Utah Lake Festival and A Guide to Utah County Farmers Markets
Utah Valley is a great place with lots of choices of farmers Markets. From Provo, Orem, to Spanish Fork so many choices.
Starting with the Utah Lake Festival kicking off summers farmers markets
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, Utah Lake State Park in Provo will host the annual Utah Lake Festival from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This free, family-friendly event offers a variety of activities, including the Provo Farmers Market's special kickoff market for the 2025 season. Attendees can explore local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisan goods, providing a taste of the vibrant community spirit that defines the market .CitizenPortalProvo Farmers Market
Farmers Market Basket of Veggies and Fruit
In addition to the farmers market, the festival features engaging activities such as a cardboard boat race at 11:00 AM and paddle board jousting at 1:00 PM, adding excitement for visitors of all ages . With live entertainment, food trucks, and educational exhibits, the Utah Lake Festival offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and connect with the local community.Utah County in the summer is a treasure trove of outdoor experiences—and nothing says “local flavor” like a stroll through a farmers market. From fresh produce and artisan goods to food trucks and live music, these markets are more than just places to shop—they’re perfect for a casual outing, a morning with friends, or even a unique and affordable date idea. While there you are just feet from Sparks Museum and Event Center which is will be open to the public. Go Check them out they are a unique and retro event space in Provo, housing a huge oil and gas collection that is the perfect place to get out of the sun and take instagrammable photos.
Here’s everything you need to know about the top farmers markets in Utah County this season:
1. Provo Farmers Market
Artisan Bread Spread
Location: Pioneer Park, 500 W Center St, Provo
When: Saturdays | 9 AM – 2 PM | June through October
What They Sell:
Local fruits and vegetables
Artisan breads and pastries
Homemade jams, salsas, and pickles
Jewelry, crafts, art, and gifts
Food trucks and live entertainment
Why It’s Great for a Date:
Grab a fresh lemonade, try a handmade donut, and stroll the park while listening to live local music. It’s relaxed, fun, and full of character.
2. Downtown Provo Food Truck Roundup + Mini Market
Food truck ralley
Location: 223 W Center St, Provo
When: Every Thursday Evening | 5 PM – 9 PM | May through early fall
What They Sell:
Dozens of food trucks with every cuisine imaginable
Local crafts and treats
Occasional pop-up farmers stands
Why It’s Great for a Date:
Pick your own dinner from dozens of trucks, grab a picnic spot, and people-watch under twinkling patio lights. It’s casual, fun, and totally Instagram-worthy.
3. Orem Sunset Farmers Market
Enjoying the farmers market
Location: Sunset View Park, 600 W 400 S, Orem
When: Wednesdays | 5 PM – 9 PM | July through October
What They Sell:
Locally grown produce and herbs
Fresh eggs, honey, and meat
Baked goods and seasonal treats
Handmade soaps, crafts, and art
Why It’s Great for a Date:
Evening vibes, sunset skies, and fresh fruit samples—this market lives up to its name. Walk hand in hand and discover new flavors together.
4. Spanish Fork Farmers Market
Craft fair at the farmers market
Location: Library Park, 49 S Main St, Spanish Fork
When: Saturdays | 8 AM – 1 PM | July through October
What They Sell:
Fresh vegetables and fruit straight from local farms
Farm-fresh eggs and honey
Handmade goods, art, and decor
Why It’s Great for a Date:
Start your weekend early with a morning stroll, homemade pastries, and a coffee while browsing for unique home décor or gifts.
Who Can Go?
family hand in hand
Everyone! Farmers markets are open to the public, and many are family-friendly and pet-friendly. Whether you’re looking for fresh food, supporting local makers, or just enjoying the summer air, they’re a welcoming space for all ages.
Why Farmers Markets Make Great Dates
Couple hand in hand
Budget-friendly: You don’t have to spend much to have fun.
Conversation starters: From quirky crafts to delicious samples, there’s always something to talk about.
Support local: Shopping at these markets helps Utah County’s small businesses and farms thrive.
Seasonal charm: Each week brings different produce and vendors—no two visits are the same.
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
Riverbend Estate Venue
The Mill District,
The Stables at Cypress Creek, The Stables at Cypress Creek Blog, The Stables at Cypress Creek Contact
The Barn at Cedar Grove, The Barn at Cedar Grove, The Barn at Cedar Grove Contact
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The Felt Estate, The Felt Estate Blog, The Felt Estate Contact
10 Fun & Engaging Game Ideas for Your Next Event in Provo, Utah
Whether you’re hosting a corporate gathering, a family reunion, a wedding reception, or a community festival, games can be the highlight of your event! The right activities bring people together, encourage laughter, and create unforgettable memories.
