Utah Valley Announces 2012 Festivals and Events Schedule

PROVO, Utah, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau (UVCVB) has announced its 2012 event lineup for festivals and recreational activities. With many new and returning events, spring and summer of 2012 in Utah Valley are packed with a wide variety of attractions for those living in or visiting Utah Valley.

"2012 marks another exciting year for the Utah Valley tourism industry, and we are pleased to welcome The Beach Boys to the Stadium of Fire in July," said Joel Racker, President and CEO of UVCVB. "Spring marks the beginning of our festival & events season throughout Utah Valley and we invite everyone to plan a visit and enjoy all that Utah Valley has to offer during this year's exciting festival season."

Upcoming events include the annual Strawberry Days & Rodeo in Pleasant Grove, Scottish Festival at Thanksgiving Point, the Bluebird Cafe Series at Robert Redford's Sundance Resort, Princess Festival, the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival and more.

"Sundance, along with the UVCVB, is committed to creating dynamic and significant experiences for Utah Valley residents and visitors, their voices and ideas," said Lucy Ridolphi, Marketing and PR Manager for Sundance Resort. "Our cultural activities exemplify this commitment. Whether it's enjoying this year's summer theatre performance of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,' concerts performed by singer/songwriters from Nashville's famed Bluebird Cafe or an afternoon discussion by a best-selling author at the Sundance Author Series, this intimate Resort offers something for everyone. Sundance is the perfect escape, only a moment away but a world apart."

UVCVB research shows that one in three Utah Valley visitors come to visit family and friends. Because of this finding, event planning continues to emphasize strong family-friendly activities. Year-round family activities are held at Thanksgiving Point, SCERA Theater, the Covey Center for the Arts and Springville Museum of Art.

"Utah Valley truly holds activities for everyone," Racker continued. "The UVCVB is pleased to be a source of information for Utah Valley and our many annual events.  The UVCVB will continue to work with local communities to provide the best activities Utah Valley has to offer."

For the most up-to-date information on deals, packages, events and festivals in Utah Valley or to book a room, visit www.UtahValleyFestivals.com or contact the UVCVB at 1-888-377-UTAH (8824).

The 2012 Festivals and Events Schedule includes:

April 2012
Tulip Festival [April 13-28] Visit Thanksgiving Point Gardens and embrace spring with 250,000 tulips featuring nearly 100 different varieties. The 55-acres European style garden includes 15 separate themed gardens all accented by the second largest manmade waterfall in the Western Hemisphere.

MAY 2012
Sundance Author Series [May 19] Enjoy brunch and a discussion with Ann Packer, author of Swim Back to Me and the author of The New York Times bestsellers, Songs without Words and The Dive from Clausen's Pier.

Lamb & Wool Festival [May 19] Every spring, Farm Country demonstrates the centuries-old tradition of sheep shearing. Come see sheep dog demonstrations, duck herding, sheep shearing, wool crafts and many more cultural traditions at Thanksgiving Point.

Pony Express Days [May 25 - June 2] Take a helicopter ride, see a PRCA rodeo, Demolition Derby, and experience the carnival, all during Pony Express Days.

Civil War Encampment [May 26-28] Come experience Civil War reenactments, storytelling, stagecoach rides and cannon demonstrations performed by soldiers of Johnston's Army at Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum.

JUNE 2012
Utah Lake Festival & Free Fishing Day in Utah [June 2] Come for educational activities about the value and ecosystem of Utah Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Utah. Entertainment includes a fishing tournament and clinic, children's activities and a sailboat regatta.

Art City Days in Springville [June 2 - 9] Family fun includes a parade, Dutch oven cook-off, hot air balloons, carnival, craft fair and fireworks.

SCERA presents "Wizard of Oz" [June 8 - 23] Sit under the stars as you enjoy SCERA's outdoor production of Wizard of Oz, the musical.

Orem Summerfest [June 8 - 9] Celebrate summer with children's crafts at the park, concerts, fair booths, an evening parade, carnival and fireworks.

Utah Scottish Festival and Highland Games [June 8 -9] Watch Highland Dancing, listen in on famous piping and drumming competitions, or catch a performance of Molly's Revenge or the Wicked Tinkers. And don't miss the Clan Circle where you will find clan history, photos of clan events, members, and other historical information.

Utah Valley Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K [June 9] Take in spectacular views of cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains and the Provo River.

Strawberry Days in Pleasant Grove [June 17 - 24] Savor fresh strawberries while taking in an old-fashioned rodeo, carnival, concert in the park, craft fair and parade.

Princess Festival [June 19 -30] The Princess Festival is the ultimate Princess experience. Being a Princess is more than glitter and ribbons - a true Princess knows how to make a difference in the world.

Lehi Roundup [June 23 - 30] Get roped into all the fun with a three-day rodeo, cowboy poetry, horseshoe tournament, parades and more.

Sundance Resort presents the Utah Symphony [June 29] Surround yourself with awe-inspiring mountain views and scenery as you listen to the talented Utah Symphony.

Farmers Markets [June - October] Enjoy locally grown produce and handmade crafts at the Provo Farmers Market [June - October], Pleasant Grove Promenade [July - September], Spanish Fork Farmers Market [August - October], Thanksgiving Point Farmers Market [August - September] and more.

JULY 2012
Freedom Days [July 2 - 4] Freedom Days showcases some of the region's finest specialty products, fun hands-on activities, local entertainment, carnival rides and unique foods.

