101 Things To Do in Payson & Santaquin

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EXPLORE THE LOCAL POSSIBILITIES

Indoors or outdoors, sports- or arts-related, adventurous or relaxing — all this and more is available in and around the communities of Payson and Santaquin. 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 options are readily available.

Next to both cities is the spectacular Wasatch Mountain range, which offers abundant scenic driving, camping, boating, fishing, hiking and mountain biking opportunities within minutes of home. Urban trails exist as well that wander through neighborhoods and parks.

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 Payson and Santaquin have to offer, but it is a starting point for beginning your explorations of these two cities and all they have to offer.

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101 THINGS TO DO

SANTAQUIN “ROCKS” GRAND ROCK HUNT

APRIL 3-7

The Santaquin “Rocks” Grand Rock Hunt will involve finding painted rocks that have been hidden in the community by local businesses. Participation is free and open to all ages, and this is how it works: First, join the Santaquin City “Rocks” Art Group on Facebook (you can access it by scanning the QR code here). During Spring Break this year (April 3 through 7), go out into the city and hunt for painted prize rocks. When you find one, post a picture of it on the Facebook page so others know you have found it. Then take your prize rock to its associated business and claim your prize! For more information, scan the QR code.

TEEN FLASHLIGHT HUNT 2

APRIL 7

The Teen Flashlight Hunt event for ages 13 through 18 puts a new spin on the traditional egg hunt. This event will begin at 9 p.m. at the Harvest View Sports Complex in Santaquin. Participants will use glow sticks and flashlights (bring your own flashlight) to hunt for eggs in the dark. Some eggs will have prize numbers in them. After the hunt, a dance will be held.

EASTER EGG HUNTS

APRIL 8

Payson and Santaquin cities both offer Easter Egg Hunts as part of the spring season. Both hunts will take place on April 8 this year. Santaquin’s Great Egg Hunt will begin at 9 a.m. at the Santaquin baseball fields, 190 S. 400 West. Payson’s Easter Egg hunt will begin at 10 a.m. at Hillman Fields, 955 S. Main. Grab your baskets and go on the hunt at these popular free events!

DISC GOLF COURSES 4

Disc golf courses are available in both Payson and Santaquin. The Payson Canyon Disc Golf Course is located at 12161 Forest Road 015 and has 18 holes. Santaquin offers a 9-hole disc golf course at Theodore Ahlin Park, 1125 S. Pole Canyon Road. Santaquin Recreation will conduct its Spring Disc Golf Tournament on April 22; register at santaquin.activityreg.com.

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‘LES MISERABLES’

APRIL 20-24

Salem Hills High School in Salem will present the Broadway musical “Les Miserables” April 20, 21, 22 & 24, at 7 p.m. in the high school’s auditorium. The performers will be accompanied by a live orchestra. To purchase tickets, scan the QR code.

ARBOR DAY CEREMONY 6

APRIL 27

Payson City is part of the Tree City USA program and is proud of the trees it has in its parks and around the city. Every April, as part of an Arbor Day ceremony, the city invites a third-grade class from one of the local elementary schools to join with city representatives at a city park to plant trees and learn about the importance of planting and caring for trees. The public is invited to attend this event.

IN PAYSON & SANTAQUIN

RUN THROUGH BLOSSOMS 7

The Blossom Run at Rowley’s Red Barn will have you traveling down a packed dirt road through the midst of fruit orchards during the height of their spring blossoming. There are 10K, 5K and 1 mile options for this race, with all three beginning that morning between 8 and 8:45 a.m. The race begins and ends at Rowley’s Red Barn, 901 S. 300 West, Santaquin.

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SANTAQUIN ARTS FESTIVAL

The Santaquin Art Festival will include art booths, live demonstrations, classes for youth and adults, youth performing arts presentations, food trucks and a plein air art event. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Centennial Park, 300 W. 100 South. Admission is free, but some events or activities may have fees to participate. To register, go to santaquin. activityreg.com.

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CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION

MAY 1

Payson City will host the Cinco de Mayo/ Viva el Mariachi celebration beginning at 7 p.m. at the Peteetneet Amphitheater, 10 N. 600 East. The event will star Yunuen Carrillo with Mariachi Mexico en Utah and Ballet Viva el Folklore, and the evening will feature dancers in beautiful traditional costumes and live music. Mexican food trucks and craft booths will also be on site.

YOUTH CITY COUNCIL 9

Both Santaquin and Payson offer a youth city council program for local youth. Members of the youth city council assist with civic activities and learn more about how their city operates. For more information, contact your local city office.