To help you plan, here are 10 creative and engaging game ideas that will keep your guests entertained from start to finish!
1. The Ultimate Scavenger Hunt 🔎
Sparks Museum in Provo, Utah
A scavenger hunt is an interactive game that can be tailored to any venue. Create a list of unique items for guests to find or challenges to complete. Add a photo or video challenge where teams must document their finds with selfies or short clips. Sparks Museum and Event Center is a the perfect place to implement this game with so may items to choose from you could scavenger the entire night:)
👉 Tip: Use an app like GooseChase to make it digital or hide clues related to the event’s theme!
2. Minute to Win It Challenges ⏳
Short, high-energy challenges keep guests engaged without needing extensive setup. Assign different mini-games like:
Sparks Museum and Event Center
🎈 Stack Attack: Players must stack 36 cups into a pyramid in under a minute.
🍪 Face the Cookie: Place a cookie on the participant’s forehead, and they must move it into their mouth without using their hands.
🧻 Tissue Pull: See who can pull all the tissues out of a box the fastest!
👉 Tip: Have small prizes for the winners to keep it competitive.
3. Human Bingo 🏆
This is a fantastic icebreaker! Create a bingo sheet with fun facts like:
✅ “Has traveled to another country”
✅ “Loves spicy food”
✅ “Can whistle a tune”
Guests must find people who match each square and get them to sign it. The first to complete a row yells, “BINGO!”
👉 Tip: This game works great at networking events and family reunions!
4. Giant Jenga with Dares 🏗️
Sparks museum and Event Center in Provo, Ut
Jenga is already a crowd favorite, but adding dares or challenges to each block makes it even better! Write funny tasks on the blocks, such as:
“Sing a song for 10 seconds.” 🎤
“Do 5 jumping jacks.” 🤸
“Give a compliment to the person on your left.” 💬
👉 Tip: Use oversized wooden blocks for added fun!
5. Trivia Battle 🎤
Test your guests’ knowledge with a themed trivia game! You can create categories like:
Pop Culture (Movies, TV, Music)
Company or Family History (For corporate or family events)
Sports & Games
Use an app like Kahoot! for digital play or classic pen-and-paper trivia.
👉 Tip: Offer bonus points for creative answers to keep the game fun and engaging!
6. Relay Races & Obstacle Courses 🏃♂️
Set up a relay race or obstacle course with fun challenges along the way! Ideas include:
Egg & Spoon Race: Balance an egg on a spoon and race to the finish. 🥄
Sack Race: Hop to the finish line in a potato sack. 🎽
Three-Legged Race: Pair up and race with one leg tied together. 👯
👉 Tip: This is perfect for outdoor events, company team-building, or kids' parties!
Three legged race in Provo, Utah
7. Mystery Box Challenge 🎭
A game that builds suspense! Place random objects inside boxes and have players guess what’s inside using only their hands. Examples:
🦔 A fuzzy stuffed animal
🍝 Cooked spaghetti noodles
🧊 Ice cubes
👉 Tip: Use themed objects based on the season (pumpkins for fall, ornaments for winter).
8. Lip Sync Battle 🎤
For a high-energy activity, let guests show off their performance skills with a lip sync battle! Players pick a song, perform with props or dance moves, and the audience votes for the best act.
👉 Tip: Have a panel of “judges” for fun commentary, like on TV talent shows.
Sing in Provo
9. Guess That Song 🎵
Play short clips of popular songs, and see who can guess the title and artist first! Make it more exciting by having rounds like:
🎸 Classic Rock
💃 Throwback ‘90s
🎶 Disney Songs
👉 Tip: Have a DJ or music playlist ready, and use a buzzer for fast responses!
10. The Great Balloon Pop Challenge 🎈
Each player gets a balloon tied to their ankle, and the goal is to pop everyone else’s balloon while protecting your own! The last person with an unpopped balloon wins!
👉 Tip: Play in a large open space and use soft flooring if indoors.
Sparks Museum and Event center in provo is the place
Sparks Museum and Event Center in Provo
Whether you’re hosting a corporate retreat, a wedding reception, or a community festival, games bring energy, excitement, and connection to any gathering. Pick the ones that best match your crowd, mix a few for variety, and let the fun begin!