Summer Nights Band Concerts [July 1 – September 1] Every Sunday night, for the past 104 years, Payson Memorial Park presents their annual summer band concert series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend your Sunday summer evenings listening to live music.

Stadium of Fire [July 4] Experience one of the nation's largest 4th of July celebrations and firework productions. The Beach Boys are this year's performers.

Grand Parade [July 4] The largest parade of its kind in Utah celebrates freedom through bands and floats, as well as national and local performers.

American Fork Steel Days [July 14 - 21] Enjoy the grand parade, fireworks, car show, golf tournament, an art and quilt show and a 5K run.

SCERA presents "All Shook Up" [July 6 - 21] Sit under the stars as you enjoy SCERA's outdoor production of All Shook Up, a musical. The music consists of all Elvis songs.

Payson Scottish Festival [July 13 - 14] Dance a Highland jig to the bagpipes and enjoy athletic competitions, activities for children, a parade and traditional ethnic food.

Sundance Resort Bluebird Cafe Series [July 6, 13, 20] In the tradition of storytelling, Sundance and Nashville's Bluebird Cafe bring renowned singers/songwriters to perform their hit songs and tell the stories behind them under the stars at the Sundance Outdoor Amphitheater.

18th Annual Llama Fest [July 14] Come celebrate not only the llama, but also the culture of the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple through food, music, weaving demonstrations, dance and competitions.

Spanish Fork Fiesta Days [July 19-24] Bring the family and celebrate with over four days of fiesta fun. Watch a spectacular parade, children's festival, craft fair, rodeo, fireworks and more.

Springville World Folkfest [July 30 – August 4] Feel the excitement of traditional folk dance and music from around the world.

Sundance Resort Summer Theater [July 23 - August 18] Seven Brides for Seven Brothers will be performed under the stars at the beautiful Sundance Outdoor Amphitheater.

Highland Fling [July 28 – August 4] Highland celebrates with a parade, pancake breakfast, community water fight and other activities.

AUGUST 2012
SCERA presents "Fiddler on the Roof"  [August 3 - 18] Sit under the stars as you enjoy SCERA's outdoor production of Fiddler on the Roof, a musical.

Payson Salmon Supper [August 4] Get ready for an August night of fun and entertainment. Local firefighters cook delicious, fire-grilled fresh Alaskan salmon, baked potatoes, coleslaw and corn on the cob. The bandstand provides entertainment during the Salmon feast. Tickets are limited and are available online.

Lindon Days [August 4 - 11] Enjoy family activities in the city park including a pancake breakfast, parade, golf tournament, open horse show and more.

Alpine City Days [August 10 -11] Community dinner in the park, firefighters breakfast, and a rodeo.

Utah County Fair [August 15 - 18] This year's theme"Meet Me at the Fair" – Activities include Antique Tractor & Powder Puff Pull, a car show, a Demolition Derby, carnival, train exhibit, livestock and horse shows, a Dutch-oven cook-off at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds.

Timpanogos Storytelling Festival [August 30 -September 1] With over 27,000 attendees each year, this is the largest storytelling festival in the West. Enjoy great food, live music, jugglers, mimes and puppeteers — all in a beautiful canyon setting. For ages 8 and up.

Festival Latinoamericano [August 31 - September 1, 3] Transport yourself to a Latin getaway for a night in the heart of downtown Provo. Come to experience a celebration of Latin American culture through pulsing rhythms, vibrant dances, delicious food and colorful costumes.

SEPTEMBER 2012
82nd Payson's Onion Days [September 1 - 3, 5] Come celebrate in one of the biggest Labor Days celebrations in Utah Valley. Enjoy the carnival, food booths, boutique booths, craft fair, biggest onion competition, live entertainment, fireworks and Labor Day parade. Entertainment includes a children's fair, king talent competition and live 60's music band.

Sundance Author Series [May 19] Enjoy brunch and a discussion with Stephanie Nielson, author of Heaven is Here.

2012 Harvest Market [September 29] Sundance celebrates the beauty of the season and the rich cultural heritage of the region with its annual Harvest Market which features musical entertainment, amazing food and a myriad of artistic hand crafted items. The brilliant fall foliage amid the splendor of Mt. Timpanogos provides a beautiful backdrop for this event each year.

Camp Floyd Days [September 1, 3] Visit Camp Floyd / Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum, also a stop on the Historic Pony Express Route, to relive the 1800's camp life and participate in several activities performed by Johnston's Army. This event includes reenactments, storytelling, stagecoach rides, firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, 1861 period games and photos in period uniform.

Labor Day Luau [September 3] Experience the spirit of the more than 290 islands that make up the Polynesian triangle with UVU's Legacy Dance Company. Dancers come from a variety of islands including Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, Tonga, Hawaii and Fiji. Come for great food, leis, tiki torches and the ever-popular fire dancers.

India Fest [September 22] Experience Indian art, cuisine, cultural exhibits, entertainment and fireworks at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork.

Harvest Art Festival [September 28 - 29] The Harvest Festival at Thanksgiving Point includes the Farmer's Market on Friday along with a Quick Draw timed painting and sculpting competition. Enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday along with an Art Market and children's activities. On Saturday, the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers will hold their annual weigh off. 

www.UtahValleyFestivals.com

SOURCE Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau