Local News – Heber Valley Life https://hebervalleylife.com History in the Making Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:52:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://i0.wp.com/hebervalleylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/HVLlogo_2021_Monogram_Color.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Local News – Heber Valley Life https://hebervalleylife.com 32 32 194668774 Transform Your Yard and Save Water This Summer https://hebervalleylife.com/save-water-this-summer/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:52:22 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23927 More water is used in Utah’s residential landscapes than all the indoor home water uses combined!  As the population continues to grow and the water supply becomes less consistent, it’s crucial to lower our outdoor water use.  This doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty.  In fact, water-efficient landscapes can be more stunning and beautiful than traditional lawn-dominant yards.  The key is reducing the amount of grass you have and replacing it with attractive waterwise plants, and there’s an incentive for doing it!  Details can be found at utahwatersavers.com.

Unsure which plants to use in your landscape conversion project?  Check out the following plant lists specific for Utah landscapes:

]]> 23927 Wasatch Coin & History Club Invites Community to Explore Ancient Trade Routes at July Meeting https://hebervalleylife.com/wasatch-coin-history-club-invites-community-to-explore-ancient-trade-routes-at-july-meeting/ Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:58:28 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23910 HEBER VALLEY, Utah — History enthusiasts, coin collectors, and curious community members are invited to attend the next meeting of the Wasatch Coin & History Club on Tuesday, July 28, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wasatch County Public Library.

The meeting will feature a presentation by Club President Mark Avery titled “Ancient Trade Routes: Kingdoms & Coins (Part II – Roman, Bactrian and Chinese Empires along the Silk Road).” The program will explore how coins helped shape commerce and culture across some of history’s most influential civilizations, offering attendees a fascinating look at the role of currency along the legendary Silk Road.

Held in the library’s Back Briefing Room on the main floor (650 E. 1200 South, Heber City), the monthly gathering welcomes collectors of all experience levels—from seasoned numismatists to those simply interested in history.

The Wasatch Coin & History Club focuses on ancient, world, and U.S. coins, tokens, artifacts, and the stories behind them. Attendees are encouraged to bring coins or historical items to share with the group, along with the stories that make them meaningful. Meetings also include prize drawings featuring coins and other collectibles.

The club regularly hosts presentations from members and guest speakers, creating opportunities to learn about numismatics, archaeology, history, and related topics. Meeting facilities include audiovisual equipment and presentation space for speakers.

Everyone is welcome to attend, including families, beginners, and lifelong collectors—”young and young at heart.”

The Wasatch Coin & History Club is supported by several regional and national numismatic businesses, including All About Coins, Coinzio, Freewater Coins, Scotsman Coin & Auctions, Ken Dorney Rare Coins, Forum Coins, Heritage Coin Auctions, Vaughn Rare Coins, and Interesting Coins.

For more information, contact Mark Avery at 615-482-9747 or popsavery1@gmail.com, or Lee McKenzie at leefmck@gmail.com.

Photo by Art Institute of Chicago on Unsplash

]]> 23910 Residents Invited to Explore How Wasatch County Government Works Through Free Citizens Academy https://hebervalleylife.com/residents-invited-to-explore-how-wasatch-county-government-works-through-free-citizens-academy/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:07:29 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23868 Ever wonder how local government really works?

Join our Wasatch Citizens Academy and get an inside look at the departments and people who keep our community running every day. From public works and property taxes to the sheriff’s office and development services, you’ll learn how decisions are made and how services are delivered during this six-session program. This program is free for Wasatch County residents.

The curriculum will include information about development services, which includes planning, zoning, and building; taxes, community services, emergency services, and administrative services, and includes facility tours and meeting with county staff.

Questions? Contact Dan Fillmore at dfillmore@wasatchcounty.gov

2026 Citizens Academy Dates:

July 16: Sheriff’s Office

July 23 & 30: No classes due to Demolition Derby and Rodeo

August 6: Tax Services

August 13:  Administrative Services

August 20: Development Services

August 27: Library and Senior Center

September 3: Parks and Recreation

All sessions begin at 6 p.m. We ask that you only register if you can commit to all six sessions.

