Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald file photo

It’s almost that time of year — time for community summer celebrations. Even though it’s not quite summer, we know that when the community celebrations are beginning, it’s almost here. In fact, before summer officially begins on June 20, many community celebrations and festivals will have already kicked off.

There is something special about these events. Volunteers put in many hours to make them fun for everyone. They’re long-standing traditions in many communities. They bring people together, giving us opportunities to connect with neighbors and old friends. People even travel to their hometowns just for these celebrations.

Pleasant Grove’s 104th annual Strawberry Days will start on June 14 and run through June 22. This year’s theme is “Strawberry Days — Something for Everyone.” Something unique about this year’s celebration is the Berry Special Festival, which will be held on June 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 315 S. Locust Ave. This free event is for children and individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities and their families. There will be games, activities and vendors.

Other Strawberry Days activities include a firemen’s breakfast, a garden tour, a pie-eating contest, a free family swim, a parade and, of course, the rodeo. This year, there is also a Dirt Dance following Friday night’s rodeo at the rodeo grounds.

Of course, Pleasant Grove isn’t the only city that holds a summer celebration. Provo’s Freedom Festival has already kicked off and will continue for the next few weeks. Oremfest begins this week and includes a carnival, butterfly exhibit, Orem’s Got Talent and the Grand Parade. Vineyard Days also begins this next week, running from June 3-7. Springville’s Art City Days begins June 7 and runs through the 14th.

Courtesy Jeremy Hall

The rest of the summer weeks are full of city celebrations to look forward to, and we can’t forget about the Utah County Fair coming up later in the summer on July 30-Aug. 2. “We Got a Good Thing Growin'” is this year’s theme.

Parades, rodeos, family parties in parks, picnics, live entertainment, city histories, games, contests, art and fireworks are just some of the ways that we can come together, learn about the places we live in, enjoy sunny weather and just have fun.

Be sure to check out your community’s social media pages or website to find out where and when the excitement will happen. Going to a neighboring community’s festivities is also a great way to spend some time. There is something enjoyable to be found at all of them, and many of the activities are free. Happy summer!