101 Things To Do in Spanish Fork & Salem

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Spanish Fork | 1 N. Main St. | (801) 798-7481

Spanish Fork | 1 N. Main St. | (801) 798-7481

YOUth Smart Savings is for children up to 18 years old. Accounts will be converted to our Statement Savings Account at age 19. Interest is based on market and is subject to change without notice. Opening deposit match up to $20 per child. $1 minimum balance required to earn interest. Account earns 0.35% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). APY accurate as of February 2023. Central Bank will deposit $1 for every A or A- earned on report cards, up to $32 per school year; for grades 6-12. Up to six (6) withdrawals per month, or $1 per additional withdrawal in excess of six per month. Free ATM card available. Online banking inquiry access granted to all minors. Online debit and/or credit approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis at age 14. Must be reviewed and approved by guardian and office location. TelXpress access available. $5 cancellation fee if account is closed within 90 days.

YOUth Smart Savings is for children up to 18 years old. Accounts will be converted to our Statement Savings Account at age 19. Interest is based on market and is subject to change without notice. Opening deposit match up to $20 per child. $1 minimum balance required to earn interest. Account earns 0.35% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). APY accurate as of February 2023. Central Bank will deposit $1 for every A or A- earned on report cards, up to $32 per school year; for grades 6-12. Up to six (6) withdrawals per month, or $1 per additional withdrawal in excess of six per month. Free ATM card available. Online banking inquiry access granted to all minors. Online debit and/or credit approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis at age 14. Must be reviewed and approved by guardian and office location. TelXpress access available. $5 cancellation fee if account is closed within 90 days.

cbutah.com

cbutah.com

LEARNING DYNAMICS PRESCHOOL

Now opening our 6th school! Find out why we're the fastest growing preschool in Utah!

Find out why we’re the fastest growing preschool in Utah!

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2016-2022

EXPLORE THE LOCAL POSSIBILITIES

Indoors or outdoors, sports- or arts-related, adventurous or relaxing — all these activities are more are available in and around the communities of Spanish Fork and Salem.

Residents here enjoy an amazing selection of things to see and do. Both cities have robust parks and recreation departments that offer long lists of classes and activities for children and adults alike. Parks and sports facilities offering a wide range of recreational opportunities are readily available, with more being developed and scheduled to open this year.

With both cities lying adjacent the Wasatch Mountains, many trails and camping locations are accessible to residents within minutes of home. Urban trails exist as well that wander through neighborhoods and along

the Spanish Fork River.

Within this magazine are 101 ideas of activities, locations, programs and more you can participate in and enjoy during 2023. When possible, a QR code is included with the idea so you can quickly access more information online.

Some ideas are events with specific dates, while others can be experienced throughout a specific season or all year-round. The dated events extend into December, so keep this magazine handy to serve as your recreation guide throughout the year.

This, of course, is not an exhaustive list of all that Spanish Fork and Salem have to offer, but it is a starting point for beginning your explorations of these two cities and all they have to offer.

TIRE BUSTERS TIIRREEBBUUSST T TEERRS S

Tire Buster’s Supreme Auto Care proudly serves our friends and neighbors throughout Utah County. Locally owned and operated by Gabe Dunn and Jesse Parent, Tire Buster’s has been serving our communities tirelessly since 2011. Not only do our teams provide the best tire and auto prices around, each teammate is dedicated to treating each customer like family. Come see us in person and get to know what we’re all about!

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Jesse & Katelyn Parent EST. 2008

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL THE NIGHT AWAY

APRIL 27, 28 & 29

Salem Community Theater will present “Old Time Rock ’n’ Roll, A Musical Revue” on April 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. at the Salem Community Center, 151 W. 300 South, Salem. This evening of be-boppin’ and do-woppin’ will explore the hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

EASTER EGG HUNT 1

APRIL 1

Each year on the Saturday before Easter, the Spanish Fork Salem Area Chamber of Commerce presents its Easter Egg Hunt. Thousands of plastic eggs are hidden in the grass at the Spanish Fork Sports Park as part of the event, which has become a tradition for many families in the city. Between 3,000 and 5,000 children ranging in age from infants to 10 years old participate each year. This year’s Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 1, beginning at 9 a.m. The Sports Park is located at 295 W. Volunteer Drive (950 S. Main).

LEARN TO FISH 2

The Urban Fishing class for youth ages 6 to 13 runs for six weeks from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays or Wednesdays beginning one April 25 for the Tuesday session and April 26 for the Wednesday session. The classes are held at the Spanish Oaks Reservoir. An adaptive version of this program that provides inclusive recreational opportunities for all ability levels ages 6-30 who have any mental and/or physical disability is also offered. Registration is now underway. Urban Fishing is co-sponsored by Spanish Fork Parks & Recreation and the Division of Wildlife Resources. Register at reconline.spanishfork.org.

MISS SPANISH FORK 4

APRIL 29

The 2023-24 Miss Spanish Fork Competition will be held at Maple Mountain High School on Saturday, April 29, at 7 p.m. The Miss Spanish Fork Scholarship Program is connected with the Miss Utah and Miss America organizations. Miss Spanish Fork candidates and royalty receive $10,000 in scholarship money. Miss Spanish Fork 2023-24 will serve the community through representing it at various events and assisting at city celebrations and ceremonies.

101 THINGS TO DO

JOIN THE SPANISH FORK CHORALE 5

The Spanish Fork Chorale meets Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Spanish Fork High School Choir Room, 99 N. 300 West. The choir’s year is broken up into two semesters, Fall and Spring, with the Fall semester usually beginning around Labor Day and the Spring semester usually beginning the second week in January. The choir doesn’t meet during the summer months. The chorale welcomes anyone 18 and older in Spanish Fork and the surrounding areas to join the choir. Inquiries can be sent to sfevents@spanishfork.org.

COMPETE IN A TOURNAMENT 6

Do you love softball? Baseball? Golf? Disc golf? Tennis? Corn hole? Tournaments of all types, including some you might not have thought of, are offered by the Spanish Fork and Salem city recreation departments. All ages can find a tournament that’s right for them. There’s pickleball, kickball and spikeball tournaments, and Salem even offers a mud volleyball tournament as part of its Salem Days celebration. Go to the cities’ websites to check out what’s happening and sign up to participate.