MAY 6

The Payson Prayer Run is being held by the Payson Interfaith Council as a call for prayer for the community of Payson. There will be different prayer focuses for participants along the route. This route is a 13.1-mile circle around the city; you can run the entire 13.1, have a team of two split the run, or have a team of four to tag at different stations. The run will begin and end at the Hope Community Prayer Chapel. This event is not a race; there is no pressure to compete. Registration can be done online.

101 THINGS TO DO

FIRE/EMS PANCAKE BREAKFAST 14

MAY 29

Each Memorial Day, the Santaquin Fire/ EMS Association hosts a pancake breakfast at the city’s Public Safety Building, 275 W. Main Street. This event raises money for the city’s fire and EMS department. Visit the website for more information.

MAY 18 12

CTE EXPO

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.

MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

MAY 29

All are invited to attend a Memorial Day program on May 29 at 9:30 a.m. in the Payson Cemetery, 400 N. 800 East, and help honor those who have served in the United States armed forces.

PLAY ON THE JAZZ COURT 15

Through a grant from the Utah Jazz as well as donations and RAP tax funds, a new basketball court was built recently in Santaquin’s Centennial Park, 300 W. 100 South. The grant money allowed the court to be constructed with higher-quality materials; the hoops even have an adjustment mechanism allowing users to raise and lower the baskets. The court features six basketball hoops arranged to provide half-court or full-court play as well as the Jazz logo. Basketballs can be checked out for free from the Santaquin Recreation Office located across the street from Centennial Park.

RILEYS’ ORCHARD 16

At Rileys’ Orchard and U-Pick Garden in Genola (just south of Santaquin), visitors can select their own greenhouse flowers in April and May, then pick their own vegetables and fruits July through October. A schedule of when each type of produce is available on their website. Riley’s is located at 294 N. 800 East in Genola and is open Monday through Saturday during the harvest season.

101 THINGS TO DO

PASSPORT TO SUMMER 18

Santaquin Recreation and local businesses are teaming up to offer the Passport to Summer, a booklet with a list of fun activities for youth. Parents and families take a picture of youth doing the activities, then take the picture and the passport to the sponsoring business to collect their stamp. Passports can be picked up on Wednesday, May 22, at the Santaquin City Offices, the Santaquin Library or the Santaquin Recreation building. Passport to Summer is open to all youth and participation is free (some passport activities may require you to purchase a ticket or pay a fee). An End of Summer Passport Party will be held Aug. 11 at the Payson Community Pool for participants.

GLADSTAN GOLF COURSE 17

The Gladstan Golf Course, a Utah Valley gem, features 18 holes of rolling fairways, bunkers and water hazards. Located at 1 Gladstan Drive in Payson, the course is nestled at the base of Loafer Mountain. The Gladstan course presents golfers with unique challenges in a beautiful environment that offers panoramic views of Utah Valley. Golfers will find that they have used every club in their bag after tackling Gladstan.

JUNE 3 19

5K RUNNER SERIES

Santaquin Recreation offers four 5K runs as part of its annual 5K Runner Series. The March run has already taken place, but the summer run, titled the Family Fitness Run 5K, will be conducted on June 3 beginning at 8 a.m. at Centennial Park, 300 W. 100 South. This is a family-friendly 5K event. Participants receive one shirt for the entire Runner Series, and those who participate in three of the four races receive a medal. There’s still time to hit this race and the other two races scheduled on Sept. 9 and Nov. 18 and earn your medal!

SENIOR CITIZENS 20

Interested in a painting or woodcarving class, a game of Bingo or simply a lunch with friends? Contact your Senior Citizens Center. There’s one in Payson at 439 W. Utah Avenue (801-465-5215.). In Santaquin, the seniors meet at 54 W. 100 South (801-360-1698).

MISS PAYSON

The 2023 Miss Payson Scholarship Program will be held at Payson High School on Saturday, June 3, at 7 p.m. The Miss Payson Scholarship Program is connected with the Miss Utah and Miss America organizations.

PAYSON UTAH TEMPLE 22

While only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may enter the church’s Payson Utah Temple, the grounds are open to visitors. Located at 1494 S. 930 West, Payson, this nearly 97,000-square-foot structure features a single spire topped with an Angel Moroni statue. The meticulously groomed grounds around the temple are bursting with flowers in the spring and summer and offer scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

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101 THINGS TO DO

CITY PHOTO CONTEST 23

Santaquin City hosts a photo contest throughout the year, with a winner decided each month. At the end of the year, an overall winner for the year is announced. Entrants can win gift cards or money off their utility bill. Contestants must live in Santaquin or within a 10-mile radius of the Santaquin City limits. For complete submission rules and deadlines, scan the QR code.

