Weekend Roundup

Passport to Provo

The city of Provo, Downtown Provo Inc, and Google Fiber are teaming up to host this amazing event "Passport to Provo". So get together with you close 2-8 friends and get a team going. Stops include Downtown businesses and landmarks. Then the fun really starts at the Utah Valley Convention Center at the free after party featuring Ryan Innes, BBoy Federation, DJ Skratchmo, and FlipOut Flip Books. You can also get a limited-edition Provo Rocks shirt and silicon slopes t-shirts to help in the celebration (while supplies last). 
There will be a judge from Guinness World Record there to see if they can set a new world record!

Schedule of Events: 

September 12 | Early Pick-up (Optional)

2pm-7pm
To avoid the check-in crowd on event day, check-in the day before! We’ll even give you the task list so you can pre-plan your route. You must still be present for the hunt’s start at 1pm on September 13 in order to officially be counted for the world record.
September 13 | Event Day
The hunt starts at 1pm. Everyone must be present at this time, and at the hunt's end (no later than 6pm) to officially be counted for the record.
10am-12pm: Day-of Registration (if you haven’t pre-registered on Eventbrite).
12pm-1pm: Event check-in (if you didn't participate in the optional check-in on 9/12 at the Provo City Library).
1pm: Scavenger hunt starts from the Convention Center.
1pm-5pm: Complete tasks! We estimate it should take no longer than 2 hours.
5pm-6pm: Hunters return and enjoy hors d'oeuvres while volunteers and the Guinness Judge tally tasks.
7pm-11pm: Winner announcement and party featuring Ryan Innes, BBoy Federation, local DJ “Skratchmo”, and FlipOut FlipBooks. 

Bullock Room, Provo City Library (550 N. University Ave., Provo) 

Utah Valley Convention Center (220 W. Center St, Provo) 

"Chalk the Block" Art Festival 

Chalk the Block at the Shops at Riverwoods is three days of free amazing art. More than 200 artists will spend hours painting and chalking the streets transforming the Riverwoods into a one of a kind experience. The proceeds from this event will support Clear horizons' efforts to build brighter futures for children with autism. 

Activities include:

-Free Shuttle Parking

-Farmer's Market

-Food

-Great Promotions

-Face Painting

-Hair Chalk

-Awesome Vendors

-Amazing chalk art!

28th Annual Festival of India

September 13, 2014 at the Sri Sri Radha Drishna Temple in Spanish Fork there will be the Annual Festival of India. The event starts at 5:00 pm with Sound bath and Sonic Massage by Chad Davis and Friends. At 6:00 pm duets by Adwaita and Vibhu start, and Sushma Mohan Dance troupe from Las Angeles will be performing. The main event starts at 7:00 pm with the pageant of the world's most loved epic, The Ramayana. It Culminates at 8:00 pm with the spectacular burning of the effigy of evil Ravana with flaming arrows and fireworks. Make sure to bring a blanket, seating is on the grass.

Utah Women's Show

At the Women's Exp they love to celebrate everything women. This event is held at the Utah Valley University UCCU Center and runs all day today and tomorrow (9/12-9/13, 2014). You can enjoy the best fashions, beauty trends and tips, health education and products and hundreds of other great things. Tickets are $5 at the show or free with this promo Click Here

2014 Utah Valley Fall Bucket List

Don't just count the days, make the days count!
Now that summer is coming to a close, we're getting ready for fall!

"Don't you just love New York Utah Valley in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils." - You've Got Mail 

Rather than mourning the end of warm days, barbecues, and time spent poolside, let's savor the fun of fall! Crisp air, cute cardigans, and pumpkin EVERYTHING!

How else can we make sure we live fall to the fullest? Why a Fall bucket list of course!

What are your favorite fall activities? What do you plan to do this fall? Have we missed something really important/fun? Tell us in the comments, on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!