SALEM POND 7

Salem Pond is one of the most famous water locations in southern Utah County. Its location is superb; it’s surrounded by a quiet neighborhood and the water reflects the grand mountains surrounding it. Visitors enjoy fishing, boating and wildlife viewing — there’s ducks and geese at the pond. A graceful curved bridge stretching from one side of the pond to the other adds a picturesque element to the scene. There’s playground equipment, large trees for shade, grassy areas for picnics and games, and benches for simply sitting and enjoying the beauty. In winter, the area is decorated with lights to become a winter wonderland known as Pond Town Christmas. The pond is located at 200 W. 300 South in Salem inside what is known as Knoll Park.

MAY 13 & 20

Spanish Fork City will host its annual Main Street Planting Days this year on May 13 and 20. All are invited to participate in this event, which has volunteers helping fill the city planters on Main Street from 400 to 900 North and 100 to 500 South with beautiful plants and flowers that will bloom this spring and summer. The planting begins at 9 a.m. each day and continues until 10 a.m.; bring your gloves, trowels and brooms. For more information, call 801-804-4600.

Spanish Fork Salem

ENJOY A BROADWAY SHOW - OR BE IN ONE! 9

Community theater organizations in Spanish Fork and Salem will present musicals this summer cast with local thespians. Spanish Fork Community Theater will present “Roald Doahl’s Matilda the Musical” July 2022 and 27-29; auditions are scheduled for April 13, 14 & 15. Salem Community Theater is planning to present the musical of “Oliver!” in July; auditions are scheduled for May 12 and 13. To sign up to audition or for more information about the shows, scan the accompanying QR codes.

YOUTH CITY COUNCIL 10

Salem and Spanish Fork cities both offer the opportunity for local youth to join their youth city councils. In Salem, members are asked to attend a monthly planning meeting and carry out a monthly service project. They assist with civic activities such as the Senior Valentine’s Dinner, the city Easter Egg Hunt & Salem Days. To apply to join the council, Salem youth must be going into 10th, 11th or 12th grade, and applications are due in mid-May. The Spanish Fork Youth City Council also meets once a month and has a monthly service activity. This group has helped with events such as Fiesta Days, the Harvest Moon Hurrah and Trick or Treat on Main Street. Spanish Fork youth must be in ninth through 12th grade to participate and applications are due in late May.

Spanish Fork Salem

Spanish Fork Salem

101 THINGS TO DO

CTE EXPO 12

MAY 18

CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT 11

Each year, the Spanish Fork Salem Area Chamber of Commerce joins with the Spanish Fork Rotary Club to sponsor a scholarship golf tournament at The Oaks at Spanish Fork golf course. Money raised through the tournament funds college scholarships for students at local high schools. Students interested in applying to be considered for one of these scholarships should contact their school counselor. For more information visit the chamber’s website.

The annual Utah Valley CTE (Career and Technical Education) Expo began as a competition between local welding students, but it has grown into a much bigger event and is open to the public at no charge. The idea was implemented by former Spanish Fork High School welding teacher Shaun Black, who wanted to provide an event that allowed his welding students to use their class projects to compete head-to-head with other students. Other Nebo School District high schools joined the excitement, and in 2015 the CTE Expo was offered to all high schools statewide. The event features drift trike races, fabrication judging and other events throughout the day as well as exhibits of other CTE-related professions such as aviation, automotive repair, agriculture and wood crafting to help inform students about possible career pathways. The CTE Expo is held at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds.

IN SPANISH FORK & SALEM

HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR 13 MAY 20

The Community Health & Wellness Fair is held at the Spanish Fork Sports Park with a goal to decrease the chronic disease prevalent within the community. It unites local leaders, businesses, educational institutions and faithbased organizations in activities and programs in working toward improving the health of the community. Open to the public, the fair will provide residents with information about programs, activities and resources related to fitness, nutrition, mental health, social health and more.

MEMORIAL DAY 14

MAY 29

Each Memorial Day, American Legion Post 68 presents a Memorial Day program at the Spanish Fork Cemetery, 420 S. 400 East. Flags are set up in memory of the veterans buried in the cemetery. The public is invited to attend the event. For more information about this year’s program, check the Spanish Fork City website.

101 THINGS TO DO

SOPHOS SURVIVAL SUMMER FEST 15

JUNE 1

The Sophos Survival Summer Fest will offer a fun night of activities centered on honing your camping skills and preparing for potential disasters and emergencies. There will be demonstrations of Dutch oven cooking, campsite management and wilderness first aid. There will also be guest speakers and food trucks as well as prize giveaways. This event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Canyon View Park, 3300 E. Powerhouse Road, Spanish Fork.

YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL 16

JUNE

5-16

Does your child love to draw, paint, dance, act, cook or discover new ways of expression? The Spanish Fork Youth Arts Festival is a creative art experience for children and teenagers ages 18 months to 18 years. This unique program aims to engage and enrich all children in music, dance, art, literature, drama, digital arts and more. All classes run the full two weeks with amazing teachers providing instruction. The classes are held at Spanish Fork High School and start at $35 per class. Registration opens on May 3 at 12 a.m. online at reconline.spanishfork.org. Class size is limited, so register early!

VISIT THE LIBRARY 17

Both Spanish Fork and Salem cities offer libraries for residents where they can not only check out books but also participate in a wide variety of activities ranging from STEM and coding classes to children’s storytimes and specialty clubs. Salem’s library is located at 59 S. Main. Spanish Fork’s library is currently located at 49 S. Main, but a new library is under construction across the street and the library is expected to move to its new location sometime this spring. The new library will have a dedicated teen program room and a children’s program room as well as space for adult programs.

18

MOVIES IN THE PARK

JUNE 2, JULY 7 & AUGUST 4

Spanish Fork City offers its Movies in the Park series on the first Friday of June, July and August. These free movies are screened in City Park, 49 S. Main, beginning at dusk. Bring your own blankets and chairs and enjoy a flick with your family and friends. Arrive a little early and enjoy dinner or a treat from the food trucks that will arrive at 5 p.m. The first movie of the summer will be “Sing 2” on June 2.

Spanish Fork

Salem

Photo/Spanish Fork Arts Council

101 THINGS TO DO

MISS SALEM JUNE 3 19

The Miss Salem & Miss Salem Outstanding Teen Scholarship Competition will be held June 3 at 5 p.m. at Salem Hills High School. Attend and watch these talented contestants compete for scholarships and awards and a chance to compete for the Miss Utah title.