HOMETOWN MARKET 24

The Payson Santaquin Area Chamber of Commerce will present the Santaquin Hometown Market & Sounds of Santaquin on Monday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. beginning June 26 and continuing through August. Held at Centennial Park, 300 W. 100 South, Santaquin, this is a family event featuring local vendor booths. Live music will be presented from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

SPLASH PAD 25

What better way to cool off in the summer than splashing around in the water? Take the kids to Sunset Trails Park in Santaquin and enjoy the splash pad. While you’re there, the kids can also play on the playground equipment and swings. A large pavilion is available along with smaller picnic pavilions and a rest room.

LINCOLN BEACH 26

While Lincoln Beach 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 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.

JUNE 8-24 27

PARADE OF HOMES

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.

CAMP IN THE CANYON 28

Payson Canyon has a selection of campgrounds where you can sleep under the stars and enjoy many recreational activities. The campgrounds include:

• Maple Lake Campground: Located 5 miles south of Payson on the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway. Activities: Fishing, rafting, kayaking, swimming, hiking.

• Maple Bench Campground: Also located on the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway. Activities: Fishing, rafting, kayaking, hiking.

• Payson Lakes Campground: A local favorite. Located 12 miles from Payson. This large campground features picnic tables, grills, campfire circles and water spigots at its sites.

101 THINGS TO DO

HUNT FOR TREASURES 29

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 cash.

CAMP MAPLE DELL 30

Operated by the Crossroads of the West Council of the Boys Scouts of America, Camp Maple Dell in Payson Canyon offers day camp options for Scouts and other youth. What’s less known is that the camp’s facilities are available for rental for non-Scout (family, school, church and community) groups throughout the year. Whether you are only looking for a few campsites or want to host a family reunion, wedding or a corporate event utilizing Maple Dell’s cabins, lodges and kitchens, they can provide a beautiful, memorable location for your needs.

SATURDAY MARKET 31

The Payson Saturday Market will be open each Saturday through summer and fall with a mix of crafts, home-baked goods and locally grown produce (during harvest season). Tentative dates/times are June 10 through Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Before you go, check out the latest information at the market’s Facebook page by scanning the QR code.

ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL 32

JUNE 23 & 24

The “Here Comes The Sun” Rock Festival will be presented on June 23 from 2:30 to 9:45 p.m. and June 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. at Memorial Park, 300 S. Main Street, Payson. This music festival is a production of the Utah Live Concerts Foundation. ULCF’s formal mission is to create better opportunities and affordable family entertainment using our area’s deep reservoir of local talent. In addition to live music, the event will feature food trucks and art vendors.

GROTTO FALLS TRAIL 33

The Grotto Falls Trail is an easy and very popular trail that follows a stream up to a waterfall and shallow pool surrounded by rocky cliffs. The trail crosses the stream several times; small log “bridges” are in place. This hike is best enjoyed in spring, summer and fall. Traveling south on the Nebo Loop Road, the trailhead is located 8 miles south of Payson City on the Mount Nebo National Scenic Byway (Nebo Loop). The trailhead is located just south of the Bennie Creek trailhead. There is a fenced gravel parking lot for your car.

FISHING

East of Interstate 15 and above the city of Santaquin is Theodore L. Ahlin Park. Here, you can find a fishing pond and utilize the on-site fish cleaning station, or you can simply use the walking path around the pond to enjoy both the summer weather and the valley views. There’s a restroom available at this park as well as a disc golf course. Theodore Ahlin Park is located at 1125 S. Pole Canyon Road in Santaquin.

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101 THINGS TO DO

PAYSON CITY BAND 35

The Payson City Band has been a popular attraction for more than 100 years. Its Sunday evening concerts have been presented each summer since 1909 and have become a staple in the community. The band performs every Sunday evening from July 4 through Labor Day at Memorial Park, 300 S. Main, Payson, and countless locals and visitors flock to the park to experience this summertime tradition. The concerts start at 8 p.m.