Register here

Source https://www.wasatchcounty.gov/

]]> 23868 Old West Futurity Returns to Heber Valley with Million-Dollar Stakes and Western Entertainment https://hebervalleylife.com/old-west-futurity-returns-to-heber-valley-with-million-dollar-stakes-and-western-entertainment/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:16:51 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23843 HEBER VALLEY, Utah — The Old West Futurity is set to return to Heber Valley June 20, bringing some of the nation’s top horse trainers, competitors, owners, and equine athletes to the Wasatch County Event Complex for elite competition and western tradition.

The annual event has become a significant draw for the region, attracting participants and spectators from across the western United States. Organizers expect the week-long competition to generate tourism activity throughout Heber Valley while showcasing the area’s hospitality, recreation opportunities, and western heritage.

The competition will culminate on Saturday, June 20, with the highly anticipated Road to the Million Championship Night. The event will feature the top Pre-Futurity Heading, Heeling, and Breakaway competitors competing for more than $2.5 million in prize money, including the opportunity to earn a coveted $1 million bonus.

Championship Night offers more than just world-class competition. Attendees will also enjoy live performances by acclaimed western entertainers Dave Stamey and Gunnar Latham, creating an evening that blends western sports, music, and family-friendly entertainment.

Gates for the championship event open at 6 p.m., with opening ceremonies scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Wasatch County Event Complex in Heber City.

Tickets are available for $35 for general admission, while children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

For residents and visitors alike, the Old West Futurity offers a unique opportunity to experience the highest levels of western equine competition while supporting an event that continues to bring national attention to Heber Valley’s rich ranching and rodeo traditions.

Additional information and tickets are available through the Old West Futurity website.

]]> 23843 Expanded July 4th Red, White, And Blue Festival to Celebrate America250 In Heber Valley, Utah https://hebervalleylife.com/expanded-july-4th-red-white-and-blue-festival-to-celebrate-america250-in-heber-valley-utah/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:47:53 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23819 HEBER VALLEY, UTAH (June 4, 2026)—In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Heber Valley annual Red, White, and Blue Festival is expanding into a three-day patriotic celebration from July 2–4, 2026, bringing together live music, community traditions, outdoor recreation, art, theater, and family-friendly festivities across the valley.

The festival will feature returning favorites including the Red, White, and Blue Parade, Main-to-Main 5K and 10K races, Freedom Trains aboard the Heber Valley Railroad, Midway’s Small-Town 4th Celebration, and fireworks over Heber Valley. This year also introduces several new events, including 1776 The Musical live production, a community mosaic art project, and a noteworthy tribute band outdoor concert at the park.

“This year’s festival is designed to be more than a Fourth of July event. It’s a celebration of America’s history, our local traditions, and the spirit of small-town patriotism that defines this valley” said Jessica Broadhead, Deputy Director at Heber Valley Tourism, Chamber, and Economic Development, and board member for the Red, White, and Blue Festival non-profit. “With the nation preparing to commemorate America250, we wanted to expand the experience and create something residents and visitors can enjoy across multiple days.”

Festivities begin Thursday, July 2, with the popular Heber Market on Main. On Friday, July 3, festival attendees can enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring American Soldier, a Toby Keith tribute band, at Heber City Main Street Park. Saturday, July 4, delivers a full day of events across the valley, including races, a parade, family activities, art exhibits, live entertainment, family-friendly trains, theatre performances, fireworks, and small-town celebrations in both Heber and Midway.

2026 Red, White, and Blue Festival Schedule of Events

Thursday, July 2

5:00 – 9:00 pm: Heber Market on Main featuring live music, food booths, and local artisans

Friday, July 3

7:00 – 10:00 pm: Free concert highlighting American Soldier, a Toby Keith tribute band

Saturday, July 4

Heber City

6:30 am: Hot air balloon activities at Heber Valley Airport

7:00 am: Main-to-Main 5K and 10K Run/Walk at Heber City Park

8:00 am: Chuckwagon breakfast and flag ceremony at Heber City Park

9:00 am: Red, White, and Blue Parade in Heber City

9:00, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm: Freedom Trains aboard the Heber Valley Railroad

10:00 am – 4:30 pm: Festival vendors and market at Heber City Park

10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Cornhole tournament and family activities at Heber City Park

