If you’re anything like us, you’re beyond excited for the upcoming long weekend afforded by Independence Day. Truth be told, we’d prefer to find a way to celebrate with friends and family inside a large, accommodating block of ice. If that doesn’t work out, we’re open to other options.
Travel is fun, and camping in one of the many stunning landscapes our state has to offer is an ideal way to spend the time off if you’ve got the gear. If it’s on the calendar for you and yours, you’ll be well taken care of and plenty cool. That said, we know that camp spots tend to fill up early on big holidays like this, so we thought we’d offer up a few other ideas for a long holiday weekend well spent.
SUPPORT LOCAL. This, as we see it, is an ideal way to beat the heat AND give a little stimmy to our local economy. Not everyone will have the weekend off, and we can all support those folks with a little patriotic kindness at the very least. Find your favorite local restaurant (this guide has about 150 amazing options) and have a good meal in the cool embrace of an air-conditioned room with a glass of something icy. Or make this the weekend you finally grab that tank top, fishing pole, book, or hat you’ve had your eye on from one of our many cute, local shops (the aforementioned guide has got a list of those too).
WATCH PARADES + FIREWORKS. Classic because it works. These two activities make up a traditional 4th of July approach with all the trappings of Americana. If this sounds like your cup of iced tea, you’ve got plenty of options around the valley. Holladay, Magna, Murray, and Sandy all offer a range of activities alongside their parade/fireworks programs, ranging from concerts and contests to BMX/car shows and fun runs (*sweats profusely*). Riverton “Town Days” includes a rodeo, movie in the park, carnival, and chuckwagon breakfast, and “America’s Freedom Festival” in Provo hosts a huge parade, and culminates in some live music by the Jonas Brothers, as well as a massive Fireworks show. For those willing to drive “up” to some cooler temps, the Park City 4th of July Parade and festivities is always a good time, and Heber Valley hosts a “Red, White, and Blue Festival” with loads of activities, including hot air balloons, fly-overs, art contests, music, and more.
PLAY BALL! Batter up for a most American way to spend the 4th. The Salt Lake Bees will be playing the Tacoma Rainiers at 6:30p at the Smith’s Ballpark (which, sadly, will only be home to the Bees for a few more months). Come for some cold beer, hot dogs, the crack of the bat, peanuts (is that still a thing?), and the good ol’ spirit of competition. Stay for the fireworks—it’s sure to be a BIG show.
SWIM/FLOAT/PLAY. No better way to keep it cool than by making your way to a body of water, regardless of its size. SLC has plenty of public swimming opportunities at the likes of Liberty Park, Fairmont, Steiner, and countless rec centers. You can also cruise up any given canyon and find a stream (use caution with strong currents!) or set your coordinates for one of our many beautiful lakes/reservoirs, such as Rockport, Jordanelle, Deer Creek, Willard Bay, Pineview, Causey, or Bear Lake (to name a very small handful). And, if all else fails, there’s nothing wrong with setting up a kiddie pool or slip-n-slide in the backyard. Drink from a hose. Run through the sprinklers. Stay cool the way we did in the 1900s.
OTHER: Forum Fest at Canyons Village will have some amazing and FREE live music over the course of the weekend (schedule here), as well as a few drone shows. And North Ogden Cherry Days will be hosting countless events—from pickleball, yoga, and movies in the park to a foam party, parade, concerts, and fireworks—from June 29th through July 6th.
Have a safe and happy holiday! Yours, Homeworks
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