PETEETNEET MUSEUM 36

Originally Peteetneet Academy, the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center building served as an elementary school for nearly 90 years before its transformation into a museum and civic center in the late 1980s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places soon after. Exhibits here include an art gallery, a collection of black and white photos taken by a Payson pioneer, a blacksmith shop recreated from equipment used in the 1850s, a western room, pioneer and Native American artifacts and more. The Peteetneet Museum is located at 10 N. 600 East in Payson.

RECREATION PROGRAMS 37

Do you love softball?

Baseball? Dance?

Soccer? Classes and competitions of all types are offered by the Payson and Santaquin city recreation departments. All ages can find a sport or activity to participate in that’s right for them. Go to the cities’ websites to check out what’s happening and sign up to participate.

FOREBAY TRAILS 38

The Forebay area is a large portion of land in the foothills south of Payson that is popular for hiking, mountain biking and other recreational activities. Miles of trails wind through hundreds of acres here, offering outdoor lovers opportunities to explore without going too far from home. Efforts to improve the area and its trails continue, including identifying trailheads, creating signage and proposing potential new trails while still protecting the environment. The Forebay trailhead is located about 3.5 miles up Payson Canyon; a paved parking lot is available there.

TAKE A HISTORY TOUR 39

Within Santaquin’s downtown district are three historical markers commemorating events that occurred in the city’s past. Two are located in Squash Head Park, 50 E. Main Street, and memorialize the bravery of Santaquin’s first pioneers, the Native American chief who assisted them, and the construction of the city’s first Relief Society Hall. The third marker, located at the intersection of 100 West and 100 South, commemorates the Dominguez-Escalante expedition (which camped nearby in 1776), the work of Lt. John C. Fremont (who visited the area) to study the Great Basin area, and the establishment of a Native American farm in the area in 1855. A tour of these markers can provide visitors with a new appreciation for where they live.

101 THINGS TO DO

JOIN CERT 42

MOUNT NEBO SCENIC BYWAY 40

Beginning at the edge of Payson, the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway answers every nature lover’s dreams. It’s filled with wildlife, valley vistas and wrap-around views of majestic Mt. Nebo. This route passes through flat bottomlands, gray sandstone cliffs, high-alpine conifers, red rock formations and salt flats. There are multiple scenic view pullouts. The 35-mile road crosses through the Uinta National Forest and continues to UT-132, where one can either turn west and head to Nephi or east and drive into Sanpete County. Plan on about 90 minutes of travel time without stops.

UTAH LAKE 41

There are multiple public access points to Utah Lake located a short drive from the Payson/Santaquin 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.

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 both Payson and Santaquin. In Payson, contact Payson Fire & Rescue at 801-465-5252 for more Information. In Santaquin, contact Chris Lindquist at 801-319-6439.

PAYSON SCOTTISH FESTIVAL 43

JULY 7 & 8

The annual Payson Scottish Festival and Highland Games event celebrates Scottish traditions in all forms: dance, music, food, competition and entertainment. The first festival was organized nearly 40 years ago as part of Payson’s Golden Onion Days, but today the festival is held for two days in early July. Events during the festival include a strongman competition, a bagpipe parade and competition, folk music and dancing performances, and a highland dance competition. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of craft and food booths.

SANTAQUIN

At approximately 1150 South and 600 East in Payson, as one leaves the city and begins driving up the Nebo Loop Road through Payson Canyon, is a turnoff that leads to the trailhead for the Payson “P” hike. This trail is approximately 1 mile (in and out) and takes hikers to the large “P” on Little Mountain above the city. The view from the “P” is spectacular. The hike is generally considered easy, but there is little shade, so you may want to explore it at a cooler time of day.

101 THINGS TO DO

WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL 45

JULY

8

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. 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.

HOLLOW PARK TRAIL 46

The Hollow Park Trail in Payson is a 1.7-mile loop around the park that is popular for road biking, jogging and walking. The trail winds through a natural wooded area within a small valley located between 800 South, 500 East, Strawberry Canal Road and Greenridge Avenue. There’s a playground and picnic tables near 800 South.

PAYSON COMMUNITY POOL 48

Head to the Payson Community Pool to cool off this summer. Located at 655 S. Main Street, this outdoor facility offers a lap pool and a play area for the kids with a lazy river and water slides. Open swim hours and exercise hours are offered, including water aerobics and adult swim classes. The pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

SPRING LAKE 49

Spring Lake isn’t large, but it’s a great place for kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing, and it’s only minutes from the Santaquin and Payson city centers. Don’t have the time or desire to drive all the way up a canyon? There’s some water fun to be had here. Spring Lake is located in the town of Spring Lake just off UT-198 between Payson and Santaquin. Visitors can enjoy a walking path around the perimeter of the lake.

