As Orem Summerfest brings people together, it introduces new pie eating contest
Storyteller Kevin Kling recounts a story about his childhood in Minnesota on Monday, June 5, 2017, as part of Summerfest at University Place's Orchard Park in Orem. ISAAC HALE, Daily Herald
Livvy Rogers, 1, of American Fork, stretches her mouth to get a sip of he rdrink as she and others listen to storyteller Kevin Kling Monday, June 5, 2017 at University Place's Orchard Park in Orem. ISAAC HALE, Daily Herald
Actresses from Hale Center Theatre Orem wait for the start of the Orem Summerfest Grand Parade in Orem, Saturday, June 11, 2016. Thousands lined 800 East and Center St. in Orem to watch the annual parade, labeled as "the official start of summer." CHRIS SAMUELS, Daily Herald.
Orem Summerfest organizers believe the strength of the festival’s tradition comes from the way it involves everyone in the community, no matter their background, to bring them together.
“We do things all week long,” Orem Summerfest Chairperson, Kena Mathews said. “If you can’t participate in something there’s always another event you can participate in. We have great entertainment and opportunities to be involved. There really is something for everybody.”
With so much success last year, the Timpanogos Storytelling Institute is returning with its free storytelling concert for families of all ages, Monday night at The Orchard at University Place.
Also returning is Wienerschnitzel’s 2nd Annual Summerfest Hot Dog Eating Contest which will be followed by Village Inn’s 1st Annual Summerfest Pie Eating Contest.
“Last year we had a lot of fun with the hot dog eating contest and wanted to bring it back,” Mathews said. “We’re adding the pie eating contest to it this year, and already have people who want to participate in both.”
Mathews has been volunteering and helping put on Orem Summerfest for the past six years and loves that it provides an opportunity to recognize some of the city’s outstanding citizens.
“Last year we started giving out the Orem Spirit Award,” Mathews said. “We give it to people that have worked for or in Orem and have given back to the city and community in some way. It is one of my favorite parts because that’s what the community event is all about, honoring people and honoring the community you live in.”
This year, Summerfest is honoring Gerald Nielsen, a former Orem police officer, Grant Holdaway, owner of Vineyard Gardens with the award. Both men have given back to the community throughout the years while providing service to their family, friends and neighbors.
Summerfest also recognizes a handful of young people in the community through the student marshal program. Students who have overcome challenges, excel in the classroom and are changing the world in their own way are selected from the community’s junior highs are named student marshals and given special VIP access throughout Summerfest.
“The community and the people are what make this celebration great,” Mathews said. “We’re all doing this out of the kindness of their heart and because they love Orem and its citizens. We just want to give back and make a great festival for people.”