12:00 – 1:00 pm: Live outdoor concert at Heber City Park

12:00 pm: Free hot dog lunch at Heber City Park

1:30 pm: Pie eating contest at Heber City Park

2:00 pm: 1776 The Musical at Timpanogos Valley Theatre

2:00 pm: Guns vs. Hoses Tug o’ War competition at Heber City Park

2:45 pm: Rootbeer chugging contest at Heber City Park

3:00 pm: Strong Man competition at Heber City Park

Midway

6:00 am: Cannon blast in Midway

7:00 am: Flag ceremony and performances at Midway Town Square

8:00 am: Pancake breakfast at Midway Town Square

8:00 am – 4:00 pm: Wasatch Plein Air Paradise art exhibit at Midway Town Square

8:30 am: Bike parade at Midway Town Square

8:00 – 10:00 pm: Utah Symphony performance at Midway Town Square

10:00 pm: Fireworks from Memorial Hill over the valley

 

The three-day celebration includes traditional small-town festivities and patriotic activities across the valley. Located just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, 50 minutes from Provo Airport, and only 25 minutes from Park City, the Heber Valley continues to position itself as one of Utah’s premier destinations for summer events, outdoor recreation, and family travel. Additional festival details, registrations, and event updates are available at HeberRedWhiteAndBlueFest.com. High-res images of the day’s festivities are available here.

]]> 23819 Heber City Main Street Clean-Up This Saturday June 6 https://hebervalleylife.com/heber-city-main-street-clean-up-this-saturday-june-6/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:11:13 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23787 Main Street Clean-Up Day is scheduled for this Saturday, June 6 from 9 AM to 11 AM. Heber City Public Works has scheduled a street sweeper to clean the gutters along Main Street to prepare for the day.

Please do your part to take a little time this week, or join us on Saturday, to sweep sidewalks, pick up trash, pull weeds, clean windows, and spruce up the area around their storefronts.

Our goal is simple: to encourage downtown business owners to take a little extra pride in their properties and help create a clean, welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike as we head into the busy summer season.

Thank you for helping us keep Main Street looking its best. And pass the information through your network and social channels!

]]> 23787 Wasatch County to Celebrate Grand Opening of First Asphalt Pumptrack https://hebervalleylife.com/wasatch-county-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-first-asphalt-pumptrack/ Fri, 15 May 2026 20:08:04 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23628 Residents and riders of all ages are invited to celebrate the grand opening of Wasatch County’s first asphalt pumptrack on Friday, May 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Southfield Park.

The event is hosted by Wasatch County Parks & Recreation in partnership with Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce, Wasatch Trails Foundation, Wasatch Community Foundation, and Avid Trails.

The new asphalt pumptrack is designed for bikes, scooters, skateboards, and other wheeled sports, creating a fun and accessible space for riders of all skill levels. Community members are encouraged to bring their bikes and experience the new feature firsthand.

Attendees will also have the chance to enter a giveaway to win a Specialized P.3 Dirt Jumper bike.

Event organizers say the evening is all about celebrating community, outdoor recreation, and the addition of a new space for local families and riders to enjoy throughout the season.

The grand opening will take place at Southfield Park on Friday, May 29, from 5–8 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

]]> 23628 Introduction and Ready to Use Resources for Heber https://hebervalleylife.com/introduction-and-ready-to-use-resources-for-heber/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:36:19 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23455

In the Heber Valley, winter still lingers in the landscape, and our yards sit quietly in that in-between season—resting, but not for long. Before buds begin to swell and spring takes hold, this is the ideal time to think ahead and set your landscape up for a healthy, successful growing season.

This month, we’re highlighting timely tips for pruning ornamental trees and sharing details about upcoming free educational landscaping classes at the Wasatch County Library. Whether you’re maintaining a mature yard or dreaming up a new design, this is the season to learn, plan, and prepare for growth.

Monthly landscaping blurb:
“The best time of year to prune ornamental trees is the latter part of winter, while the trees are still dormant and buds have not yet begun to swell.  This causes less stress on the trees, and it’s easy to see the branching patterns without leaves.  Prune out dead and diseased branches, potentially hazardous branches, and crossing or crowded branches to maintain tree health and improve form.  Interested in adding more trees to your yard?  See how you could receive a treebate while participating in the Utah Water Savers landscape incentive program: https://www.utahwatersavers.com/.”

