101 Things to Do in Payson & Santaquin

2016-2023

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 opportunities are also readily available.

With both cities lying adjacent to the Wasatch Mountains, many trails and camping locations are accessible to residents within minutes of home, as are fishing opportunities and other fun water activities.

Within this magazine are 101 ideas of activities, locations, programs and more you can participate in and enjoy during 2024.

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.

MARCH 8

1 SANTAQUIN MASQUERADE BALL FEE

The Santaquin Masquerade Ball will be held Friday, March 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Santaquin City Hall, 100 S. Center Street, for ages 18 and older. Those attending are encouraged to wear their finest, including a masquerade mask. Tickets are $20 per couple and $10 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at https://santaquin.activityreg.com.

MARCH 22-30

Payson Community Theatre will present the comedy “Charley’s Aunt” March 22 through 30 in the Payson Junior High School Cafetorium, 1025 S. Hwy. 198, Payson. Join Charley’s aunt from Brazil as she chaperones her nephew and friends while they court some lovely ladies. Hilarity will be forthcoming! Tickets to this show may be purchased online.

2 PLAY: ‘CHARLEY’S AUNT’ TICKETED

4 TEEN FLASHLIGHT HUNT MARCH 29

This event for ages 13 through 18 puts a new spin on the traditional egg hunt. The fourth annual Teen Flashlight Hunt 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. There will be activities after the hunt.

3 ‘LAMB OF GOD’

MARCH 30 & 31

Rob Gardner’s Easter oratorio “Lamb of God” will be presented by the newly formed South Canyons Chorus and Orchestra on March 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. in the Payson High School Auditorium, 1050 S. Main Street, Payson. Admission is free. This musical presentation tells of the last week of the Savior’s mortal ministry. It features soloists and a full orchestra and choir. It will be conducted by Kameron Kavanaugh.

5 GOOD FRIDAY CONCERT

MARCH 29

The Payson Civic Chorale will present its Good Friday Concert on Friday, March 29, in the Multi Stake Building, 352 N. 900 East, Provo. Admission is free. As of this magazine’s printing, a time had not been set; visit the Payson Civic Chorale website or scan the QR code for more information.

6 EASTER EGG HUNTS

MARCH 30

Payson and Santaquin cities both offer Easter Egg Hunts as part of the spring season. Both will be held on March 30 this year. Grab your baskets and go on the hunt at these popular free events!

The Santaquin Great Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 30, at 9 a.m. at the Santaquin Baseball Fields. There will also be activities such as an obstacle course, a bonnet contest and more.

The Payson Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Hillman Softball Complex, 955 S. Main, Payson, on Saturday, March 30, at 10 a.m. Children will have an egg-cellent time gathering filled eggs.

7 EASTER SUNRISE CONCERT

MARCH 31

The 2024 Easter Sunrise Concert, featuring the Hawthorne House Chorale with Benjamin K. Winkler conducting, will be held Sunday, March 31, from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at Peteetneet Auditorium, 10 N. 600 East, Payson. Admission is free.

8 JOIN THE YOUTH CITY COUNCIL

Both Santaquin and Payson offer this opportunity to 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.

9 ARBOR DAY CEREMONY

APRIL 25

10 MUSICAL: ‘ALL SHOOK UP’

APRIL 25-29

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.

Salem Hills High School will present “All Shook Up, a musical comedy inspired by the music of Elvis Presley, April 25 through 29 in the Salem Hills High School Auditorium, 150 Skyhawk Blvd., Salem. Set in 1955, the show tells the story of a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets. It includes classics such as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” This is a family show appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at www.skyhawk.theater.

11 PLAY DISC GOLF

Disc golf courses are available in both Payson and Santaquin. The Payson Canyon Disc Golf Course is wlocated 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.

12 BLOSSOM RUN

APRIL 27

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.

13 SANTAQUIN ART FESTIVAL

APRIL 27

The Santaquin Art Festival will include art booths, live demonstrations, classes for youth and adults and food trucks. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City Hall Multipurpose Room. Admission is free, but some events or activities may have fees to participate. A plein air (painting out of doors) painting event will be held for artists wanting to paint and then participate in a silent auction with their finished work. Categories will be available for youth and adults. A chalk art contest will also be held with youth and adult categories. To register, go to santaquin.activityreg. com.

Payson Santaquin

15 CINCO DE MAYO/ VIVA EL MARIACHI

MAY 3

APRIL 29-MAY 4

14 MUSICAL: ‘THE MUSIC MAN’ TICKETED EVENT

The Payson High School drama department will be presenting the classic musical “The Music Man” April 29 through May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Payson High School Little Theatre, 1050 S. Main Street, Payson.

