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News • Utah • United States • 2011-04-13

Utah Valley Unveils 2011 Festivals and Events Schedule 2011 Season Includes New and Returning Events for All Ages and Interests

The Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau (UVCVB), the official destination marketing organization for Utah County, today announced its 2011 event lineup of festivals and recreational activities. With many new and returning events, this schedule brings a wide variety of attractions for those living in or visiting Utah Valley.

“2011 marks another milestone year for the Utah Valley tourism industry and we are especially pleased to welcome Brad Paisley and David Archuleta to the Stadium of Fire in July,” said Joel Racker, President and CEO of UVCVB. “Not only is it the largest celebration of its kind in the country, it’s a great example of how Utah Valley events bring people together. Utah Valley truly holds activities for all ages and interests.”

Returning events include the annual Strawberry Days and Rodeo in Pleasant Grove, Scottish Days and Highland Games at Thanksgiving Point, Salmon Supper in Payson, Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Provo Canyon, Bluebird Café Series at Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort, and more.

“Sundance, along with the UVCVB, is committed to creating dynamic and significant experiences for Utah Valley residents and visitors, their voices and ideas,” said Lucy Ridolphi, Marketing and PR Manager for Sundance Resort. “Our cultural activities exemplify this commitment. This intimate community is the perfect escape by being only a moment away but a world apart.”

Utah Valley is rich with events that capitalize on its beautiful outdoor scenery and melting pot of cultural traditions. In 2010, the Utah Tourism Office stated 4.8 million visitors enjoyed Utah’s 43 state parks, two of which are located in Utah Valley. Last month the Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork attracted more than 50,000 people to the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, and was said to be the largest celebration of Holi in the Western Hemisphere.

“The UVCVB invites everyone to take advantage of the numerous events that make up this year’s exciting festival season,” said Racker=

For the most up-to-date information on deals, packages, festivals, events, or to book a room, visit www.UtahValleyFestivals.com or contact the UVCVB at 1-888-377-UTAH (8824).

The 2011 Festivals and Events Schedule includes:

APRIL 2011

Tulip Festival [April 15 – 30] Visit Thanksgiving Point Gardens and embrace spring with 250,000 tulips featuring nearly 100 different varieties. The 55-acres European style garden includes 15 separate themed gardens all accented by the largest man made waterfall in the Western Hemisphere.

MAY 2011

Lamb & Wool Festival [May 21] Every spring, Farm Country demonstrates the centuries-old tradition of sheep shearing. Come see sheep dog demonstrations, duck herding, sheep shearing, wool crafts, and many more cultural traditions at Thanksgiving Point.

Pony Express Days [May 26 – June 4] Take a helicopter ride, see a PRCA rodeo, join a family bike ride, and experience the carnival and Clint Black in concert — all during Pony Express Days.

Civil War Encampment [May 28 – 30] Come experience Civil War re-enactments, storytelling, stagecoach rides, cannon demonstrations and much more performed by soldiers of Johnston’s Army at Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum.

JUNE 2011

Utah Lake Festival & Free Fishing Day in Utah [June 4] Educational activities about the value and ecosystem of Utah Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Utah. Fishing tournament and clinics, children’s activities, sailboat regatta and much more.

Art City Days in Springville [June 4 – 11] Family fun includes a parade, Dutch oven cook-off, hot air balloons, carnival, craft fair, and fireworks.

SCERA presents “Singin in the Rain” [June 10 – 25] Sit under the stars as you enjoy SCERA’s outdoor production of Singin in the Rain, the musical.

Orem Summerfest [June 10, 11] Celebrate summer with children’s crafts at the park, concerts, fair booths, an evening parade, carnival and fireworks.

Utah Scottish Festival and Highland Games [June 10, 11] Watch Highland dancing, listen in on famous piping and drumming competitions, or catch a performance of Molly’s Revenge or the Wicked Tinkers. And don’t miss the Clan Circle where you will find clan history, photos of clan events, members, and other historical information.

Utah Valley Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K [June 11] Take in spectacular views of cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains and the Provo River.

Strawberry Days in Pleasant Grove [June 15 – 18] Savor fresh strawberries while taking in an old-fashioned rodeo, carnival, craft fair and parade.

Dog Days [June 17, 18] Watch dogs fly through the air in the exciting and all-age-friendly Splash Dogs dock-jumping competition or matches in agility, obedience, flyball and more. Attend a canine clinic and learn tips and tricks from the pros to help your doggy be a better companion at Thanksgiving Point.

Lehi Roundup [June 20 – 25] Get roped into all the fun with a three-day rodeo, cowboy poetry, horse parade and more.

Farmers Markets [June – October] Enjoy locally grown produce and handmade crafts at the Provo Farmers Market [June – October], Pleasant Grove Promenade [July – September], Spanish Fork Farmers Market [August – October], Thanksgiving Point Farmers Market [August – September], and more.

JULY 2011

Sundance Resort presents the Utah Symphony [July 1] Surround yourself with awe-inspiring mountain views and scenery as you listen to the talented Utah Symphony.

Freedom Days [July 1, 2, 4] Freedom Days showcases some of the region’s finest specialty products, plus fun hands-on activities, local entertainment, carnival rides and unique foods.

Sunday Summer Concert Series [July 1 – September 11] Every Sunday night, for the past 104 years, Payson Memorial Park presents their annual summer band concert series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend your Sunday summer evenings listening to live music. Each Sunday features a new theme and musical taste that will appeal to all groups and ages.

Stadium of Fire [July 2] Experience one of the largest 4th of July celebrations and firework productions in the nation, this year featuring Brad Paisley and David Archuleta.