Upcoming Free educational landscaping classes in your area:
Our free educational landscaping classes are available to anyone and any skill level. Throughout the growing season we will invite experts from across academia, professional services, etc. to speak on a variety of topics. Central Utah Water staff will also teach classes that help those who are interested in participating in our rebate/incentive programs ultimately succeed in that endeavor.
Visit the website for the complete class schedule: https://cuwcd.gov/classes.html

Topic: Qualifying for a Landscape Incentive
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Time: 10:30 – 12:00 pm
Location: Wasatch County Library
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/qualifying-for-a-landscape-incentive-tickets-1981452918017

Topic: Localscapes: Creating Your Ideal Utah Yard
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 10:30 – 12:00 pm
Location: Wasatch County Library

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/localscapes-creating-your-ideal-utah-yard-tickets-1981453302166

Topic: Planting Bed Design
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Wasatch County Library
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planting-bed-design-tickets-1981453884909

]]> 23455 Unleash Your Creativity: Join the 2026 Art Emergence Contest! https://hebervalleylife.com/unleash-your-creativity-join-the-2026-art-emergence-contest/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:00:32 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23309 Every year, Wasatch School District in partnership with Heber Valley Life Magazine invites students of all ages to participate in the inspiring Art Emergence Contest. This special event celebrates young artistic talent throughout our community and encourages imagination, skill, and personal expression through visual art.

⭐ Celebrating “The America Story: 250 Years”

The theme for this year’s contest is “The America Story: Celebrating 250 Years.” We’re inviting students in grades K–12 to explore this theme through their artwork — whether that’s through photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, or graphic design. This year celebrates a milestone in our nation’s history and is a great opportunity for young artists to think about what American history, culture, and dreams mean to them.

Who Can Enter?

  • All students in grades K–12

  • Any school within the Wasatch School District

  • Submissions are welcome from all skill levels — from budding young artists to seasoned creatives!

Important Dates

  • Entry Deadline: April 14, 2026
    Make sure your artwork is submitted by this date to be considered!

Entry Categories

Participants can submit their work in the following categories:

  • 📷 Photography

  • 🖌️ Painting

  • ✏️ Drawing

  • 🗿 Sculpture

  • 🎨 Mixed Media / Graphic Design

Whether students prefer traditional art forms or digital exploration, there’s a place for every kind of creative voice.

Why You Should Participate

The Art Emergence Contest is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of youth creativity and community pride. Winners from last year demonstrated such inspiring talent and vision that their work continues to uplift and spark imagination throughout our valley. This year, we hope even more students will take part and let their creativity shine!

Parents, teachers, and community members: you are encouraged to support your young artists by helping them brainstorm, create, and submit their visions. Art strengthens confidence, communication, and critical thinking — and it’s a joy to see our community come together through creative expression.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This contest would not be possible without the generous support of:

  • Wasatch County School District

  • Wasatch CAPS

  • Wasatch Community Foundation

  • Wasatch County Arts Council

  • Heber Valley Life Magazine

Their partnership helps bring this annual celebration of art to life!

📩 Submit Your Artwork

Encourage your student artists to participate and turn their ideas into art! Visit emergence.hebervalleylife.com for details on how to submit entries, view past winners, and learn more about the contest.

Let’s make 2026 the most creative year yet — we can’t wait to see what your young artists imagine!

Da Vida a tu Creatividad: ¡Participa en el Concurso Art Emergence 2026!

Cada año, el Wasatch School District, en colaboración con Heber Valley Life Magazine, invita a estudiantes de todas las edades a participar en el inspirador Art Emergence Contest. Este concurso celebra el talento artístico joven de nuestra comunidad y promueve la imaginación, la creatividad y la expresión personal a través del arte visual.

Nuestra Historia Americana: Celebrando 250 años

El tema de este año es “Nuestra Historia Americana: Celebrando 250 años”, una invitación a que los estudiantes desde kínder hasta grado 12 exploren, interpreten y representen esta importante etapa de la historia de los Estados Unidos desde su propia perspectiva artística.