Sparks Museum and Event Center is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
Within Sodo,Legacy Lakes Venue,Laurel Haven Estate,New Park Event Venue,Barn at Bradstreet,Evermore Ridge,Black River Lodge,Legacy at Serenity Farm,The Hidden Gem of Gruene
Choosing the Perfect Vendors for Your Spring Event at Sparks museum and event center in provo, Utah
Dare to Dream with the red ferrari and the 2025 lamborgini. Lights and people partying and enjoying Sparks Museum and Event Center.
Spring is a magical time to host an event at Sparks Museum and Event Center! With the trees filled with leaves, warmer weather, and longer daylight hours, spring events are all about having a great party. However, selecting the right vendors is crucial to bringing your vision to life. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best vendors for a seamless and unforgettable event.
1. Caterers: Fresh, Seasonal, and Crowd-Pleasing
Food is one of the highlights of any event, and spring is the perfect time to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients into your menu. When selecting a caterer:
Look for licensed and insured vendors who can meet our venue requirements.
Opt for light, refreshing, and seasonal dishes like garden-fresh salads, fruit platters, and grilled proteins. Magelby’s catering is a great choice when looking for fresh.
If alcohol will be served, ensure your caterer is familiar with our no outside alcohol policy and works with a bartender from our preferred vendor list. Sparks works with many options some of these are local in Utah County such as Cheers and Swizzels
Request tasting sessions to ensure their menu fits your event theme. Try out Browns Brothers Catering.
garden deliciousness
2. Floral & Décor: Enhancing the Spring Aesthetic
Spring provides a naturally beautiful setting, and the right florist can enhance your event’s aesthetic with:
Seasonal flowers like tulips, peonies, and hydrangeas that thrive in spring weather.
Soft, natural color palettes that match the freshness of the season.
Sustainable and local florists who can provide eco-friendly décor solutions.
Compliance with our no open flames, confetti, or loose glitter policies to ensure easy cleanup.
Splash of spring
3. Music & Entertainment: Setting the Mood
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate gathering, or special celebration, music plays a major role in setting the tone. When hiring a DJ or live band:
Choose a vendor that you trust and has good reviews to avoid last-minute complications.
Ensure they understand our music end-time policy, as all music must end before the cleanup begins.
For a more intimate ambiance, consider acoustic musicians or string quartets, perfect for a spring event.
4. Photography & Videography: Capturing the Moment
Your spring event will be filled with picturesque moments that deserve to be captured professionally. When selecting a photographer or videographer:
Make sure they have experience with natural light photography, as spring daylight offers great opportunities for outdoor shots.
Choose a vendor who is comfortable working with our event center’s unique backdrop and lighting setup such as Visual Storytelling.
Check if they allow the venue to use selected event photos for marketing purposes, unless you opt out in writing.
Ensure they comply with venue policies, such as no boudoir or nude photography.
5. Bar Service: Licensed & Responsible
If alcohol is part of your celebration, selecting a qualified bar service is essential. At Sparks Museum and Event Center:
shaken not stirred
Bar services must be selected from our preferred vendor list, ensuring they have proper liquor liability insurance.
No outside alcohol is allowed, and all alcohol must be served from behind the bar.
All bartenders must follow our no shots and no underage drinking policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Some of our preferred vendors are DRNK ,COPA , and Cheers and Swizzels.
6. Event Planners & Coordinators: Stress-Free Planning
A great event planner or coordinator can make a world of difference in keeping everything on track.
Choose a seasoned professional with experience in organizing spring events such as Kenzie Events.
Ensure they are familiar with our venue’s policies, including vendor access times and cleanup responsibilities.
Opt for someone who can coordinate vendor setup and breakdown while keeping your timeline on schedule.
Final Tips for a Seamless Event
Book vendors early – Spring is a popular season, and top vendors fill their schedules quickly.
Communicate clearly – Ensure all vendors understand Sparks Museum and Event Center’s rules on setup, cleanup, and prohibited items.
Check for insurance – Every vendor should provide proof of insurance to protect your event from liability issues.
Enjoy the day! – Once your vendors are in place, relax and enjoy your beautiful spring event.
Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our small owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.
Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, SpringHaus Farm, Adler Ranch,Cakes ROCK, The Venue @ 112,Vista West Ranch
Hosting a Corporate Event in a Retro Venue: A Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality
Corporate event with a band on stage, tables and chairs and people mingling.
When it comes to planning a corporate event, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right venue. If you’re looking for a locale that combines character, charm, and convenience, a retro venue might be just what you need. Here’s why a retro venue , such as Sparks Museum and Event Center is an excellent choice and what to consider when planning your event.