FIREWORKS & CELEBRATIONS 20

Attend a nearby city celebration. Springville, Mapleton, Payson and Santaquin are all located within minutes of Spanish Fork and Salem, and they all hold their own city celebration in the summer with many free and fun events. The dates are:

Springville Art City Days: June 3-10

Mapleton Pioneer Days: July 17-22

Santaquin Orchard Days: July 29-Aug. 5

Payson Golden Onion Days: Aug. 31-Sept. 4

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS 21

Each summer, Salem City presents its Family Summer Concert Series on the outdoor stage in Knoll Park. The free concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Those planning to attend should bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. For a concert schedule, visit the Salem City website

LICENSE YOUR PET 22

The South Utah Valley Animal Shelter offers pet licensing clinics at various locations in southern Utah County throughout the year. These events include an opportunity to have your pet vaccinated. To obtain a Utah County Animal License, your pet must be at least four months of age with a current rabies vaccination. You are required to license your pet within 30 days of acquiring the new animal or moving into Utah County. To see a list of these licensing clinics and register to participate, visit the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter webpage.

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SPANISH FORK RIVER TRAIL

A paved walking trail known as the Spanish Fork River Trail follows the Spanish Fork River for more than six miles from the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon nearly to Interstate 15, taking walkers, runners and bicyclists through beautiful scenery along the way. Open year-round, the trail often runs beside large trees, providing it with refreshing shade during the summer months. There is parking at the trailhead near the intersection of River Bottoms Road and Fairway Lane. The trail proceeds next to The Oaks at Spanish Fork golf course, then follows the river through agricultural land, providing a peaceful atmosphere, and passes the Poplar Lane Trailhead, where there is another parking lot. The trail meets Spanish Fork’s Main Street at Arrowhead Trail, then continues west past the Spanish Fork Sports Park where it connects with various walkways through the park. It then travels west past residential neighborhoods until it reaches the Urban Forest Disc Golf Course. At the Sports Park, travelers can take another branch of the trail to travel north past the Russell Swenson Ball Park to Spanish Fork High School.

JUNE 10 24

HUCK FINN DAY

Imagine you’re Huckleberry Finn. It’s possible during Huck Finn Day on Saturday, June 10, when youth ages 12 and younger will be able to fish for free at Canyon View Park, 3300 E. Powerhouse Road, Spanish Fork. The excitement will begin at 9 a.m. that day and continue until noon. Prizes will be given for the first fish caught, the smallest fish and the largest fish. Boys are encouraged to dress up as Huck Finn and girls as Becky Thatcher. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes in those categories. Other prize drawings will also be held throughout the morning. This event is sponsored by Spanish Fork Parks & Recreation.

SPANISH FORK GUN CLUB 25

One of the finest shooting facilities in the country is available to the public in Spanish Fork. The Spanish Fork Gun Club is located near the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon at 2912 S. Spanish Oaks Drive. Membership is $25 per year, and membership gives you discounts on practice rounds and reloading supplies. The Gun Club is open to the public year-round (except during special events) and free gun safety and trap lessons are offered during operating hours. Seventy RV parking spaces are available with water and 30amp electric service.

101 THINGS TO DO

WATCH YOUR NEIGHBORS ON TV 28

ALL-ABILITIES PARK 26

Playing under a waterfall is only one of many incredible experiences children will enjoy at the Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park located at 1321 E. Canyon Road in Spanish Fork. This park was designed to be accessible for all, regardless of their abilities. The Sensory Garden provides a quieter space where children can use their senses of touch, smell, sight and hearing while they play with interactive toys and musical instruments. The Liberty Swing is a wheelchair-only swing. Those wanting to use the swing should be trained on its operation and will receive a key to access and use the feature. Ford Falls, a river and a splash pad provide more fun and water activities. A mountain with an ADA ramp allows all visitors access to the sweeping vistas from the mountain’s overlooks. The park opened March 1 and will remain open through Nov. 30.

KIDS IN THE PARK 27

This event for 7- to 11-yearolds is offered by Spanish Fork City Parks & Recreation. It runs Monday through Thursday for two weeks beginning in mid-June from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration begins in May at reconline.spanishfork. com. Activities include individual and group games, team sports, arts and crafts, and more. There is a fee to participate that covers all activity and material expenses. Space is limited, so register early.

MAGAZINE KEY

Spanish Fork City has its own cable television provider, and, as part of that, it operates Spanish Fork Channel 17. On this channel, you will find a wide variety of locally produced content such as high school sporting events, musical and theatrical productions, city meetings, local news and more. Some of the programming is broadcast live. SF 17 listings can be found at sfcn.org. Don’t live in Spanish Fork? SF 17 has a YouTube channel (Spanish Fork 17) and you can also watch live by going to sfcn.org/sf17/watch.php.

DOG PARKS 29

Spanish Fork City offers a wide selection of parks, including two specifically designed for four-legged furry friends. The dog park at 658 E. 400 South is open from dawn to dusk every day and features two enclosed off-leash areas, benches and a dog agility course. The dog park at 1150 E. 600 South is located adjacent to Adventure Heights Park and also features an enclosed off-leash area.

PARADE OF HOMES JUNE 8-24 30

Some of Utah Valley’s most beautiful homes will be on display as part of the Utah Valley Parade of Homes set for June 8-24. Presented by the Utah Valley Home Builders Association, this popular event features more than 20 homes located throughout the valley, with the public invited to purchase tickets that allow them to enter and tour each of the homes. These homes feature the latest in home decor trends, design and technology, providing the perfect opportunity for those considering building a home to view their options. It’s also great for those who just like looking at homes! Tickets can be purchased online.

101 THINGS TO DO

HISTORY TOUR OF CITY PARK 33

RUN A RACE 31

A variety of road races are held each year in the Spanish Fork/Salem area. They include:

June 17: No One Left Behind - Team Half Marathon, 13.1 miles long, run on the Spanish Fork River Trail.

July 24: Speedy Spaniard River Trail 10K, begins at Canyon View Park and continues along the Spanish Fork River Trail, finishing at the Sports Park Complex. Part of Spanish Fork’s Fiesta Days celebration.

July 24: Speedy Spaniard Mile Run, for 12 years and younger. Begins and finishes at the Spanish Fork Sports Park. Part of Spanish Fork’s Fiesta Days celebration.

August 12: Salem Days Family Fun Run 5K, starts at Knoll Park in Salem.

August 12: Salem Days Family Fun Run 1 Mile Run, starts at Knoll Park in Salem.

Sept. 9: Addict II Athlete 5K, around and near the Spanish Fork Sports Park.

SPANISH FORK’S GOT TALENT 32

Both Spanish Fork and Salem include talent shows during their annual city celebrations. The Spanish Fork’s Got Talent Competition has become one of the most popular Fiesta Days events. Auditions of individual performers and groups are done through electronic submission and are due June 30; the finalists will compete on the City Park Stage on July 21 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The top three winners receive cash prizes. So, get your act together — literally — and join the show!