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SHOP DOWNTOWN 47

With its historic architecture and variety of unique, locally owned shops, downtown Payson is a great place to spend time. There’s specialty shops, barber and salon services, ice cream, restaurants and more. The historic section of Main Street extends from 100 North to 100 South.

PAYSON SKATE PARK

The Payson Skate Park is located at 600 South and Parkview Drive (next to the Payson Community Pool) and offers concrete bowls and other features as well as an adjacent open lawn area. It’s open to skateboarders daily from 7:30 a.m. to dusk (weather permitting). The use of protective equipment is strongly recommended. No motorized vehicles are allowed.

101 THINGS TO DO

A COUNTRY FARM 53

CHIEFTAIN MUSEUM 51

Santaquin’s Chieftain Museum invites all groups, families and individuals to enjoy the many displays housed in its historic former elementary school building located at 100 W. 100 South. The museum’s structure was built in 1903 and served as a school for the community until the early 1980s. The museum’s founders, Donna Bott and Florence Lamb, with the support of the community, accomplished their goal to turn the building into a museum, and it was dedicated in 1990. Its history displays include a school room, military room, country store, country kitchen, Native American room and a blacksmith shop.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE 52

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.

As soon as produce becomes available in the summer, A Country Farm, 4058 W. 9600 South, Payson, offers the public the opportunity to pick their own vegetables, melons and other products of the farm. Bring the family and see how food grows, then select your own delicious produce. The farm is open during the harvest season from 10 a.m. to dark seven days a week. For more information or to have the farm pick produce for you, call 801-465-7695.

PLAY PICKLEBALL 54

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, has swept the nation and is growing in popularity internationally. Santaquin has pickleball courts available to the public at Harvest View Sports Complex, 1400 S. Harvest View Drive. In Payson, pickleball courts can be found in Memorial Park, 300 S. Main Street, and at Mt. Nebo Junior High School, 851 W. 450 South.

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HILLMAN RECREATION COMPLEX 56

With multiple baseball fields, softball fields and soccer fields, Gene Hillman Recreation Complex in Payson will be filled with sporting action throughout the summer. Drop by and catch a game, or join a city league and play here! It’s located just east of Payson High School and just south of the Payson Community Pool and Constitution Park.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY 55

Both Payson and Santaquin cities offer libraries for residents where they can not only check out books but also participate in a wide variety of activities ranging from book clubs and children’s storytimes to craft and family game nights. Payson’s library is located at 66 S. Main Street; Santaquin’s library is located at 20 W. 100 South.

ATTEND CITY CELEBRATIONS 57

Several cities located within minutes of Payson and Santaquin have their own city celebrations throughout the summer with many free and fun events. They include:

Springville Art City Days: June 3-10

Genola Town Days: June 15-17

Spanish Fork Fiesta Days: July 7-24

Mapleton Pioneer Days: July 17-22

Salem Days: August 4-12

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101 THINGS TO DO

RESEARCH YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORY 58

The Payson Utah FamilySearch Center and the Santaquin 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. The Payson center is located at 955 W. 450 South and the Santaquin center is located at 45 S. 500 West.

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WESTERN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

JULY 29

Several years ago, two law enforcement officers who like to sing approached Payson City’s events coordinator with an idea to create an evening of music that celebrates the city’s heritage and way of life. The result was the Western Heritage Festival. This event includes country bands and musicians, food and merchandise vendors. The Western Heritage Festival is a wonderful all-day event full of Western culture and activities.

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PAYSON LAKES 60

About 11 miles up Payson Canyon are McClelland Lake, Box Lake and Big East Lake, which are collectively known as Payson Lakes. These lakes offers a huge variety of recreational opportunities ranging from fishing to swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking and more. Big East Lake, the largest of the three lakes, has a walking path, picnic tables and a beach for swimmers to enjoy. All of it happens in the midst of beautiful mountain peaks.

DRY CREEK TRAIL 61

Dry Creek runs through Payson City, and next to it is a paved walking and jogging path known as Dry Creek Trail. The trail is also popular for road biking. It connects several parks, including Jesse Taylor Park, Maples Park, Hidden Cove Park and Dry Mountain Park. Despite its name, Dry Creek has water flowing in it much of the year, and there are wooded areas near the trail in some places. It is considered an easy trail and, despite its popularity, one can enjoy seclusion at certain times of day.