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.

16 PAYSON PRAYER RUN

MAY 4

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 13.1mile circle around the city; you can run the entire 13.1 miles or run a 10K or 5K course. This is not a race; there is no pressure to compete. Instead, participants are encouraged to pray along the way for the community.

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.

17 PAY IT FORWARD 5K/ 1 MILE CHALLENGE RACE

MAY 11

The purpose of this annual event in Payson is to Pay It Forward in the local community. The community will come together in the morning to run in the 5K/1 mile challenge, and then after the race go to local businesses and give gift cards to those shopping in the businesses.  Let’s all “Pay It Forward” in our community. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. in Memorial park, 300 S. Main, Payson. Register at paysoncityrec.activityreg.com.

18 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES

MAY 27

American Legion Santaquin

Post 84 will hold its annual Memorial Day Program on

Monday, May 27, at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Monument in the Santaquin Cemetery, 100 E. 300 South. The public is invited to attend.

19 PLAY BASKETBALL

Through a grant from the Utah Jazz as well as donations and RAP tax funds, a basketball court was built 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.

20 RILEYS’ ORCHARD & U-PICK GARDEN

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.

MAY 28 -

Ready to hook some summer fun? This camp has it all: expert guidance, a snazzy T-shirt tackle and six classes to make youth into fishing pros. These classes are for youth ages 6 to 13 and will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Theodore Ahlin Park in Santaquin. Cost is $30 per child (incudes T-shirt and tackle). If possible, students should provide their own fishing pole. Those without poles should register for the camp under the special Tuesday or Wednesday Fishing Pole sessions (limited spots available). Register online by scanning the QR code; registration begins at the end of March.

22 PANCAKE BREAKFAST

MAY 27

Each Memorial Day, the Santaquin Fire/EMS Association hosts a pancake breakfast at the city’s Public Safety Building, 275 W. Main Street. This year’s breakfast will be held on May 27 from 7 to 10 a.m. Money raised benefits the city’s fire and EMS department.

23 FAMILY FITNESS DAY

JUNE 8

Santaquin Recreation will present its Family Fitness Day on June 8 in Centennial Park, 300 W. 100 South, Santaquin. There will be a 5K and a 1-mile race along with a variety of family activities. For more information, check the Santaquin Recreation page.

24 FREE FISHING DAY

JUNE 8

25 GLADSTAN GOLF COURSE

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.

Saturday, June 8, is free fishing day in Utah. On this one day, everyone in Utah can fish for free — just remember that all of the state’s other fishing laws and rules still apply. If you want to explore your fishing options within the state, check out the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website. There’s an amazing amount of information there that will help you figure out where to go, what equipment you will need and how to get started.

26 JOIN THE SENIOR CITIZENS

Interested in a painting or woodcarving class, a fitness 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 110 S. Center Street (801-754-1700).

Payson Santaquin

27 VISIT THE PAYSON TEMPLE

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.

28 HOMETOWN MARKET & SOUNDS OF SANTAQUIN

The Santaquin Hometown Market & Sounds of Santaquin will be held on two Mondays per month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. beginning June 24 and continuing through September. Held at Centennial Park, 300 W. 100 South, Santaquin, these events will include local vendor booths and family-oriented activities. Live music will be presented from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The musical artists who will be participating are as follows:

June 24: 23rd Army Band

July 8: The Tri Chevy’s

July 22: Lincoln Highway

Aug. 12: Jerry Hardman

Aug. 26: Steven Halliday

Sept. 16: Mariachi Band

Sept. 30: Luau

29 PHOTO CONTEST

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 10mile radius of the Santaquin City limits. For complete submission rules and deadlines, scan the QR code.

JUNE 24, JULY 29 & AUGUST 26

Santaquin City will offer several outdoor movies in the park this summer at Centennial Park, 300 W. 100 South, Santaquin. All the movies will begin at dusk (around 9 p.m.) and admission is free. The movies will be shown on June 24, July 29 and Aug. 26.

This photo by Vanessa Wallace was the overall winner for 2023 in the Santaquin Photo Contest.

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.

32 LINCOLN BEACH

34 PAYSON CANYON CAMPGROUNDS

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.

While this 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.

33 UTAH VALLEY PARADE

JUNE 6-22

Some of Utah Valley’s most beautiful homes will be on display as part of the 2024 Utah Valley Parade of Homes set for June 6-22. 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.

• 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.