GIVEAWAY: Stadium of Fire

It's summer time! America's Freedom Festival has been hard at work prepping for another year of amazing events for the whole family to celebrate the wonderful country that we live in. Here is a list of a few events coming up in the next couple of weeks: 

Children's Parade - June 28

With its longstanding role as part of the Freedom Festival, the Children’s Parade invites participants to demonstrate their pride in America and its heritage. Join 2,500 in this community celebration of patriotism.The Children's Parade will start at 10:30am and begins at 800 East Center Street, ending at 200 East Center Street at the state and county complex in Provo. 

Freedom Awards Gala - July 2 
Hundreds of community leaders, dignitaries and Utah Valley patriots will gather to honor individuals who have espoused the cause of freedom throughout the world. Participants will enjoy not only the inspiring stories of these individuals, but also great food and outstanding entertainment.

Freedom Days - July 3-5
Freedom Days is a community festival in Provo that gathers popular local vendors to showcase artwork, quilts, furniture, jewelry, paintings, clocks, pottery and more. Browse the finest hand-crafted products and unique cultural creative pieces.

Balloon Fest - July 3-5
More than 25,000 spectators will have the opportunity to experience 25 of these magical giants close-up as part of the ever popular Balloon Fest.  Balloons will be flying each morning from 6:30 am-8:00 am, July 3 and 5. The event offers families and children the privilege of walking around the balloons as they inflate.

Freedom Run - July 4
Run for America! And for your own personal achievement! Start your Fourth of July celebration with a 10K, 5K or the Mayor's one-mile fun run.

Grand Parade - July 4

The Grand Parade celebrates freedom and the American dream through bands, professionally crafted floats, giant helium balloons and local and national performers. The parade promotes patriotism among the 250,000 spectators, through music, displays, dance, and other creative expression.

Parade Route begins at 9:00 a.m. at 1060 N. University Avenue and ends at 900 East Center Street.

Reserved bleacher seats for the Grand Parade go on sale Monday, June 2nd, 2014. Tickets are sold at the Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, 220 West Center St, STE 100, Provo. For directions or other information call (801) 851-2100.

Stadium of Fire - July 4

The patriotic event, sponsored by America’s Freedom Festival at Provo, will also feature special performances by the cast of BYUtv’s immensely popular sketch comedy show, Studio C. J.R. Martinez, former U.S. Army soldier and winner of season 13 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, will host the show.

Utah Pasifika Festival

Are you ready for a weekend of delicious food, fun entertainment, and a taste of the Polynesian culture? May 23-25 the Utah Pasifika Festival will be taking place in Downtown Provo around 100 East Center Street. 

The Utah Pasifika Festival strives to, "share, cultivate, and foster their Polynesian heritage and values by providing ways to: nurture a spirit of respect and appreciation for all cultural segments within our local communities; preserve and portray traditional and modern Polynesian art forms (dance, music, crafts, language); promote education and awareness of current and relevant issues; and celebrate the diversity in the world around them." 

Walk around enjoy the different vendors that are set up to help educate and teach about the Polynesian culture. Enjoy delicious Polynesian food that will also be available all weekend long. Don't forget to check out the main stage for a variety of entertainment! 

One of the best parts, they are doing weekly giveaways on their Facebook Page leading up to the event! Currently they are giving away a $40 gift card to Ohana Grill...sign me up!! 

Utah Valley Marathon

Spring is supposed to be here (although you wouldn't guess it by the weather we're having) which means it's almost summer, which means it's almost short and swim suit season, which means I should have been working out all winter long so my legs were ready to be debuted. Oops. 


For all of you who are much better people than me and know how to say no to Swig's sugar cookies, the Utah Valley Marathon is just around the corner! I know lots of you participate in this because they sell out of spots EVERY year! 

The Utah Valley Marathon will be taking place again this June on Saturday, June 14, 2014. Cascading waterfalls, the Provo River, and Deer Creek Reservoir will offer you runners a tranquil running adventure. The majestic mountains in all directions offer an extraordinary running experience. The race begins in Wallsburg, Utah, running into Provo Canyon and features much of Utah County's diverse scenery. The race will finish in historic Downtown Provo. The course offers ease for beginners and a potential PR for experts. The Utah Valley Marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier. 