Several monuments marking notable places and people in Spanish Fork’s history can be found in City Park at 49 S. Main. Stroll around the park and you will find the Old Fort marker, which indicates the location of an adobe fort built by settlers of the area. Nearby is the Escalante marker, which honors Franciscan priest Silvestre Velez de Escalante as the first white man to see Utah Valley. Also in the park is the Lush Valley of the Timpanogotzis monument, which also commemorates the 1776 visit of Father Escalante and his companion, Father Francisco Atanasio Dominguez, to the valley. A statue depicting the two fathers as well as a Native American can also be viewed in the park.

SKATE PARK 34

The Spanish Fork Skate Park is located at 491 S. 600 East and offers concrete skate features, several benches and an adjacent open lawn area. It’s open to skateboarders daily from dawn to dusk, although it closed to school-aged youth during school hours. The use of protective equipment, including helmets, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads is strongly recommended here. No bicycles or motorized vehicles are allowed.

PLAY PICKLEBALL

Play one of the nation’s hottest sports. Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, has swept the nation and is growing in popularity internationally. Here, new pickleball courts have been constructed in both Spanish Fork and Salem. Sixteen new courts were added to the Spanish Fork Sports Park in 2018, and in 2022, new pickleball courts opened in Salem’s Cole Park, located at 600 S. 300 West, and Loafer View Recreation Complex, 600 E. Canal Road.

Spanish Fork Salem

SPANISH OAKS RESERVOIR 36

Created to help provide Spanish Fork residents with pressurized irrigation water, the Spanish Oaks Reservoir is perched on a mountainside near the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon. Its location provides a fantastic view of Utah Valley. While it’s worth visiting just for the view, residents can also enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities at the reservoir. It’s popular for swimming, kayaking and fishing, and a sandy beach provides a great place to relax. There’s playground equipment and restrooms, and a variety of hiking trails can be accessed from the reservoir site. Camp sites and RV spots are available. The reservoir opens March 1 and remains open through November (weather and conditions permitting).

PLAY IN A REAL ROCK BAND 37

Real Rock Band is program established in 2008 by Paradox Entertainment and Boothe Bros. Music and held at the Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork. Participants are placed in bands with other people of compatible age, experience and music preference. Students perform live in a concert at the Angelus Theatre at the culmination of the program as well as participate in various performance opportunities along the way. Band members meet weekly during the summer in a two-hour session with bandmates and a coach to learn and perfect their songs.

VISIT SOME YARD SALES 38

Rise early on a Saturday morning and start combing your local neighborhoods for unexpected finds. As soon as the weather warms up in south Utah Valley, people start cleaning out their homes and garages and putting items up for sale, often at extremely cheap prices. Don’t miss out! Or, hold your own sale and turn your unwanted goods into money. The websites for both Spanish Fork and Salem cities have pages where the public can list yard sales for free and see where sales are taking place.

VOLUNTEER WHERE YOU SEE A NEED 39

Local schools, churches, community organizations — there are needs everywhere, and volunteers are the answer. Find one that suits you and/or your family and help build the community and your local quality of life. You’ll feel great about yourself, plus, as an added benefit, you’ll meet new friends! If you need ideas for where help might be needed, visit justserve.org or contact your local city offices by scanning the QR codes.

Spanish Fork

Salem

Spanish Fork Salem

101 THINGS TO DO

DUCKPIN BOWLING 41

At Doc Brundy’s Burger Cafe and Luxury Lanes at 260 N. Main in Spanish Fork, you can experience the uniquely American game of duckpin bowling. This game has been placed for more than 100 years. Similar to traditional bowling, duckpin bowling uses a smaller ball with no finger holes, and the pins are lighter and smaller. This makes the game accessible to everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Doc’s Cafe also offers a menu of gourmet hamburgers and a selection of pinball games.

The Sri Sri Radha Krisha Temple, situated just off S.R. 198 between Spanish Fork and Salem, showcases the beauty and intricate design of temples found in India. Domes, arches and columns abound, and the white color of this structure contrasts impressively with the surrounding landscape. Tours of the temple are offered daily between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and provide information about the history, beliefs and deities of Krishna consciousness. An animal park is also on site where visitors can view llamas, peacocks, parrots and koi fish. Var ious events and festivals are held at the temple throughout the year.

42

RUN, JUMP & PLAY

The Hive Trampoline and Adventure Park is located inside the former Shopko building at 955 N. Main Spanish Fork. This large building now houses more than 70,000 square feet of fun, from an open court of trampolines and more than a dozen trampoline-based activities to an enormous inflatable park with a dedicated toddler area. There’s slides, obstacle courses, airbag pits and trampoline games like dodgeball and tetherball.

ANGELUS THEATRE 43

Musicals, concerts, plays, festivals and workshops — all this and more can be experienced at Spanish Fork’s Angelus Theatre located at 165 N. Main in the city’s historic downtown area. This venue’s calendar is packed with performances ranging from open jam sessions to concerts, music and storytelling festivals, and theatrical premieres. You’re sure to find something exactly to your liking.

POND TOWN HISTORY

Learn more about the history of Pond Town. A monument sits at the corner of 300 West and UT-198 in Salem that marks the location of the Pond Town Fort. Early settlers of the area they called Pond Town arrived in the mid-1850s and began building a fort for protection. An inscription on the monument gives information about the history of the fort and the area, which was later named Salem. Near this monument is a log cabin that was utilized as the first post office in Salem. A plaque by the cabin explains its history.

ESCALANTE CROSS TRAIL 45

Hike to the white cross overlooking Utah Valley.

Perched on a hilltop at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon is a white cross erected in 1976. The cross marks the spot where two Franciscan monks, Francisco Dominguez and Silvestre de Escalante, first entered Utah Valley on an expedition to find a route from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Monterey, California. History says on Sept. 23, 1776, they climbed the hill upon which the cross sits, (now known as Dominguez Hill) and became the first white men to see Utah Lake. The cross is 37 feet high and is made of steel. Large cables help support it against the strong canyon winds. You can access the cross trail at the Hidden Oaks Trailhead in the Spanish Oaks Campground next to the Spanish Fork Reservoir.

WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL 46 101

THINGS TO DO

JULY 8

Light and launch a lantern. The second annual Water Lantern Festival will be conducted on July 8 at Knoll Park, 150 W. 300 South, Salem. This event brings together family, friends and strangers to celebrate life together. Tickets are required and can be purchased at waterlanternfestival.com. Tickets include entry into the festival, a floating lantern, an LED light and a wristband. At the scheduled time, all attendees will launch their lanterns into Salem Pond, creating a spectacular display. The event also includes food and music. This event is presented by One World LLC.

THE OAKS AT SPANISH FORK 47

Take a swing at your local golf course. The Oaks at Spanish Fork is an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by U.S. Open and Master Champion Billy Casper. The course offers a driving range, putting greens, a practice bunker, a full-service pro shop, a snack bar and an Event Center with catering options. The course is a Mountain/Traditional style with bent grass greens and Kentucky bluegrass fairways. It is located at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon just off U.S. Highway 6. Junior Golf Camps are offered in the summer for ages 6 through 15. Several tournaments for adults are also conducted during the spring and summer.

SPLASH PAD 48

Make a splash. What better way to cool off in the summer than splashing around in the water? There are two splash pads available to the public in Spanish Fork — one at North Park, 1185 N. 400 East (just north of Costco), and one at Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park, 1321 E. Canyon Road. The splash pad at Adventure Heights is part of a larger water feature that also includes a waterfall and river. Construction of a splash pad began in Salem’s Cole Park (600 S. 300 West) in February, and it is scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend.

RESEARCH FAMILY HISTORY 49

Research your family’s history. The Spanish Fork Utah FamilySearch Center and the Salem Utah FamilySearch Center are open to anyone interested in learning more about their family history. Both centers are staffed by trained volunteers who are available to provide assistance. The center’s resources are available free of charge and include a variety of premium family history software as well as computer workstations and photo scanners. Classes are also offered regularly on a wide variety of topics ranging from research techniques to how to write your own life story. The Spanish Fork center is located at 962 E. 200 North and the Salem center is located at 695 S. 300 West.

Spanish Fork Salem

IN SPANISH FORK & SALEM

DUP MUSEUM 50

The South Center Company of the Daughters of Utah

Pioneers operates the Spanish Fork DUP Museum at 390 N. Main. This museum showcases artifacts from the pioneer settlers of the Spanish Fork area. Photographs and personal histories are kept on file and are available for purchase. The museum is open during the summer (June through Labor Day) on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m., or personal tours can be arranged. The museum is open during the winter on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

52

Gaze at the twinkling lights above and below. The Diamond Fork area of Spanish Fork Canyon is known for being an outstanding area for stargazing. It’s distant enough from the cities to provide dark skies. Alternatively, head up into the foothills above Spanish Fork and Salem for an expansive view of the city lights in Utah Valley.

SHOP HISTORIC DOWNDOWN 53

With its historic architecture and variety of unique, locally owned shops, downtown Spanish Fork is a great place to spend an afternoon. From clothing to antiques, musical instruments to books, and games to gifts, it can all be found here. When shopping wears you out, there’s restaurant options to choose from as well as businesses specifically centered on satisfying your sweet tooth. The historic section of Main Street extends from approximately 400 North to 300 South.

SPANISH FORK RIVER PARK 51

Utah County operates the Spanish Fork River Park, a facility with areas for overnight camping as well as individual picnicking pavilions, fire pits, a playground, a volleyball court and restrooms. A large pavilion is available for larger groups (make reservations online or call 801-851-8640). Potable water is piped to locations near the pavilions and camp sites. Hiking trails are accessible from the site, which is next to the Spanish Fork River. The park is located 0.3 miles southeast of mile marker 184 on US-6 in Spanish Fork Canyon.

FRISBEE GOLF 54

Try your skill at Frisbee golf at Urban Forest, a disc golf course located at 1377 W. 450 South in Spanish Fork. This is a mostly flat course with some trees to serve as obstacles. The course is approximately 5,000 feet long and has 18 holes, all measuring less than 400 feet.

101 THINGS TO DO

VISIT THE BARN 55

On the south end of Spanish Fork’s Main Street is a charming building known as The Barn. Opened under the Wall Brothers Orchards brand, this store offers a variety of locally grown produce as well as products such as dried fruit, freeze-dried candy and artisan bread. An old-time ice cream parlor within the store offers Brigham Young University ice cream and apple cider slushes. Out front is a large porch with seating, providing the perfect place to bask in the summer warmth while enjoying a double scoop of ice cream.

FARM-THEMED COLE PARK 57

Salem City’s Cole Park, 600 S. 300 West, is one of Salem’s newest parks and features a quarter-mile walking path around the perimeter, four lit pickleball courts and a farm-themed playground with seven highly interactive structures. The farm theme was chosen to represent the history of the 6.5-acre park property, which was formerly a farm owned by Stan and Cally Cole. The grass space at Cole Park will be ready to enjoy by Memorial Day along with the new splash pad being built in the park. The final phase of the park, a peace garden on the east side, will be done by the end of summer.

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ARCADE GAMES, LASER TAG

Play some old-fashioned arcade games — and some new ones. These and more are available at Coin Crazy Family Fun Center. There’s games for all ages along with bowling, laser tag and virtual reality experiences, including a virtual roller coaster. Buy a pass and spend the day!

JOIN THE SENIOR CITIZENS 56

Interested in a ceramics class, a game of cards or simply a lunch with friends? Contact your Senior Citizens Center. There’s one in Spanish Fork at 167 W. Center (801-798-5015). In Salem, the seniors meet at the Salem Activity Center, 60 N. 100 East (801-423-1035).

MEMORIAL SQUARE 59 101 THINGS TO DO

A small park exists at 200 N. Main in Spanish Fork that provides an opportunity for residents to honor and recognize their family members and friends. Appropriately titled Memorial Square, this park features areas where plaques honoring loved ones are displayed and benches where visitors can sit, reflect and enjoy a moment of peace. Those interested in honoring their own loved ones can purchase a plaque for the park through Spanish Fork City.

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FIESTA DAYS RODEO

JULY 19-21 & 24

The 81st Annual Fiesta Days Rodeo will have brave cowboys and cowgirls competing in classic rodeo events: bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and — of course — bull riding. The excitement is presented for five evenings in the arena at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. Held in conjunction with Spanish Fork’s Fiesta Days celebration, the 2023 Fiesta Days Rodeo will be held July 19-21 and 24. Tickets sell out fast for this event!

FIESTA DAYS

JULY 7-29

Fiesta Days is an annual tradition in Spanish Fork that brings the entire community together to celebrate the amazing quality of life enjoyed by Spanish Fork residents. The list of events is lengthy; there are multiple sports tournaments (including pickleball and corn hole), concerts, a carnival, a craft fair, a street dance, a car show, a Grand Parade and two fireworks shows. There’s something for everyone!

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XTREME BULLS

JULY 22

The Fiesta Days Rodeo Committee annually hosts the PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls bull-riding event. This event adds a fifth night of exciting rodeo action to the annual Fiesta Days Rodeo. The PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour showcases the PRCA’s top bull riders and some of the rankest bulls the world has to offer. This world-class event has been a hit in Spanish Fork since 2019. Xtreme Bulls will be held this year at 7:30 p.m. on July 22 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds with pre-show activities beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online.

YOUTH THEATER PROGRAM 64

Online registration begins at the first of August for Spanish Fork’s Youtheatre program. This program is specifically for youth performers. Weekly classes/rehearsals culminate in performances at a local high school. Parts are assigned through an audition process. Registration fees apply. For more information about how to register and how the program operates, visit the Spanish Fork Arts Council website.

HEAD TO THE BEACH 63

There’s a beach near Spanish Fork and Salem, and while it doesn’t offer a view of the ocean, it does provide a grand panorama of the Wasatch Front mountain range. Lincoln Beach is located on the shoreline of Utah Lake and is a prime site for camping, fishing and boating. There’s a concrete boat launch and a floating boat dock as well as a fish-cleaning station for taking care of your catch when you come back to shore. Drinking water, fire pits, barbecue grills, picnic areas and a restroom are available. Don’t have a boat? It’s a great place for swimming as well. A large pavilion is available for larger groups (make reservations online or call 801-851-8640). Lincoln Beach is located west of Spanish Fork at 4700 S. Lincoln Beach Road.

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101 THINGS TO DO

SPANISH FORK SPORTS PARK 67

GO FISHING 65

Several fishing opportunities exist in and near Spanish Fork and Salem:

• Canyon View Park Pond, located next to the Oaks at Spanish Fork golf course, has a fishing pier, pavilion, restrooms, a playground and picnic tables. Rainbow trout is a likely catch there.

• Spanish Oaks Reservoir is frequently stocked with rainbow trout. Located just south and up the mountain from the golf course, the reservoir is also a great place for swimming and picnicking. RV hookups and a fish-cleaning station are available.

• The Spanish Fork River flows through Spanish Fork Canyon. Here, you are likely to catch brown trout and possibly cutthroat trout or rainbow trout.

• Knoll Park at 200 W. 300 South in Salem offers many recreational opportunities, including fishing in Salem Pond. There’s a playground, picnic tables and a walking path. Likely catches are bluegill, channel catfish and rainbow trout.

• Utah Lake offers multiple varieties of fish as well as multiple areas where one can try catching them.

• The Diamond Fork River is muddy in early spring, but once summer hits, the fishing is excellent. The river is located along Diamond Fork Road off US-6 in Spanish Fork Canyon.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD 66

Attending a city council meeting is one of the best ways to learn about your city’s activities and share your views with your elected officials. The Spanish Fork City Council meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the city building located at 40 S. Main. The meetings are open to the public. If you can’t attend in person, the meetings are streamed live on Spanish Fork 17, YouTube and Facebook Live. Salem City Council meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month (except December, which is held on the second Wednesday) at 7 p.m. in the city building at 30 W. 100 South.

The Spanish Fork Sports Park is the city’s largest park and its only regional park. It’s called a sports park because it’s a park all about sports — there are few this park cannot accommodate. Here, you will find baseball and softball fields, multipurpose fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts and fitness stations. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy watching others compete; there are pavilions with picnic tables, a concessions building and restrooms. Located at 295 W. Volunteer Drive, the Sports Park’s southern boundary is created by the Spanish Fork River and the trail that follows the river through the city.

LEARN CERAMICS 68

Wildflower Pottery and Ceramics in Spanish Fork offers opportunities for people to get their hands dirty through learning how to use a potter’s wheel to create their own items or to paint items that are already crafted. Walkins are welcome, or those interested can make a reservation for an individual, a couple or a group. Classes are available for adults and children, and special events are held offering instruction in other artistic mediums.

DRIPPING ROCK TRAIL 69

Though you won’t find any cascading waterfalls at the end of the Dripping Rock Trail in the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon, you will see a peaceful stream of water dripping from a series of rocks, creating a lush garden. The trail to the rocks themselves is pretty level, and it is paved and safe for wheelchairs and strollers. The distance is only about a mile round trip, though for a close-up view of the rocks you’ll need to take a short, steep walk to the river below. The trailhead is located near the intersection of River Bottoms Road and Powerhouse Road and The Oaks at Spanish Fork Event Center.

ICELANDIC MONUMENT 70

A 20-foot lighthouse topped with a Viking ship stands in a small park at 800 E. Canyon Road in Spanish Fork as a tribute to the people who immigrated from Iceland to Utah and settled in Spanish Fork. On September 7, 1855, the first immigrants from Iceland arrived in the Utah Territory. Between 1855 and 1914, a total of 410 Icelandic immigrants made the journey. All the Icelandic immigrants who came here were converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they were sent by leaders of the church to Spanish Fork. Because lighthouses are located all over Iceland, a lighthouse was chosen as an appropriate memorial to honor these pioneers. A visit here will provide insight into a unique aspect of Utah history.

FAIR

JOIN A COMMUNITY SYMPHONY 71

The Nebo Philharmonic Orchestra is a community performing group with no formal auditions. If you play an instrument — whether you’re a music teacher, a hobbyist, an experienced teenager (age 16+) or someone who hasn’t had a chance to play in years — you can join this group (if there are positions available). Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Salem Community Center, 151 W. 300 South. The orchestra will begin its 2023-24 season this fall. Visit the symphony’s website to see which instruments are needed and for more information.

FARMER’S MARKET 72

Operated by the Spanish Fork Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, the Spanish Fork Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday morning from late July/early August to the end of October at 775 W. Center (just north of the Spanish Fork Police Department). Vendors at the market offer items such as locally grown vegetables and fruits, freshly baked bread and homemade salsa and jams. The Spanish Fork market is unique in that only food products are sold and only vendors from inside Utah are allowed to participate.

AUGUST 3-5 73

UTAH COUNTY FAIR

Enter your garden produce or homemade project in the Open Class at the Utah County Fair, then stick around and check out all the fair’s activities and events. The Kids Corner is full of fun games and the Lego Display fascinates adults and kids alike. Get some food at the Food Court before attending one of the fair’s evening events: the Western Night Rodeo, the Monster Trucks show or the legendary Demolition Derby. It’s three full days of fun! The 2023 fair will be held Aug. 3-5. Volunteers are needed to help conduct fair events; visit the fair website to sign up.