35 GO ON A TREASURE HUNT

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. Rise early on a Saturday morning and start combing your local neighborhoods for unexpected finds. Don’t miss out! Or, hold your own sale and turn your unwanted goods into cash.

36 THEODORE AHLIN PARK

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.

37 CAMP MAPLE DELL

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.

38 ‘HERE COMES THE SUN’ ROCK FESTIVAL

JUNE 28 & 29

The “Here Comes the Sun” Rock Festival will be presented on Friday, June 28, from 2:30 to 9:45 p.m. and Saturday, June 29, 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.

39 GROTTO FALLS TRAIL

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.

40 LEARN ABOUT LOCAL HISTORY

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.

Originally Peteetneet Academy, this 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.

42 PAYSON CITY BAND

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 the week of the 4th of July 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.

43 CITY RECREATION PROGRAMS

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.

44 FOREBAY AREA

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.

45 JOIN CERT

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 801-754-1940.

Payson Santaquin

FEE ENTRY/ REGISTRATION FEE OPEN TO ADULTS!

Payson Santaquin

Beginning at the edge of Payson, the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway, also known as the Nebo Loop, 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.

47

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.

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.

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.

50 HIKE TO THE PAYSON ‘P’

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.

51 HOLLOW PARK TRAIL

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.

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; these two blocks will be closed to traffic through mid-June for extensive infrastructure repairs and improvements as well as cosmetic upgrades to the downtown area. During this time, street parking will be open on Utah Avenue as well as in a few locations behind the Main Street businesses.

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.

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.

55 PAYSON POOL

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.

56 PLAY PICKLEBALL

58 A COUNTRY FARM

A Country Farm is a small working farm in Payson that offers a fun fall destination featuring a pumpkin patch, farm field trips and a farm fresh market each year from Oct. 1 through 31. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hayrides, a petting zoo, a straw maze, make it/take it crafts and more. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; admission is free and activities cost between 50 cents and $5 per person. The market includes items such as pumpkins, winter squash, gourds, seasonal decor, sunflower heads and raw honey.

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.

57 DOG PARK

Take Rover to the Dog Park! 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.

59 CHIEFTAIN MUSEUM

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.

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 story times 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.

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.

Payson Santaquin

62 CITY CELEBRATIONS

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 1-8

Genola Town Days: June 20-22

Spanish Fork Fiesta Days: July 15-24

Mapleton Pioneer Days: July 13-20

Salem Days: August 2-10

64 DRY CREEK TRAIL

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.

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

65 PAYSON LAKES

FEE

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.

Payson Santaquin

66 ROWLEY’S RED BARN

67 WINCHESTER ESCAPE HOUSE

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!

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.

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.

69 SANTAQUIN ORCHARD DAYS

JULY 27-AUGUST 3

FUN

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.

71 ORCHARD DAYS RODEO

AUGUST 2 & 3

70 HARVEST VIEW SPORTS COMPLEX

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.

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 has won 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.

72 SOUTH COUNTY LANES

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 snack bar and grill.

73 UTAH COUNTY FAIR

AUGUST 1-3

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 2024 fair will be held Aug. 1, 2 and 3 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, 475 S. Main, Spanish Fork. Volunteers are needed to help conduct fair events; visit the fair website to sign up.

75 SPRING LAKE TROUT FARM

At Spring Lake Trout Farm, you can enjoy year-round 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.

76 PAYSON SALMON SUPPER

AUGUST 2

74 ATTEND A CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Payson Santaquin FUN

FEE ENTRY/ REGISTRATION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! FUN

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. The event’s souvenir booth will return this year, and there will be entertainment throughout the evening. All the money raised goes to benefit the city’s parks and events. Tickets go on sale June 3. Get tickets early; this event sells out.

77 LICENSE YOUR PET

78 CENTENNIAL PARK

FUN

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 and have a current rabies vaccination. You are required to license your pet within 30 days of acquiring the new animal or moving into Utah County. To see a list of these licensing clinics and register to participate, visit the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter webpage.

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.

79 GOLDEN ONION DAYS

AUGUST 2

81 JOIN A COMMUNITY SYMPHONY

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.

80 MUSICAL: ‘THE SECRET GARDEN’

AUGUST 22SEPTEMBER 3

Payson Community Theatre will present the musical “The Secret Garden” Aug. 22 through Sept. 3 in the Payson High School Auditorium, 1050 S. Main, Payson. This production is a musical version of the famous novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Tickets may be purchased online.

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. 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.

82 HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

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.