It's not too late to register! It costs $105 - through May 14, 2014 and $115 - through June 10, 2014. 

I know lots of you have been training for this amazing race! I'm sitting here writing this post while enjoying a Reese's egg. Now accepting applications for a trainer...

Here's a fun video from the race in 2011: 

GIVEAWAY: Digital Camera for the Tulip Festival

Amazing flowers need an amazing camera. Here is your chance to enter to win a digital camera just in time for Thanksgiving Point's Tulip Festival! Visit our site, UVTogether.com/tulip_festival and enter your name and email address. Simple as that! Look for the picture you see below :)

Thanksgiving Point is celebrating their 10th annual Tulip Festival (250,000 tulips in 137 varieties). Each weekend will have a different theme to it. The opening weekend is Art Days, second weekend is Dutch Days, and third weekend is a swing dance party in the Waterfall Amphitheatre (new this year). They also have a new Thanksgiving Point Gardens App that provides audio tours, maps, and treasure hunt for families. You won't want to miss this! 

Hotter Than Heck Utah Valley Century

For 30 years, there has been a century ride around Utah Lake. This year, they're taking it up a notch…or two.

The 2014 ride itself will be similar to previous years, including options to ride 30, 60, or the full 100 miles. For the first time they will be awarding cash and gift prizes for individuals and teams. 

For those new to a “century” ride, a century is 100 miles. If you’ve never done one before, now’s the time! The beauty of a century like this is that you can stop as often as you want to rest, hydrate, eat, look at something other than your front wheel, and see tons of other riders just like you who are resting and eating. If you’re not ready for the full century, you can complete the 30 or 60 mile course!

They're upgrading feed stations and the sponsors will be competing for “Best Rest Stop.” They will be putting together a pre-ride dinner and a show at Thanksgiving Point for anyone who’s excited to mentally prep while ‘keeping it chill’ the night before (it’s going to be amazing).

The race will be taking place Saturday, August 2nd and will begin and end at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. The weather has been great these past few days, so start training now! Click here to see a map of the course. Visit Utah Endurance Sports for more information and to register for the race! 

Utah Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau is a proud partner of Utah Endurance Sports and would like to thank them for all of their hard work in prepping for this amazing race and for helping with this blog post! 

History Camp Scholarship

Though funding from the Masonic Foundation of Utah, the Friends of Camp Floyd is offering a scholarship program to allow 4 kids the opportunity to attend Camp Floyd’s History Camp at no cost.  Additionally, each family will receive a $30 transportation stipend to cover the cost of gas to and from Camp Floyd and cover lunches for 3 days.  The goal of the program is to make history camp accessible to those who might not be able to afford the experience.

Camp Floyd History Camps for kids are a fun-filled educational experience about how soldiers lived at Camp Floyd in 1861, and how the Utah War served pre-Civil War objectives. Campers meet costumed interpreters, play 19th Century games, drill, march and set up a soldier's camp, fire an 1860's period firearm, make and take home soldier craft activities. Other activities include conducting a full-scale military exercise; and observing muskets and a cannon fired. Participants will receive a history camp tee shirt, kepi, replica rifle, canteen, haversack, yo-yo, and more.

To qualify for this program, each camper must not have attended Camp Floyd’s History Camp in the past and be between the ages of 8 and 11 at the time of your chosen Camp date.  Additionally, the parent or guardian must explain why they require a scholarship for history camp on the application.

To be eligible for the scholarship a parent or guardian must complete the application on this website. 

Then the child who wants to attend camp must write a short essay or draw a picture describing why he or she would like to attend Camp Floyd’s history camp for kids.  This can be scanned and e-mailed to MeganKeller@utah.gov or mailed to:

Camp Floyd State Park
18035 West 1540 North
Fairfield, UT 84013

Online application and short essay or drawing from child must be received by January 31 2014. Final decisions will be made by the Friends of Camp Floyd and recipients will be notified by February 21, 2014.

Background on Camp Floyd:
Established in 1858, Camp Floyd housed the largest concentration of U.S. troops then in the United State.  The troops were sent to Utah to suppress a rumored Mormon rebellion, which never took place.  The army was recalled back east in 1861 for the Civil War emergency.