Grand Parade [July 4] The largest parade of its kind in Utah celebrates freedom through bands and floats, as well as national and local performers.

American Fork Steel Days [July 5 – 9] Enjoy the grand parade, fireworks, car show, golf tournament, an art and quilt show and a 5K run.

SCERA presents “Disney’s Camp Rock, The Musical” [July 8 – 23] Sit under the stars as you enjoy SCERA’s outdoor production of Disney’s Camp Rock, The Musical. This new musical is based on the hit Disney Channel Original Movies Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2.

Payson Scottish Festival [July 8, 9] Dance a Highland jig to the bagpipes and enjoy athletic competitions, activities for children, a parade and traditional ethnic food.

Sundance Resort Bluebird Café Series [July 8, 15, 22] In the tradition of storytelling, Sundance and Nashville’s Bluebird Café bring renowned singers/songwriters to perform their hit songs and tell the stories behind them under the stars at the Sundance Outdoor Amphitheater.

17th Annual Llama Fest [July 16] Come celebrate not only the llama but also the culture of the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple through food, music, weaving demonstrations, dance and competitions.

Spanish Fork Fiesta Days [July 21 – 23, 25] Bring the family and celebrate with over four days of fiesta fun. Watch a spectacular parade, children’s festival, craft fair, rodeo, fireworks and more.

Springville World Folkfest [July 26 – 30] Feel the excitement of traditional folk dance and music from around the world.

Sundance Resort Summer Theater [July 30 – August 20] The Sound of Music — will be performed under the stars at the beautiful Sundance Outdoor Amphitheater.

Highland Fling [July 30 – August 6] Highland celebrates with a parade, pancake breakfast, community water fight, and many more activities to participate in.

AUGUST 2011

SCERA presents “AIDA” [August 4 – 13] Sit under the stars as you enjoy SCERA’s outdoor production of AIDA, a musical.

Payson Salmon Supper [August 5] Get ready for an August night of fun and entertainment. Local firefighters cook delicious, fire-grilled fresh Alaskan salmon, baked potatoes, coleslaw and corn on the cob. The bandstand provides entertainment during the Salmon feast. Tickets are limited and are available online.

Lindon Days [August 6 – 13] Enjoy family activities in the city park, including a pancake breakfast, parade, golf tournament, open horse show and more.

Alpine City Days [August 11 – 13] Community dinner in the park, firefighters breakfast, and a little buckaroo rodeo.

Utah County Fair [August 17 – 20] This year’s theme is “Reconnect.” National performances by Arte Hemphill and the Iron Horse Band, Thompson Square and Disney’s Imagination Movers in concert. Additional activities include the Ranch Rodeo, Fiddle Fest, a demolition derby, FMX Stunt Riders show, 4-H, train exhibit, livestock and horse shows, a Dutch oven cook-off, antique car and tractor show, and more at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds.

40th Annual Concours d’ Elegance [August 27] Visit the beautiful 55 acres of Thanksgiving Point Gardens to see classic automobiles judged on their historical accuracy, technical merit, and style. All proceeds benefit the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point.

SEPTEMBER 2011

Timpanogos Storytelling Festival [September 1 – 3] With over 27,000 attendees each year, this is the largest storytelling festival in the West. Enjoy great food, live music, jugglers, mimes and puppeteers — all in a beautiful canyon setting. For ages 8 and up.

82nd Payson’s Onion Days [September 1 – 3, 5] Come celebrate in one of the biggest Labor Day celebrations in Utah Valley. Enjoy the carnival, food booths, boutique booths, craft fair, biggest onion competition, live entertainment, fireworks and Labor Day parade. Entertainment includes a childre=’s fair, king talent competition and live ’60s music band.

Festival Latinoamericano [September 2, 3, 5] Transport yourself for a night to a Latin getaway in the heart of downtown Provo. Come experience a celebration of Latin American culture through pulsing rhythms, vibrant dances, delicious food, and colorful costumes.

Camp Floyd Days [September 3 – 5] Visit Camp Floyd / Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum, also a stop on the Historic Pony Express Route, to relive the 1800s camp life and participate in several activities performed by Johnston’s Army. This event includes re-enactments, storytelling, stagecoach rides, firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, 1861 period games, and photos in period uniform.

Labor Day Luau [September 5] Experience the spirit of the more than 290 islands that make up the Polynesian triangle with UVU’s Legacy Dance Company. Dancers come from a variety of islands including Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, Tonga, Hawaii and Fiji. Come for great food, leis, tiki torches, and the ever-popular fire dancers.

India Fest [September 10] Experience Indian art, cuisine, cultural exhibits, entertainment and fireworks at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork.

Harvest Art Festival [September 20 – 24] This year, the Thanksgiving Point Plein Air Competition culminates with the Harvest Art Festival. The Plein Air Competition is a unique event highlighting Utah painters and sculptors across Thanksgiving Point. The Harvest Festival includes the Farmer's Market on Friday along with a Quick Draw timed painting and sculpting competition. Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday along with an Art Market and children’s activities. On Saturday, the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers will hold their annual weigh off.

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About the Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau (UVCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for Utah County, Utah. Its goal is to enhance the economic prosperity of Utah Valley by promoting, selling and marketing the area as a unique destination for meetings, events, and business and leisure travelers. The UVCVB provides an online hub of information for local events, unique activities, and meeting planning resources. This resource is highly valued by both local residents and Valley visitors. Nestled in the magnificent Wasatch mountain range, Utah Valley is a premier gathering place for vacations, staycations, business trips, conventions, sporting events, film productions, family reunions and more. For more information, visit www.UtahValley.com or contact the UVCVB at 1-888-377-UTAH (8824).

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