IN SPANISH FORK & SALEM

DONATE TO THOSE IN NEED 76

AUGUST 4-12 74

SALEM DAYS

Salem Days is a week-long celebration full of activities ranging from a Dutch oven cook-off to a movie in the park, a children’s parade, sporting events, a car show and a children’s carnival. The week wraps up with the Grand Parade, a day full of events at Veterans Memorial Park and a concert and fireworks at Salem’s Knoll Park.

HEAD TO THE LAKE 75

There are multiple public access points to Utah Lake located near the Spanish Fork/Salem area. They include: Sandy Beach: This is a popular area for fishing, birding, swimming, waterfowl hunting and launching small craft like kayaks or canoes (small enough to be carried by hand, no trailers allowed). During lower water elevation years, there is good beach access; if the water is high, the road dead ends into the lake.

Rock Island Waterfowl Management Area: This area is popular for waterfowl and upland game hunting, angling, wading and birding.

Lincoln Point: This is a popular shore fishing location. Mulberry Beach: This beach is a spectacular spot to watch the sun set over Utah Lake, especially in fall and winter. It’s popular for shore fishing and small watercraft can be launched here.

Each month, Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry South in Spanish Fork serves more than 1,000 families. In 2022, the pantry provided an estimated 1.9 million meals. Tabitha’s Way accepts donations of food, and you can participate in a number of ways: through a church, school or community food drive; donate as an individual or family; organize a food drive for your organization or company; or conduct a virtual food drive and raise money for the pantry to buy perishable food items. Donation guidelines and hours can be found on the Tabitha’s Way website as well as a list of what items are needed most.

CHILDREN’S MARKET 77

The Spanish Fork Children’s Market on Main is a crafts and goods market held in August that features booths run and products sold entirely by children ages 17 and under. Booth fees are kept incredibly low, keeping participation affordable. Past markets have included booths selling jewelry, art, homemade soap, bow ties, wooden puzzles, freeze-dried candy, cold drinks and treats. Those participating need to sign up online in advance. Some food items may require special permits; for more information, scan the accompanying QR code.

101 THINGS TO DO

WINGS & WHEELS

SEPTEMBER 23 80

Wings & Wheels: Utah’s Festival of Speed is held each September at the Spanish Fork Airport, 2050 N. 300 West. This all-day event features multiple car races as well as an acrobatic air show, helicopter rides, jet demonstrations, RC model flights and skydivers. Tickets are required for everyone ages 11 and older; 10 and under are free but must enter with a ticketed adult.

PUBLIC SAFETY FAIR

AUGUST 7 78

Spanish Fork’s annual Public Safety Night Out provides families with an opportunity to interact with the city’s police, fire and EMT responders. Fire trucks, police cars and ambulances will be open for viewing. There will also be free food, giveaways and other activities during the evening. This year’s Public Safety Night Out will be held Aug. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at North Park, 1185 N. 400 East.

HARVEST MOON HURRAH 79

SEPTEMBER 9

Each September, the Spanish Fork Arts Council sponsors the city’s Harvest Moon Hurrah, an event celebrating the harvest season and the arts. Held in Spanish Fork’s City Park at 49 S. Main, the Harvest Moon Hurrah includes harvest-related games and crafts, pumpkin decorating, storytelling and other activities as well as live music performances. Past performers include The Piano Guys, Lindsey Stirling, Vocal Point and The National Parks as well as local favorites such as the ALA Show Choirs, the Spanish Fork Chorale and the Nebo Philharmonic Orchestra. Food trucks and vendors also participate.

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JOIN CERT

Join the Spanish Fork Community Emergency Response Team. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are made up of trained volunteers who provide assistance during and following a disaster when first responders’ efforts may be exhausted or delayed. CERT training provides citizens with the basic skills they will need to handle their own needs and then to respond to their community needs in the aftermath of a disaster. The training addresses topics including medical operations, disaster psychology, fire safety, light search and rescue, terrorism and utility control. The training concludes with a mock disaster. CERT training is provided in Spanish Fork twice a year in October and April. Sign up for the training on the Spanish Fork Public Safety website.

101 THINGS TO DO

GLEN RAY’S CORN MAZE 84

Glen Ray’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at 1750 W. 8000 South, Spanish Fork, offers a 7.5-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch and tons of other activities for kids and families each October. Try out giant yard games, take a ride on the cow train, race rubber ducks, climb the straw bale pyramid and enjoy some yummy treats at the concessions stand. All these activities are offered by a family that has been farming in the area for more than 150 years and over six generations.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS/ACTIVITIES 82

When fall is in the air, it’s time for football. For a great evening out, attend your local high school’s football game and cheer them to victory. As the football season wraps up, however, what is one to do? The activities continue throughout the year, with students showcasing their talents in a variety of sporting events, plays, concerts and more. Visit the websites of your local schools to check out their calendars and learn what games/performances/activities are open to the public.

FOLLOW A BRAND NEW TRAIL 83

The Central Utah Water Conservancy District, along with other agencies, has been constructing the Spanish Fork-Santaquin Pipeline through southern Utah County. As part of this project, a new paved 6.8-mile trail is being created through the city. The trail will extend from the base of “P” Mountain, run east on Salem Canal Road, cross Woodland Hills Drive through Viridian Farms and then connect to the Spanish Fork River Trail. The new trail is scheduled to open to the public this fall.

MAGAZINE KEY

SPANISH FORK CANYON 85

In autumn, the mountains of Spanish Fork Canyon become a rich palette of fall hues. By following US-6 past Spanish Fork’s famous windmills, you can be in the midst of trees exploding with color within minutes. Continuing your drive will take you through scenic mountain landscapes with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on the north side of the canyon and the Manti-La Sal National Forest to the south. The road crosses over Soldier Summit and descends through Price Canyon into Price. Alternatively, turn onto US-89 and head south into Sanpete County, where you can enjoy the historic downtown areas of small towns such as Ephraim, Mt. Pleasant and Spring City.