Camp Floyd State Park is located in the town of Fairfield, 22 miles southwest of Lehi on State Highway 73.  For more information please contact the park at: 801-768-8932.

A Symposium is Coming!

LTUE (Life, the Universe, & Everything: The Marion K. “Doc” Smith Symposium on Science Fiction and Fantasy) is coming February 13-15 to the Provo Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.  (101 West 100 North, Provo, Utah)

What is LTUE?  

It’s the longest-running science fiction and fantasy symposium in the state of Utah.  Now in its 32nd year, it has grown into a must-attend writers conference for anyone who wants to learn more about the craft.  And you don’t have to write just science fiction and fantasy.  Writers and would-be writers from many genres come for the panels, presentations and workshops on writing and world building.

But LTUE is so much more than just a writing conference!  There will be panels on art, media, filmmaking and literature.  There will also be a room for RPG and CCG games.  There’s even a celebrity Magic tournament! (Additional fee for Magic tournament.)

On Friday night there will be a mass autograph signing for most of our authors (look on the website for a list).  This event is open to the public.

Guests:

Orson Scott Card (Award-winning author of Ender’s Game and many other books)

Anne Sowards (editor for ACE)

Brandon Sanderson (Toastmaster)

David Farland

L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

(Check the website for more)

How much does it cost?

If you register before January 31, 2014 the cost is only $30/person.

At the door rate is $45.  

Students get in free.

Banquet

There will be a banquet on Saturday, February 15th.  The Toastmaster will be Brandon Sanderson.  Tickets are $30/person.  You don’t need to attend LTUE to attend the banquet.

Where do I get more information?

Go to ltue.net for all information on LTUE.

Don’t miss out on this year’s event!

Go to ltue.org and register today!

Rockin New Year's Eve

Is your brain so fried from preparing for Christmas that you haven't even thought about your New Year's Eve plans? Mine certainly is! Don't worry, we've got you covered on this one. We have an event the whole family can enjoy.

Provo City's New Years Countdown is the perfect event for the whole family. Make your New Year's Eve full of excitement and come ring in the New Year with us! The event includes not one, but TWO firework shows; one at 9PM and one midnight. If that isn't enough, they will have the following entertainment:

• Live Bands
• HotAir Balloons Show
• A Cappella Groups
• Hypnotists
• Magicians
• Animal Shows
• International Dancers
• Green Man Group
• Comedy Sportz
• Ice Sculpting
• Snowboard Rail Jam

Tickets are on sale now! They are $5 for adults and $4 for youth. You get a $1 off for advanced purchases. You can purchase your tickets here or go to the Provo Rec Center or the Provo Winger's. 

Happy New Year's everyone! 

It's the holiday season

Growing up, one of my favorite traditions around Christmas time was driving through different neighborhoods to see all of the lights. There is something magical about seeing houses and buildings all lit up with a glow around them from the snow.

To fulfill this Christmas tradition we headed over to Thanksgiving Point to see their Holiday Lights display. Even though it wasn't houses that were lit up, they have an impressive display set up in Electric Park. The best part...you get to stay in the warmth of your car while looking at more than one million lights! For those who are brave enough to face the cold temperatures, they also offer trolley and carriage rides that take you through the lights. Make sure to reserve a spot before you go though!

The ride takes place at Electric Park and is a little over a mile long. When you pull up make sure to dim your headlights and tune in to FM 100.3 so you can enjoy all your favorite holiday songs while gazing at the twinkling lights and illuminated trees.

The start of the light display

We were in awe with just how many lights there were and how well done all of the displays were. It truly was magical!

They even had displays for each of their attractions. We saw a giant lit up T-Rex! I don't know where else you would find one of those.

After driving through the lights, we parked the car and went to see what all was going on by the Deli and boutique. So glad we did; they had ice sculptors and reindeer! While you are walking around don't forget to pick up some hot chocolate at the local vendor!