A través del arte, los estudiantes pueden reflexionar sobre la historia, la cultura, los valores y las historias que han dado forma a nuestra nación durante 250 años.

¿Quiénes Pueden Participar?

  • Todos los estudiantes de grados K–12

  • Escuelas dentro del Wasatch School District

  • Todos los niveles de habilidad son bienvenidos, desde artistas principiantes hasta jóvenes con experiencia

Fechas Importantes

  • Fecha límite de inscripción: 14 de abril de 2026
    Las obras deben enviarse antes de esta fecha para ser consideradas.

Categorías de Participación

Los estudiantes pueden presentar sus obras en las siguientes categorías:

  • 📷 Fotografía

  • 🖌️ Pintura

  • ✏️ Dibujo

  • 🗿 Escultura

  • 🎨 Técnica mixta / Diseño gráfico

Ya sea arte tradicional o digital, este concurso ofrece un espacio para todo tipo de expresión creativa.

¿Por Qué Participar?

El Art Emergence Contest es mucho más que una competencia: es una celebración del talento juvenil y del orgullo comunitario. Los ganadores del año pasado demostraron una creatividad y visión extraordinarias, y sus obras continúan inspirando a nuestra comunidad.

Este año, invitamos a aún más estudiantes a participar y compartir su talento. Padres, maestros y miembros de la comunidad están invitados a apoyar a los jóvenes artistas ayudándolos a crear, soñar y enviar sus obras. El arte fortalece la confianza, la comunicación y el pensamiento crítico, y conecta a nuestra comunidad de una manera única.

Agradecimiento a Nuestros Patrocinadores

Este concurso es posible gracias al valioso apoyo de:

  • Wasatch County School District

  • Wasatch CAPS

  • Wasatch Community Foundation

  • Wasatch County Arts Council

  • Heber Valley Life Magazine

Su compromiso hace posible esta celebración anual del arte y la creatividad.

📩 Envía tu Obra

Anima a tus estudiantes artistas a participar y transformar sus ideas en arte. Visita emergence.hebervalleylife.com para conocer los requisitos de inscripción, ver ganadores de años anteriores y obtener más información.

¡Hagamos del 2026 el año más creativo hasta ahora! Estamos ansiosos por ver lo que nuestros jóvenes artistas pueden imaginar.

]]> 23309 Wasatch Community Self-Reliance & Emergency Preparedness Fair – March 21 https://hebervalleylife.com/wasatch-community-self-reliance-emergency-preparedness-fair-march-21/ Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:51:41 +0000 https://hebervalleylife.com/?p=23305 Heber City, UT – Mark your calendars! The Wasatch Community Self-Reliance & Emergency Preparedness Fair is happening Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasatch High School, 930 S 500 E, Heber City. This free event is a fantastic opportunity for residents to learn valuable skills, explore resources, and get prepared for emergencies.

Featured Booths and Presenters:
Attendees will have access to a wide variety of booths and interactive presentations, including:

  • Alternative Energy

  • Beekeeping

  • Be Ready Utah

  • HAM Radio

  • Cyber Security

  • Family Disaster Planning

  • Fire Safety

  • First Aid / Stop the Bleed

  • Food Storage & Free Drying

  • Gun Safety & Gun Locks

  • Gardening & Greenhouses

  • Herbs, Oils, Soaps & Lotions

  • Naloxone Kits

  • Water Purification and Storage

Emergencies can strike without warning – this fair offers practical knowledge and hands-on demonstrations to help you and your family be ready for anything.

Event Supporters:
This important community event is proudly supported by:

  • Wasatch County Emergency Management

  • Wasatch Fire District

  • Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office

  • Wasatch County Search and Rescue

  • Wasatch County Health Department

  • Heber City Police Department

  • Heber Valley Hospital

  • Wasatch County Interfaith Communities

  • Wasatch Community Foundation

  • Heber Valley Self-Reliance Group

For a full list of booths and the class schedule, visit emprep.wasatch.utah.gov.

Don’t miss this chance to gain life-saving skills, explore innovative solutions, and connect with local experts. Being prepared starts with knowledge – and it starts here in Wasatch County!

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