WINCHESTER ESCAPE HOUSE 62

In an escape room, you are immersed in an engaging story where you and your team must solve puzzles and decipher clues to get out of the room before time runs out. The Winchester Escape House at 144 W. Utah Ave., Payson, offers several types of stories for you to experience, from “Pirate Cove” to “Butch Cassidy’s Great Escape,” “Moroni’s Quest” and “Monster Mayhem.” Gather a group of friends or family members and see if you’re up to the challenge!

SOUTH COUNTY LANES 66

Family-owned and -operated South County Lanes offers bowling seven days a week. Reserve a lane online for your family, or get all your closest friends together and book a party! There’s bowling leagues available as well. The fun isn’t limited to bowling; South County Lanes also has a laser tag arena, an arcade, pool tables and a cafe.

DOG PARK 63

Santaquin City offers a selection of parks, including one designed for four-legged furry friends. The dog park at 1783 Sawtooth Blvd. features an enclosed off-leash area, benches and grassy and no-grass areas.

ROWLEY’S RED BARN 64

Built on a family-owned and -operated fruit farm, Rowley’s Red Barn is located on the southern end of Santaquin. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of orchards, the iconic red barn boasts an ice cream counter, fudge and pastry display and specialty packaged foods, including chocolate-covered fruits, popcorn, nuts and fruit butters. Fresh produce varies depending on the season; the possibilities include fresh apples, peaches, cherries, pears and more. The Red Barn is located at 901 S. 300 West, Santaquin.

EXPLORE PAYSON’S HISTORY 65

Several historical markers are scattered within walking distance of each other in Payson’s downtown area. Three of them are found in Memorial Park: the Pioneer Millstone marker, which notes early structures built in the area; the City Hall marker, which includes a bell once rung as a curfew signal for local children; and the Dominguez y Escalante Expedition marker, which commemorates the arrival of a party of Spanish explorers into Utah Valley in 1776. Within half a mile of the park are several other historical markers, including two noting the locations of the corners of the Payson pioneer fort and one located near the Payson City Building which is accompanied by a pioneer log cabin built in 1863.

HARVEST VIEW SPORTS COMPLEX 67

The Harvest View Sports Complex at 1400 S. Harvest View Drive in Santaquin features multiple grassy sports fields as well as high-quality lighting for nighttime games. There’s also multiple pickleball courts and restrooms, all with a beautiful view of the nearby mountain peaks. It’s a perfect place to spend a warm summer evening watching the game or even playing in one.

SPRING LAKE TROUT FARM 68

At Spring Lake Trout Farm, you can enjoy yearround fishing. Cost is $8.50 per pound, and that includes all the equipment and bait you need. They’ll even clean and fillet the fish at no extra charge. Catch and release is also available, and groups can schedule times to fish together. Spring Lake Trout Farm is located at 3409 W. 12300 South in Payson.

ORCHARD DAYS 69

JULY 29AUGUST 5

Each summer, Santaquin City hosts Orchard Days, a celebration that brings the city’s residents together to celebrate their community’s heritage. Named after the area’s plentiful orchards, the celebration includes many different events for all ages such as the Little Buck-A-Roo Rodeo at the Santaquin Rodeo Arena, a car show, concerts in the park, a movie night, a quilt show and fireworks. The Family Night event offers activities for every member of the family including a children’s parade, food and craft vendors and musical entertainment. For the sports enthusiast, there are a variety of athletic events including the Home Run Derby and a 5K run.

101 THINGS TO DO

ATTEND CITY COUNCIL 72

ORCHARD DAYS RODEO 70

AUGUST 4 & 5

The RMPRA Orchard Days

Rodeo is held on the final two nights of the Orchard Days celebration at the Santaquin Rodeo Arena, 200 S. 400 West. This rodeo is a nine-time winner of the RMPRA Rodeo of the Year award and will feature all your favorite rodeo events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling and bull riding. Tickets can be purchased online and seating is general admission on the lawn beside the arena.

UTAH COUNTY FAIR 71

AUGUST 3 - 5

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. Enjoy a meal or snack 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 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed to help conduct fair events; visit the fair website to sign up.

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 Payson City Council meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Payson City Building, 439 W. Utah Ave. Santaquin City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the Santaquin City Offices, 275 W. Main Street.

SALMON SUPPER 73

AUGUST 4

Each year, thousands of people converge on Payson’s Memorial Park with one goal: eat salmon. The Payson Salmon Supper is a long-standing tradition that began in 1954 after a local church leader visited Alaska and brought back salmon for a small church event. The event continued annually, attracting more people each year. Eventually, it became a fundraiser for the leader’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ward. When the event became too popular to manage, church leaders asked Payson City officials to take charge of it. Now, the city buys nearly 5,000 pounds of farm-fed salmon from a company in Alaska and volunteers cook the fish over large open-air grills using apple or cherry wood for fuel. The dinner also features corn on the cob, baked potatoes and salad. All the money raised goes to benefit the city’s parks and events. Get tickets early; this event sells out.

SANTAQUIN

101 THINGS TO DO

RUNTASTIC MT. NEBO RUN 74

AUGUST 26

The Runtastic Mt. Nebo run will have you cruising along the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway down Payson Canyon. Running down this canyon allows you to enjoy peaceful surroundings along with panoramic mountain and valley views. The race begins at Payson Memorial Park, 250 S. Main. The event offers different race lengths: marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K.

LICENSE YOUR PET 75

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, scan the QR code.

GOLDEN ONION DAYS 76

AUG.

31

- SEPT. 4

Payson City’s annual celebration

Golden Onion Days is held each year on Labor Day weekend and includes events such as concerts, a carnival, a baby contest, a car show, 5K and 10K races, a parade, fireworks, food, and merchandise vendors. This annual celebration was first held in 1929 as an opportunity for residents and former residents to renew old friendships and make new ones. Originally known as the Onion Harvest and Homecoming, the event honored Payson’s status as an agricultural district and outstanding producer of onions. The celebration was later renamed Payson City Golden Onion Days, and that is the name that remains to this day.

NEBO PHILHARMONIC 77

IN PAYSON & SANTAQUIN

CENTENNIAL PARK 78

Santaquin’s Centennial Park is a great place to spend an afternoon or even all day outside. There’s playground equipment, a sand volleyball pit, a basketball court, open grassy areas and restrooms. A pavilion on site may be used if not already reserved (reservations can be made on the city website). The park is located at 300 W. 100 South.

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. Don’t play an instrument? Check out the website for information on upcoming performances.

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9/11 SUPERHERO 5K RUN 79

SEPTEMBER 9

Join in this celebration of the freedoms provided by those who have gone before us. The 9/11 Superhero 5K & 1 Mile Run will begin at Sunset Trails Park, 729 Sunset Drive, Santaquin. The 5K will be runners/walkers only and will be timed. The 1-mile run will not be timed and participants can run, walk, roller blade or use a scooter (no motorized bikes).

PAYSON COMMUNITY THEATRE 80

Each year around Labor Day, Payson Community Theatre presents a major musical production cast with local talent. Residents are invited to audition to be part of the show and attend to watch a production presented by this celebrated theatrical organization. This summer, PCT will present “Annie Get Your Gun,” a musical known for the hit song “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”

WEST MOUNTAIN FARMERS MARKET 81

SEPTEMBER 9

Local fruits and vegetables and homemade foods like salsas and breads will be offered at the West Mountain Farmers Market. The market will be open Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Elderberry Family Farms, 10104 S. 6000 West, Payson. Up to 50 vendors will participate in this sale, so head on down to West Mountain and enjoy! There will also be food trucks and children’s activities. Admission is free.

SUPPORT LOCAL STUDENTS 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.

CORNBELLY’S 83

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.

DONATE TO THOSE IN NEED 84

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.

FIELD OF FRIGHT 87

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.

CHILDREN’S FARM ACTIVITIES 85

Throughout the month of October, A Country Farm offers a variety of interactive activities specifically designed for children 10 and under. There’s “make it, take it” activities, a pumpkin patch and the “witch’s kitchen” where a non-scary “farm witch” cooks up some fun. Children can see and feed animals such as cows, pigs, geese, chickens and goats. Admission is free; some activities have a small fee to participate. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to dark seven days a week in October. Hay rides are offered on the weekends. A Country Farm is located at 4058 W. 9600 South, Payson.

PAYSON QUILT SHOW 86

Each year, beautiful quilts are exhibited at the Peteetneet Museum, 10 N. 600 East, Payson, as part of the Payson Quilt Show. Quilters of all ages are invited to submit their works to be part of this show. A variety of activities are offered during show week, including the Mystery Quilt Dinner, the Quilt Walk and Breakfast, the Quilter’s Yard Sale and quilting demonstrations and classes. The show is free to view, but there is a small fee for those who want to enter their quilts.

ROWLEY’S FALL FESTIVAL 88

Rowley’s in Santaquin offers its Fall Festival, including wagon rides to the “Back Forty,” from late September through October. A tractor-pulled wagon ride through the fruit farm takes visitors to the Back Forty area where they can enjoy a 10-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch and a large play area with apple cannons, a corn pit, zip lines, pedal tractor racing and more. Fall doesn’t get more fun than this. The Red Barn is located at 901 S. 300 West, Santaquin.

BIG BAND CONCERT 89

OCTOBER 27

Payson City offers its annual Big Band Concert at the Peteetneet Museum, 10 N. 600 East. Costumes are encouraged! This is a fun, family friendly event featuring a live band.

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 oneday event featuring speakers with expertise in business and related topics. It also 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.

101 THINGS TO DO

SANTAQUIN TRUNK-OR-TREAT 91

OCTOBER 31

Each year on Halloween day, Santaquin offers a trunk-or-treat event in Centennial Park, 300 W. 100 South. Local businesses as well as residents are invited to participate by handing out treats. Children can come in their Halloween costumes and collect candy. All are invited to come and have a great time! This year’s truck-or-treat will be held at 4 p.m. on Oct. 31.

SPOOKY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM 92

Each October, as part of the Halloween season, Santaquin’s Chieftain Museum presents its Spooky Night at the Museum event. All are invited to don their spookiest costumes and and walk through the museum where they can enjoy Halloween decor and collect treats and prizes. Visitors then exit through the Senior Center where games can be played and concessions purchased. The museum is located at 100 W. 100 South. For this year’s dates and to register to attend, visit santaquin.org.

NEBO HOLIDAY CHORUS 93

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. The auditions will be held in October; visit the NHCO website for more details.

TOYS FOR TOTS NOVEMBER 4 94

The Kingdom of Artemisia, a branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism, will host its Toys for Tots/Queens Prize event from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Peteetneet Museum, 10 N. 600 East, Payson. Artisans from the group will bring their handiwork to show and will also be collecting new toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive. A lunch will be available for purchase.

VOTE ON ELECTION DAY 95

NOVEMBER 7

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. All the information you need to register, know 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..

101 THINGS TO DO

SANTA DASH

NOVEMBER 24 96

The annual Santa Dash will have you running through the heart of Payson. The dash is a 1-mile run/walk that ends at Peteetneet Museum where participants can enjoy hot chocolate and a doughnut and sing Christmas carols while waiting for the Christmas lights to be turned on. Running outdoors in December not your thing? Come and enjoy the Christmas lighting. The dash begins at 4 p.m.; entry fee is $8. The first 100 people receive a Santa hat.

PETEETNEET CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE 97

DECEMBER 1 & 2

The Peteetneet Christmas Boutique will be held Dec. 1 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Peteetneet Museum, 10 N. 600 East, Payson. Come and see the Peteetneet Museum decorated in all its Christmas glory and shop at vendors set up in various rooms throughout the building. The annual miniature train show will be on display and there will be entertainment in the auditorium. Don’t forget to pick up a delicious treat before you leave. Admission is free.

PAYSON COMMUNITY CRECHE 98

The Payson Community Creche is an annual event that includes a live Nativity scene as well as musical performances and a display of many tabletop Nativity scenes. The events happen at various locations; check the Facebook page for details.

HOLLY DAYS 99

In early December, Santaquin presents a two-day event known as Holly Days. These days are full of activities such as a 5K run, live entertainment, outdoor carriage rides, a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks. Of course, Santa will make an appearance as well. Check the city website for details.

STADIUM CINEMAS 100

Watching movies at home is fine, but there’s nothing like actually going to the movie theater and watching a flick with a giant tub of popcorn. It’s all about the experience, and Stadium Cinemas in Payson offers it every day. You can even rent an entire theater and enjoy the show with dozens of your closest friends!

RED NOSE RANCH 101

Red Nose Ranch is one of Utah’s newest and most unique Christmas destinations. Located at 4728 W. 12240 South, Payson, the ranch offers a variety of activities in December, including an entertaining wagon ride featuring audio narration of the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer story with music, lights and scenery. Characters on horseback interact with visitors during the wagon ride. Following the ride, visitors can enjoy a festive Christmas barn with a petting zoo, concessions, hot cocoa, fire pits, games and more. The farm also offers fresh-cut Christmas trees for sale.

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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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Gabe

& Rosemarie Dunn

Jesse & Katelyn Parent EST. 2008