Weekend Update

 I love the Holidays, think Will Ferrell in Elf but without the yellow tights. It's one of my favorite times of year. The world just looks better with twinkle lights and hot chocolate. And it all starts now...or as soon as you get up from your post Black Friday nap, grab your sandwich made from leftovers and go out and enjoy it. To help you do so, here is a list of weekend events.

  

Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid movie at Sundance  

Sundance Mountain Resort is offering a special opportunity to screen this film at Robert Redford's own screening room at the Resort. Make a night of it and enjoy dinner at the Foundry Grill and relax at the Owl Bar, Butch and Sundance use to enjoy themselves at the same exact bar! November 29 at 7:30 pm. Sundance is located at 8841 N Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, Ut.

21st Annual Spanish Fork Festival of LightsEnjoy a favorite local tradition as you drive through the animated Festival of Light's. Everyone  will love seeing Santa waving, Jack Frost, and even light geese flying. They broadcast holiday music on 99.9 Fm for you to enjoy as you look at the lights. A car is $7, a van is $20 and it's $30 per bus. The festival runs from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm everyday from November 28, 2013 to January 1, 2014. The Festival is located at 3300 East Powerhouse Road, Spanish Fork, UT

Santa's Grand Arrival at University Mall

It's time for Santa's big entrances via helicopter. Be at the south west corner of the University Mall parking lot to watch the whole thing at 9:30 am on November 29th. Just inside the mall entrance (between CPK and P.F. Chang's) is Village Court where you can get Photos with Santa from November 29-December 24th. University Center Mall is located at 575 E University Parkway, Orem.

Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point

Enjoy an enchanting drive through more than one million twinkling lights. Families and friends can stay cozy and warm inside their cars or bundle up and take the trolley, wagon, or carriage ride through the display of holiday lights at Thanksgiving Point. The lights go for over a mile and include giant animated holiday displays and illuminated trees. Then stop by the Water Tower to see live reindeer! The lights are closed on Sunday and Christmas Day. Car with up to 12 passengers are $8, 13 or more passengers are $25, and the trolley and wagon are $3 per person. Thanksgiving Point is located at 3003 North Thanksgiving Point Way, Lehi. 

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree comes to Spanish Fork

The 2013 Capitol Christmas Tree comes from the Kolesville National Forest, home of the Upper Columbia Children’s Forest, one of 22 such Children’s Forest across the Country. The Children’s Forest Initiative of the Forest Service was created to provide opportunities for kids everywhere to explore their connection to forests and nature.

As this gift from Washington State travels across the country to our nation’s capital, it reminds us of all that nature provides, from clean water and clean air to outdoor recreation and education. The national network of Children’s Forests is proud to be a part of this annual celebration.

The tree was harvested November 1 and then wrapped for its’ journey. This extraordinary tree (known as the People’s Tree) will travel with companion trees across the country before arriving at the capital in time for Thanksgiving. Spanish Fork has been honored to be one of the “Whistle Stop” cities.

Please bring your families to City Park on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, to help us “welcome” the tree.  This 100 foot long tree in its’ plexiglass container will be on display on Center Street from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. that evening. A small ceremony at 7:00 p.m. to include our Mayor, City Council, SF Youth Forest and State Representatives will be held. Maple Mountain HS Madrigals will also perform.  Following the Welcome Ceremony families can visit tables and canopies featuring promotional, educational and commemorative merchandise. 

This evening’s celebration will help jump start the wonderful Christmas traditions already in place in our beautiful Spanish Fork.

Weekend Roundup

With Halloween just around the corner there is so much going on in Utah Valley. Lets start with the Pumpkin Parade at The Shops at Riverwoods. This fun annual tradition is a must do, they line the streets with fun and fantastic pumpkin scenes, local artist turn these pumpkins and squash into creative, cute and captivating displays. They even give away free pumpkins for you to carve! You can also enjoy hayrides, petting zoo, farmers market, food, bounce houses, games, and much more. On Saturday, October 26, they will be having a Monster Mash with dancing, costume contest, face painting, balloon art, and trick-or-treating throughout the shops. Events run from 2pm-6pm on Saturday.

