All across the valley: Cities continue summer celebrations throughout Utah County | News, Sports, Jobs

By Rock Withers Last updated Jun 12, 2022

A balloon pilot prepares to give tethered rides to the families attending the Springville Balloon Fest on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Attendees ride the Vertigo at the Saratoga Springs Splash Days Carnival on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Sadie Loveless competes in the hot dog eating contest during Orem’s Summerfest on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Loveless has won four consecutive competitions.

Children hold signs with positive messages at the Cedar Hills Family Festival parade on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Dee Jones polishes his vintage Mustang on display at the Saratoga Springs Splash Days Carnival on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Lauren Burton enjoys time in the petting zoo during the Elk Ridge Days celebration on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Spanish Fork’s Judd Austin competes in tie-down roping during the last day of Eagle Mountain’s Pony Express Days rodeo on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

A little girl excitedly walked in her circus attire in the Elk Ridge City Celebration parade on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Children were able to meet-and-greet with their favorite characters, including Elsa and Anna from Disney’s “Frozen” on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Red, white and blue themed balloons fly at the Springville Balloon Fest on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Face painting volunteer Kenzli Packer at the Springville Balloon Fest made Caeli Lynch’s day with a cute cheek design.

Kelcie Hartley, Daily Herald

A balloon pilot prepares to give tethered rides to the families attending the Springville Balloon Fest on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Every city in Utah County brings its own flair. Whether they have six-digit populations, like Provo, or around 4,000 residents like Elk Ridge, people look forward to summer celebrations and their unique fun.

Springville hosted its Art City Days from June 4 until June 11. Art City Days week was kicked off with the 5k family color run and ended with a presentation of “Into the Woods” at the Springville Playhouse. The week was filled with other activities such as a rodeo, outdoor movies, parade, car show, carnival, balloon fest and much more. Springville is known as the Art City due to its early development of the arts, and each event recognizes the arts in its own way.

For the 73rd year, Orem residents had the opportunity to gather for fun in the sun during the annual Summerfest celebration. The week brought attendees through all of the classics — the celebration began with the Monday Kick-Off Party and ended with the spectacular fireworks.

Nestled right in the middle, though, on the City Center stage, what an opportunity for glory. Dressed and prepared were 150 hot dogs for the annual hot dog eating competition. Standing in the middle of the pack was Sadie Loveless, looking to repeat her title from 2021… and 2019… and 2018. The only thing standing in Loveless’ way for a five-peat was the cancellation of 2020’s Sumfest.

And, like clockwork, Loveless finished her offerings with five minutes left on the clock — the only finisher in the bunch. “It feels good. I would be sad if I didn’t win,” Loveless laughed. “I like winning.”

Ashtyn Asay, Daily Herald

Attendees ride the Vertigo at the Saratoga Springs Splash Days Carnival on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

The Cedar Hills Family Days Parade dazzled onlookers today with glittering floats, charming musical and dance performances, and of course, plenty of candy. Creatively decorated floats celebrating Cedar Hills businesses, schools, religious organizations city services, and local candidates running for office wound from Deerfield Elementary School to Cedar Ridge Elementary school beginning at 10 am

Dayna Gillespie, a resident of Pleasant Grove, came to the parade to support her grandson, who marched in the parade representing Lone Peak High School. Although this was her first time attending the Cedar Hills Family Days Parade, Gillespie had a lot of fun at the event.

“I loved it, it was my first parade for this season,” she said.

Every year in June, Elk Ridge hosts its city celebration for the entire community to enjoy. This year’s Friday celebration began with a parade filled with Elk Ridge city council members, police officers, firemen and everyday citizens. Decorated cars and floats drove by as passengers threw candy into the crowd.

After the parade, friends and families gathered at Schuler Park for dinner and carnival fun. Children ran around playing in bouncy houses, petting zoos and carnival games. The celebration concluded with a dusk showing of “Bad Guys” at the park. Families huddled together on picnic blankets and folding chairs while enjoying movie snacks.

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

Sadie Loveless competes in the hot dog eating contest during Orem’s Summerfest on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Loveless has won four consecutive competitions.

Despite the 90-degree weather, Saratoga Springs residents still turned up to enjoy the excitement of the Saratoga Springs Splash Days Carnival today at Neptune Park. This year’s carnival featured thrilling rides, handmade crafts, and treats from local businesses, a car show showing unique vintage models, live music, and more.

Jefferey Redford, a resident of Saratoga Springs, has attended Splash Days events every year. Even with the heat, this year’s carnival with his expectations for the event.

“It’s exactly what I expect,” he said. “It’s hot, but it’s a nice community experience.”

Also on the west side of the county, Eagle Mountain residents celebrated Pony Express Days. While most cities keep their celebrations to a single day or week, Pony Express Days kicked off on June 1 and stretched until Saturday.

The first week residents brought together for the annual carnival and parade, along with a viewing of “Paw Patrol The Movie.” The second week had the high-flying acts. The June 4 demolition derby and Thursday-Saturday rodeo dazzled residents and visitors from across the west.