IN SPANISH FORK & SALEM

BUSINESS SUMMIT 88

Business leaders from throughout southern Utah County will come together for an event this fall where they will network and learn how to better navigate the current local business climate. The annual South County Business Summit is a one-day event featuring speakers with expertise in business and related topics and provides time for those attending to get to know each other and share information about their businesses. The event is held during October; it is offered by the Spanish Fork Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and members of the Payson Santaquin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Springville-Mapleton Chamber of Commerce are invited to attend. Registration is required; visit the Spanish Fork-Salem Area Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

SCARECROW CONTEST 86

Each October, the Spanish Fork Salem Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Scarecrow Contest, a competition encouraging local businesses and individuals to design a creative scarecrow and put it up for display in the community. Through the contest, 20 to 30 scarecrows are set up along Spanish Fork’s Main Street in the area between Center Street and 400 North, adding fun decorations to the historic downtown area during the Halloween season.

CORNBELLYS 87

Cornbelly’s offers a long list of autumn activities from picking your own sunflowers and pumpkins to hayrides and a corn maze. There’s also tons of games and playground-type activities such as a ropes course, swings and slides. Cornbelly’s is located at 577 S. 3600 West in Spanish Fork.

FIELD OF FRIGHT

This haunted attraction is not for the faint of heart. Each year during the Halloween season, the undead souls of the farm emerge, waiting in the shadows for unsuspecting passersby to wander in. They might come after you when you least expect it! The Field of Fright is presented as part of Glen Ray’s Corn Maze at 1750 W. 8000 South, Spanish Fork. Tickets may be purchased online.

MAIN STREET TRICK OR TREAT 90

OCTOBER 28

Each year, the Spanish Fork-Salem Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Trick or Treat on Main event in Spanish Fork. Local businesses are invited to participate by handing out candy to trick-or-treaters during the event. The trick-or-treating takes place on Main Street between Center Street and 400 North.

GORDO’S FUN FARM 91

To enjoy some farm fun, visit Gordo’s Fun Farm at 3259 W. 5600 South in Spanish Fork. This family-run farm offers fall activities such as a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, corn maze and corn pit, all while also offering delicious fruits and vegetables for sale at its produce stand. The produce stand is open year-round; the fall activities are open from mid-September through the end of October. Tickets may be purchased online.

SALEM GOOSEBUMP GALA 92

Celebrate the scary season in an un-scary way. Each October, Salem City presents its Goosebump Gala, an event full of family-friendly Halloween fun such as a costume contest, a trunk or treat, games and a spook alley. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Salem City website.

PERFORM THE MESSIAH 93

Perform Handel’s “Messiah” this Christmas season. The Nebo Holiday Chorus & Orchestra was established by residents of Spanish Fork to promote the performing arts and provide quality performances of large choral works free of charge for the southern Utah community. Each Christmas season, the NHCO brings together more than 100 choir members and instrumental performers to present Handel’s “Messiah.” Rehearsals take place from the end of October through the middle of December. Membership in the chorus and orchestra is open to auditioned participants living within the Nebo School District area of southern Utah County. Community members ages 16 and older are encouraged to audition. This year’s auditions are scheduled for Oct. 15 and 22; performances are scheduled on Dec. 16 and 18. Visit the NHCO website for more details.

INDOOR TENNIS 94

Play tennis — in the winter! The Spanish Fork Indoor Tennis Courts are located at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, 475 S. Main, in a building originally constructed as an indoor rodeo practice facility. It was converted to house four tennis courts with net dividers between the courts. These courts are utilized by the city recreation department for programs, by citizens through an annual membership and by high school tennis teams. The courts are also used at various times throughout the year for special events, shows and boutiques.

NOVEMBER 7 95

Do your civic duty — vote. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. All the information you need to register, learn how to vote and see election results can be found at utahcounty.vote. Voter registration is open to citizens of the United States and those who have been residents of Utah for at least 30 days prior to Election Day. Registration can be completed online, by mail or in person.various times throughout the year for special events, shows and boutiques.

Drive through a twinkling holiday wonderland. Beginning Thanksgiving night and continuing through New Year’s Day, Canyon View Park in Spanish Fork is lit with more than a million colorful holiday lights as part of the annual Festival of Lights. Large pictures are created with lights including a castle, dinosaurs, toys and a Nativity scene. Admission is charged per carload. Listen to holiday music on 99.7 FM while you drive through the displays.

POND TOWN

Gaze at floating Christmas trees. Each year from the Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, Salem Pond is decorated with Christmas lights designed to resemble Christmas trees floating on the water. Known as Pond Town Christmas, this display is free and open to the public. The reflections of the lights in the water amplify the overall effect, making this a truly unique and beautiful sight. Admission is free. The Pond Town Christmas lighting ceremony is held on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

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NOVEMBER 25

Enjoy a glowing parade at night. On the Friday evening after Thanksgiving each year, Main Street in Spanish Fork is lit up with festive floats and wagons as part of the Winter Lights Parade, an event sponsored by the Spanish Fork Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Businesses, families and other groups participate in the parade each year, with the parade attracting entries such as hay wagons, city floats, horse riding clubs and marching bands. Musical groups also participate, including Christmas carolers, and the parade ends with a visit from Santa Claus, who rides through the city on his sleigh. After the parade, there is a tree-lighting ceremony held at the city building and Santa is available to visit and take pictures with the children.

The Fifth Water Hot Springs up Diamond Fork Canyon is a perfect winter hiking destination. The 5-mile hike (roundtrip) leads to a number of naturally heated pools. The traffic on the trail will depend on the weather, although, if snowy, the trail is still typically packed down. If the gate on Diamond Fork Road is closed (as it frequently is in winter), an extra 2 to 3 miles walking alongside the road to the trailhead will be added to your mile total, though it is still doable and well worth it. Expect to spend anywhere from four to six hours hiking. Feel free to bring a towel, water and change of clothes if you plan to get in the pools. To reach the trailhead, follow US-6 up Spanish Fork Canyon to mile marker 184 and turn left onto Diamond Fork Road. After turning on Diamond Fork Road, the destination is approximately 9.8 miles in on the right.

SILENT SANTA 100

Have a quiet visit with Santa. Silent Santa is a one-on-one event where children and adults with sensory sensitivity can spend quiet time with Santa without crowds and noise. There is no age limit for this event. Participants can sign up online at spanishfork.org/events for an individual 10-minute time slot with Santa, and parents can add notes to the registration form to let Santa know the best way to interact with their child.

LIGHT THE NIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE 101

Through the annual Candles at the Cemetery tradition in Salem, residents are invited to go to the Salem Cemetery, 965 S. 140 East, between dusk and 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and leave a lit candle or luminary on the grave of a loved one. Those who do not have a loved one in the cemetery but would like to participate can “adopt” a burial marker or leave a candle at the Veterans Memorial.