Today and tomorrow (October 25-26, 2013) head down to the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds for the Fall Good Life Expo. This show provides exhibits and demonstrations related to home improvement, family lifestyle, health and nutrition products, food and emergency preparedness. There is something there that will interest every guest. The event is open from 12 pm-8 pm on Friday and from 10 am- 6 pm on Saturday. This is a free event!

It's time for another home game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. The Cougars will take on Boise State
tonight at 6:00 pm. If you are going to the game dress warm and bring a blanket. They say it should be a nice night, but you never know what the weather might do. BYU is 5-2 this season and Boise State is 5-2, the Broncos own a 3-0 edge in the all time series. So it should be a good game to watch.

Something new this year is the First Annual Utah Valley Video Game Tournament being held at the Provo Marriott tomorrow, October 26, 2013, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Come test your skills in up to 5 tiers of game play, including but not limited to: vintage/old school, sports, Call of Duty, ect. Each tier to play is $25.00 -discounts available for BYU/UVU students. Each player that makes it through to the semi-finals is invited to a gourmet banquet luncheon. Prizes available to winners of each tier and runner ups.

You can also enjoy the 4th Annual Pumpkin Walk at Central Utah Gardens (355 W University Pkwy, Orem). The event is tomorrow from Noon-8 pm. Come enjoy carved pumpkin displays, Halloween music, kids' games and activities until dark, Halloween backdrops for pictures, and a free doughnut for those in costume. The puking pumpkin show will be held every hour from 12:30 to 5:30.


   

Weekend Roundup

For the weekend roundup today we will be taking a look at the scary side of the performing arts. Plays and performances that will make you look jump, scream, laugh and haunt your nightmares. So here are my must sees for this years Halloween performances!

The Unexpected Guest at The Covey Center for the Arts: Set in a foggy estate in wales, this mystery opens as a Michael Starkwedder walks into a house to find a man murdered and his wife standing over him with a gun. The women is dazed and her confession unconvincing. So the unexpected guest decides to help her and blame the murder on an intruder. Later, the police discover clues that point to a man who died two years previously.  Suspicions and intrigues is open to the night air!
October 12, 17-19, 24-26
7:30 p.m.; $12-$14
To purchase tickets Click Here

The Woman in Black at the Echo Theatre: This Halloween tradition is back! Set in the windswept reaches of the salt marshes beyond Nine Lives Causeway, in the proud and solitary Eel Marsh House. Junior solicitor, Arthur Kipps, is summoned to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow, the house's sole inhabitant, unaware of the tragic secrets which lie hidden behind the shuttered windows. It is not until he glimpses a wasted young women dressed all in black at the funeral, that a creeping sense of unease begins to take hold. This feeling is deepened by the reluctance of the locals to talk of the woman in black and her terrible purpose.
October -November 2 (excluding Sundays)
7:30 p.m.; $12 at door

Odyssey Dance Theatre: Thriller at The Covey Center for the Arts: This year's show will have all of the favorite pieces from the past-Thriller, The Curse of the Mummy, Dem Bones, Frankenstein, Jason Jam, Salem's Mass, The Lost Boys, and The River of Blood Dance-plus a few new surprises. Get your tickets early, because most of the performances sold out last year! This show has it all-frights, amazement, scares and lots of laughs.
The show ends this weekend, October 12.
7:30 p.m.; $20-$25

A Pirate's Life for Me

I feel like Colby and I haven't blogged in a while. I'm so sorry. But we have cooked up quite the treat for you this month! All of our dates have a "haunted" theme to them. We discovered some crazy things you can do here in Utah Valley for Halloween that we had never heard of. And when I say crazy, I really mean it; just you wait for all these blog posts this month!

This week we discovered an activity that if you can't find a babysitter for your kids, they can come too. We heard about CLAS Ropes Halloween Adventure Cruise and thought we'd go check it out. I'd also like to throw out that all the couples that were "too busy" to come really missed out! Colby and I had so much fun.

CLAS Ropes is located on Center Street in Provo down by Utah Lake. When you arrive, they have a Halloween movie playing while you wait for your group to be called, along with concessions for purchase.
 

