Savvy savings: Cost-friendly fun happening in Utah in August
Jeremiah Gibson, 12, looks at the moon through binoculars during a star viewing party hosted by the Utah Valley Astronomy Club at Pioneer Park in Lindon, Friday, June 10, 2016. CHRIS SAMUELS, Daily Herald.
A dancer performs onstage during the "Dancing Under the Stars" event at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in 2015.
Dancers prepare for their performance backstage during the "Dancing Under the Stars" event at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. The night featured LA-based contemporary dance group Jaci Royal?s Royal Flux as well as ballroom, jazz and hip-hop from national award-winning teams at Center Stage Performing Arts Studios. SAMMY JO HESTER, The Daily Herald
Dancers perform onstage during the "Dancing Under the Stars" event at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. The night featured LA-based contemporary dance group Jaci Royal?s Royal Flux as well as ballroom, jazz and hip-hop from national award-winning teams at Center Stage Performing Arts Studios. SAMMY JO HESTER, The Daily Herald
First of all, can we take a minute to freak out about how we are in August already?! Seriously. Where did the whole year go? Maybe it’s been really slow for you, in which case, I want to know what is your secret and how to I slow down my year!
This month in Utah there is a lot to do. I picked the top four events to share with you that seemed interesting to me, and hopefully they seem interesting to you!
1. The Star Party in American Fork Canyon
Let’s start off with a free event! The Astronomy Club has partnered with Timpanogos for a (drumroll please) STAR PARTY! I love star parties. There is nothing that makes me feel more small and magical than looking up to the starts and seeing planets, clusters and moons. It. Is. Amazing. To join in the fun, head over to American Fork Canyon Aug. 5. According to the organizers, the “parking lot is two hairpin curves above the Mutual Dell in American Fork Canyon.”
For those interested in attending, the party will begin at dusk and continue until 11 p.m., so go look up into the sky if you want to feel smaller than an ant! Just kidding … but really.
2. Family Fun Days
If you are okay with the idea of traveling 45 minutes north, you’ll want to head to the Gallivan Center Aug 9! From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Gallivan Center is throwing an even called “Family Fun Days!” There will be prizes, entertainment, face painting, inflatables, a train (a train!) and loads of other things to keep your little ones and big ones entertained and happy. Admission is free but, full disclosure, the train and some other activities may charge a very small fee. And, of course, food will cost something, too.
3. The 11th annual Dancing Under the Stars
To be honest, I am a sucker for musicals. I love them, a lot. I love them not only because of the singing, but I love them also because of all the dancing. If you know me, you know that I cannot dance. Well, I can, anyone can, but I am not graceful, at all. So when I see people dancing, I am in awe.
At Dancing Under the Stars, you can see amazingly choreographed ballroom, jazz and hip-hop dancing from award-winning individuals and teams. This event ranges from $15-$35, and will take place at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre Aug. 26-27 at 8 p.m. For more details, click here.
4. The 27th Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
How awesome does this sound? From Sept. 1-3 (I know this isn’t happening in August, but I wanted you to know so you could get your tickets early!) a plethora of acclaimed storytellers will be gathering for an incredible weekend of stories, laughter, and music. The event invites storytellers from around the nation to come share their stories! There is also live music, pottery, jugglers (that just roam the park, juggling), puppet shows and food — oh, so much food. Tickets range in price and can be purchased online at timpfest.org/store/tickets.
I hope you all get out and do something fun this month. Summer is ending so get out and enjoy the last few days of freedom!