SEPTEMBER 21

Payson City’s fifth annual Latino cultural celebration, Festival Latino de Payson, will be held Saturday, Sept 21. This will be a free event for the community and will feature local musicians and dancers from many Latin American countries. The festival will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 9 p.m. at the Peteetneet Amphitheatre, 10 N. 600 East, Payson. There will be food and merchandise vendors at the event as well.

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.

85 RED BARN FALL FESTIVAL

Rowley’s Red Barn 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.

87 PAYSON QUILT SHOW

SEPTEMBER 23-28

86 A COUNTY FARM

Throughout the month of October, A Country Farm offers a variety of interactive activities designed for children. 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 7 p.m. seven days a week in October. Hay rides are also offered (reservations can be made). A Country Farm is located at 4058 W. 9600 South, Payson.

Every fall, 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 such as 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.

88 APPLE HARVEST RUN OCTOBER 5

FEE

This race will have participants running through Santaquin orchards during harvest time. The Apple Harvest Run is conducted on a hard-packed dirt road in apple and cherry orchards near Rowley’s Red Barn, and it kicks off their fall festival and Harvest Days. Participants can select a 1-mile, a 5K or a 10K race. Registration may be done online by scanning the QR code.

90 SPOOKY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

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, scan the QR code.

Local

South in Spanish Fork

food

families in the south county area. Tabitha’s Way accepts donations of food, and you can participate in a number of ways: through participating in a church, school or community food drive; by donating as an individual or family; by organizing a food drive for your organization or company; or by conducting a virtual food drive and raising 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.

91 BIG BAND CONCERT OCTOBER 25

Payson City will host its annual Big Band Concert on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p..m. at the Peteetneet Museum, 10 N. 600 East. Come in costume and dance the night away while listening to a live big band. Admission is free. This is a fun family event.

In

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. 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.

to hand out candy; to sign up, contact

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 or-

chestra 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.

NOVEMBER 2

The Santaquin Hoedown Dance will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, at Santaquin City Hall, 100 S. Center Street, for ages 18 and older. Tickets are $20 per couple and $10 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at https://santaquin. activityreg.com.

NOVEMBER 29

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.

The Peteetneet Christmas Boutique will be held Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, 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.

98 A NIGHT ON BROADWAY

NOVEMBER 29DECEMBER 3

Payson Community Theatre will present performances of “A Night on Broadway” Nov. 29 through Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Payson High School Auditorium, 1050 S. Main, Payson. Tickets may be purchased online.

99 PAYSON COMMUNITY CRECHE

DECEMBER 6 & 7

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. In 2023, nearly 1,000 Nativity scenes were on display! The events happen at various locations; check the Facebook page for details.

100 GO TO THE MOVIE THEATER

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!

101 CELEBRATE AT HOLLY DAYS

In early December, Santaquin presents a two-day event known as Holly Days. These days are full of activities such as live entertainment, craft and goodie booths, outdoor carriage rides, carolers, a drone show, reindeer and visits with Santa himself. Check the city website for details.

2024 UTAH COUNTY FAIR

JULY 31 - AUGUST 3

“Footloose at the Fair”

FAIR LOCATION

Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, 475 S. Main, Spanish Fork

FAIR HOURS

Wednesday, July 31: 5 to 10 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 1: 2 to 10 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: Noon to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 3: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

ADMISSION

Admission into the fair is free!

FAIR ACTIVITIES

Tickets required:

Demolition Derby

Monster Trucks

Free Admission:

Western Night Rodeo

Kids Games

Large Inflatables

Family Fun Stage

Main Stage Entertainment

Kids Pony Rides

Scales & Tails Shows

LEGO Display

Antique Tractor Pull

Makers Market

Food Vendors

Open Ranch Versatility Show

Car Show

OPEN CLASS

Enter your garden produce or handmade creations into this year’s Utah County Fair! Open Class is open to entries that have been completed in the last year by residents of Utah County. There is no fee to enter items into Open Class. Categories are: Fruits & Vegetables, Floriculture, Foods, Clothing, Needlework & Quilting, Handicraft & Hobby, Fine Art and Photography. There is also a category for people with disabilities. For full rules and more information on how to enter, visit utahcountyfair.org.

FAIR SPONSORSHIPS

Sponsors for fair events and activities are currently being sought. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, send an email to info@utahcountyfair.org.

TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE JUNE 1 AT 8 A.M. FOR: • Demolition Derby • Monster Trucks • “Footloose”Themed Concert

Purchase tickets at sfcitytix.com

VOLUNTEERS

The fair is run through the help of hundreds of volunteers. These volunteers help with everything from arena ushering and ticket taking to kids games, open class setup and cleanup, and general fairground operations.

To view fair volunteer opportunities and schedules, scan the QR code.