We had about a 30 minute wait, so we grabbed some popcorn and enjoyed the movie. The captain (tour guide) of your boat announces your group name and you follow him down the path leading to the dock. The dock was covered in lights and spider webs; prepping you for your adventure on the boat.

I didn't know this, but the river you float down is actually the Provo river. CLAS Ropes has decorated the river banks with over 100 hand-carved pumpkins that reflect off of the water. Not to mention all the amazing light work they did along the river. This truly is a unique boat adventure. Your captain shares scary stories and songs and a pirate even comes to attack your ship. Luckily, the pirate is a pretty nice guy, and brings candy with him to share :)

The boat can accommodate up to 40 people so don't be surprised if there is a small wait to get on! You can also reserve an entire boat for your group for just $175 Tues-Thurs, or $195 Fri, Sat, and Mon. The ride costs $8.00 per person to ride. You can find a dollar off coupon on their website here. The ride is open now until October 31. They are open 6:30pm-9pm M-Th and 6:30pm-10pm Fri & Sat.  

Best captain ever

12 Days of Halloween

Tis the season for pumpkin carving and candy buying. Apple cider and haunted frights! In case you get bored with these traditions, we've got 12 ideas for your family that will make this October an unforgettable one.

1.   Hee Haw Farms Fall Activities

September 28 – November 3

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=625

Halloween fun for everyone! From a 12 acre corn maze, to picking your own pumpkins, to the Haunted Hayride and Cornevil Night Terrors. You’re sure to find an activity to please even the scariest of beasts!

2.   The Haunted Forest

October 1 – 31

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=581

The Haunted Mansion! Here you will meet the Crypt Keeper and Crazy Annie…just good old fashioned entertainment – with a terrifying twist of course! And if you're feeling really brave, test your luck with the Haunted Forest's new Psycho Manor!

3.   Cornbelly’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival

October 2 – November 2

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=397

Whether Utahn’s are finding their way out of the corn maze, exploring the Pumpkin Princess Playland, blasting pumpkin cannons, mining for gems, picking out the perfect pumpkin, tip-toeing through Insanity Point’s haunted trails, or trick-or-treating with local mascot characters, there is unforgettable fun and memories for folks of all ages

4.   Odyssey Dance Theatre: Thriller!

October 9 – 12 

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=4121

This show has it all – frights, amazement, scares and lots of laughs. Come and join this spectacular Halloween tradition and see what everyone is talking about – Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Thriller!

5.  Country Farm Fest

October 10 – 19

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=3255

This family-oriented event showcases Utah artisans and provides an arts and crafts fair, children’s activities, live entertainment, and heritage demonstrations (blacksmithing, sheep shearing, soap making, etc.). The Farmers Market offers a variety of seasonal local bounty, arts and crafts. Enjoy the Pumpkin Weigh-off, and Pumpkin Carving and Costume contests the entire family can participate in.

6.   Pumpkin Festival on Heber Valley Railroad

October 10 – 30

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=3572

The whole family will enjoy our annual Pumpkin Festival trains. Your ticket includes a 45 minute train ride where you will be entertained by witches and mummies, and even Dracula! At the depot you can take a trip through our (family friendly) haunted car, have fun in our Misty Maze, and get your face painted! You also get to select a pumpkin from our Pumpkin Patch and take it home with you!

7.   Sleepy Hollow @ The Old Spaghetti Factory

October 12 – 26

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=3124

What could be more fun than dinner and show?! Choose one of three fantastic menu options from The Old Spaghetti Factory’s menu. Chit chat with Ichabod Crane and Katrina, even the Headless Horseman, as the characters introduce themselves and mingle with the crowd.  Dinner will be served throughout the performance. You’ll laugh, cry, and hum along with our amazing actors and singers till it’s time to go home!

8.   Halloween Adventure Cruise

October 1 – 31

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=276

Fun for the whole family! Come enjoy an adventure riverboat ride on the lower Provo River.  It is like a hayride, but a boat ride.  There are over 100 pumpkins reflecting off the water, with a scary story and song.  A pirate attacks the ship and hands out candy.

