Heber Summertime Special Events
By Sarah Macgregor
It’s a summer day in Park City. The glorious mountains have only hints of snow topping their peaks; the Wasatch Range calls out.
There’s no time like summertime to take a road trip and explore all that the area has to offer. Just a short drive away, there are endless combinations of spectacular sights, delightful entertainment, and exhilarating exploration to be enjoyed in places like Kamas, Coalville, Heber City, and Midway. These nearby destinations offer a host of special events throughout the summer and fall, and many kinds of outdoor adventures to suit any age or style. So hop in the car, take a drive and ready yourself for a great day of adventure. Along the way be prepared to drink in some of the most inspiring vistas in Utah.
Mark your calendar! In addition to the plethora of everyday activities for summertime fun, there are many traditional summer festivities that you won’t want to miss. Catch some of these classic Western events and enjoy the best of local talent, tradition and pure fun.
Fiesta Days, Kamas ……………………………………………..
July 24—27
A tradition for over 70 years, the town’s Fiesta Days boasts a parade, a rodeo competition featuring top Western cowboy talent, demolition derby, the festival’s renowned Bull Wars, fireworks, trap shooting, and many other tournament events, including culinary contests. There’s fun to be found for all ages.
Sundance Mountain Resort, Sundance Summer Theatre
July 25—August 17
Sundance Resort’s summer schedule includes numerous special events held at the resort’s Eccles Outdoor Stage, framed by the stunning backdrop of Mt. Timpanogos. The 2013 Sundance Summer Theatre, in partnership with Utah Valley University, presents Annie Get Your Gun. Other special 2013 summer events to be presented on the gorgeous outdoor stage include the resort’s Bluebird Café Concert Series and performances by the world-renowned Utah Symphony. Sundance also hosts a wide range of outdoor activities that are perfectly suited for a full day of enjoyment amidst the resort’s 5,000 acres of pure Utah.
Wasatch County Fair, Heber City……………………………
July 29—August 3
Heber City is home to the Wasatch County Fair, featuring countless events for the whole family. The annual event kicks off with the Demolition Derby on July 27. Highlights include the fair’s spectacular Mountain Valley Stampede held on Friday and Saturday nights.
Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Buckaroo Fair, Heber City
October 30—November 1
The Western way lives on in this annual gathering of cowboy poetry, live music, and booths containing all things cowboy. Kick back to some of the most renowned performers in country music and stroll the grounds enjoying craftsmanship art. Bring out the entire family for some real- live western fun.
The Summit County Fair, Coalville …………………………
August 3—10
This week-long event features cowboy competitions at the town’s famous rodeo grounds with carnival fun, a parade, contests and displays.
Midway Swiss Days, Midway ………………………………...
August 30—31
Many from Switzerland were drawn to the Heber Valley. It’s easy to understand why–the mountain are so beautifully similar the early settlers must have felt very much at home. To commermorate its Alpine heritage, Midway hosts an annual celebration featuring all things Swiss, including chocolate.
The Soldier Hollow Classic: The Annual Sheepdog Championship & Festival, Midway
August 30 – September 2
Wasatch Border Collies from around the world compete in what one British magazine describes as, “…positively the foremost trial in the world.” This world-class event is held at the 2002 Olympic landmark, Soldier Hollow in Midway. The festival also features an all-dog competitive event (non-sheepdogs are welcome to participate in this event only), the Splash Dog Championship.
Sundance Resort: sundanceresort.com | 801.223.6000 or 866.259.7468
Kamas Fiesta Days: mypages.allwest.com/kamascity/fiesta.html
The Wasatch County Fair: co.wasatch.ut.us/fair
Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Buckaroo Fair: hvcpg.com
The Summit County Fair: summitcountyfair.org
Midway Swiss Days: midwayswissdays.com
The Soldier Hollow Classic: soldierhollowclassic.com | 435-654-2002
Heber Valley Visitors Center: gohebervalley.com | 866-994-3237
