are two discoveries that are now staples in my life. It’s amazing what wonderful foods and sundry things you can discover at the farmers market.
Full disclosure: I am an NPC, Non-player Character, in your quest, and this was just a smattering of summer events and activities, but I hope you will open your mind to looking for new and interesting things in your quest to discover new interests.