9.   Sundance Resort’s Halloween Lift Rides

October 24 – 31 

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=1379

Sundance Resort’s Halloween Lift Rides offer the perfect autumn treat. Whether soaring through the autumn skies with your little ghosts and goblins or just a moonlight ride for two, the new Sundance Lift Ride promises you a new Halloween tradition

10.  Pumpkin Parade

October 25 – 26 

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=2645

We will be lining our streets with fun and fantastic pumpkin scenes! Local artists will be turning pumpkins and squash into creative, cute and captivating displays! We will also be giving away free pumpkins for you and your family to carve.

11. Pumpkin Carving Contest & Pumpkin Walk

October 26

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=2792

Come walk through the gardens and enjoy the fall colors and crisp Autumn air, as well as the pumpkin entries from the pumpkin carving contest. Fun activities for all members of the family. Be sure to dress up for a free donut for each person wearing a costume!

12. Evermore Pumpkin Fest

October 31

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=4119

Join us for the 1^st Annual  Evermore Pumpkin Fest, which helps support the Utah Food Bank. All proceeds from the event will go towards the food bank and we are looking to create the largest pumpkin display in Utah! 

We all Scream for Ice Cream...Coneys Frozen Custard that is

Coneys Frozen Custard opened its doors in September 2003 in Orem. It was started by the father and son duo of J. Dale and Jason Christensen. Coneys was brought to life after Jason fell in love with frozen custard while traveling for business throughout the country. He wanted Utah County to experience frozen custard like the Midwest.

With his dad, J. Dale, retiring from public education soon, it was the perfect time to make their frozen custard dreams a reality. With the entrepreneurial mind of Jason, additional financial backing from business partner Jeremy Curtis, and the work ethic of J. Dale, the business plan for Coneys unfolded. The trio spent time visiting different frozen custard companies across the country, attending "scoop school", several custard crawls throughout Milwaukee, and brainstorming with the family to get every aspect of Coneys exactly right.

10 years later, Coneys will be celebrating their success and show appreciation for the community in their award-winning store on University Parkway in Orem. There will be a Coney Island themed celebration full of games, giveaways, and a special guest appearance from Miss Orem from 12-4PM this Saturday (September 28)! Free custard cones will also be served from 12-8PM. Free custard? Sign me up!

**Thanks to Coneys Frozen Custard for sharing the history of their store with us! 

Weekend Round Up

Don't let the rain keep you inside. There is going to be so much happening this weekend in the Valley, and you don't want to miss it. Starting at the Shops at the Riverwoods, "Chalk the Block" Art Festival. This free event goes until tomorrow night. More than 100 chalk artist come and spend hours painting and chalking the streets transforming the Riverwoods into a captivating, one of a kind experiences. I went all three days last year it was so much fun. It is truly amazing to me that they can make such beautiful art with chalk on black top. There is a whole festival around the chalk art with vendors and restaurant getting in on the fun. Money from the event goes to Clear Horizon Academy efforts to build brighter futures for children with autism.

These are photos from last years event.

 Tomorrow (9/14/2013) make your way down to Mona for the Fall Harvest Festival at Young Living's farm. Events include a concert by Little Texas, games and prizes, jousting, Western shootout, Ole Time portraits, Fireworks, wagon rides, carnival games, pumpkin patch, cooking class, and food! 

Prices:

Festival and Little Texas Concert Ticket (All Day):
Adult – $17
12-18 years – $7
Children under 12 and Seniors Over 65 – Free 

Festival Only Ticket (Noon–7 p.m.):
Adult – $10
12-18 years – $5
Children under 12 and Seniors Over 65 – Free 

Little Texas Concert and Fireworks Ticket (7 p.m. until Close):
Adult – $10
12-18 years – $5

Children under 12 and Seniors Over 65 – Free  

It's time for the 21st Annual Taste of the Valley this Saturday (9/14/2013). Come and eat from some of the best restaurants in the Valley. This is where you will find me around lunch time. For more information check out our post about it earlier this week.