The Appeal of Retro Venues
Retro venues offer a unique backdrop that can spark creativity and still have a relaxed atmosphere. Their distinct decor—think vintage furniture, and nostalgic artifacts—can enhance the event experience, providing guests with a memorable setting. This can be particularly effective for corporate gatherings aiming to inspire innovation or team bonding.
Visual Impact: A retro venue stands out, making it a conversation starter. Guests can enjoy the ambiance while appreciating the thoughtful decor, which can reflect the company’s personality or mission.
Engagement and Connectivity: Nostalgia can evoke memories and emotions, helping break the ice among attendees. This is particularly useful for events focused on networking and collaboration.
Unique Experience: A retro venue sets your event apart from the usual corporate settings, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.
Key Considerations When Selecting a Retro Venue
While the charm of a retro venue is undeniable, ensuring it meets the operational needs of your event is equally important. Here are some essential factors to consider:
Decorated and Ready: Ensure the venue is already beautifully decorated in a retro style. This reduces the need for extensive decorations and helps you stay within budget while maintaining an impressive aesthetic.
Capacity and Layout: Confirm that the venue can comfortably accommodate your number of guests. A good layout will facilitate networking and interaction, so look at the size and if it can house what you are looking for.
Adequate Facilities: A crucial element that is often overlooked is the availability of bathrooms. Ensure that the venue has a sufficient number of clean, accessible bathrooms; this is essential for guest comfort. Having easily accessible facilities helps prevent long waits and allows guests to focus on the event without any inconvenience.
Location: Choose a venue that is easily accessible for your guests. Consider proximity to public transport, parking availability, and any nearby accommodations for out-of-town attendees.
Catering Options: Check whether the venue has in-house catering or allows outside vendors. Depending on your event, catering can range from simple snacks to full meals, and choosing a venue with catering flexibility can save you time and stress.
Technical Capabilities: Assess the venue’s audio-visual capabilities. Ensure it can support your presentations, videos, or any interactive elements you plan to include in the event.
Creating an Engaging Atmosphere
Once you’ve selected the perfect retro venue, focus on enhancing the atmosphere:
Themed Music: Curate a playlist that complements the retro vibe and creates an engaging atmosphere.
Photo Ops: Set up a photo booth or designated areas with retro props to encourage guests to take pictures.
Interactive Elements: Consider adding games or activities related to the retro theme, which can foster engagement among attendees.
Hosting a corporate event in a retro venue such as Sparks Museum and Event Center can offer a delightful departure from the ordinary and still meet all your practical needs. By considering the operational aspects such as bathroom facilities, capacity, and catering, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your guests. With a unique setting and thoughtful planning, your corporate event will certainly be one to remember!
Union 76
Union 76
This 8 foot porcelain sign is kind of a fluke. A picker / collector in Salem Oregon had this sign. I was headed to visit my sister in Oregon and knew about this picker and planned to stop and visit him and his collection. We had been up the coast through Northern California and then into Oregon. When visiting this picker I had bought some glass cylinders from him when he asked if I wanted to buy the Union 76 sign. I didn’t have the room for this but we made room. It sat at home for lots of years and then when we built the Event Center Museum we had the perfect place to hang it. So happy I bought it way back when as it is a beauty and perfect addition to the wall.
Western Auto
This sign also came from Gary Phillips who got it from an auction. This is the first company that started a franchise. They sold auto parts and sold them to others to sell. They were the supplier and years ahead of there time in the franchise idea. This also came from Indianola, Iowa.
amoco
This sign came from Indianola , Iowa from a Picker named Gary. Amoco was a Standard Oil company where they went from Standard to American to Amaco. They bought out UTOCO. All gas and oil is connected somewhere as it started with ONE and branched and sold and sold again which is why we get to have so many brands and beautiful signs displaying in our Musuem.
A & W Rootbeer
In 1919 a young veteran named Roy Allen began a Root Beer stand in Lodi California. In 1922 he brought in a friend named Frank Wright and they opened another stand in Lodi. soon they leased their stands to others to operate and trademarked the new name of A & W from their names and went to Sacramento and began franchising A & W Restaurants. They pioneered restaurant franchising . Our A & W sign came from Helper Utah and is a reminder what a good idea plus hard work and ambition can do. The International franchise is huge!
Marilyn Monroe, elvis and the rat pack
Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and more
A friend in Gillette Wyoming , named Jeff Wonder had acquired the collection of our famous people who changed the world in one way or another. Elvis through Rock and Roll, Marilyn Monroe with not only her beauty but what the world doesn’t know is she had an IQ higher than Einstein. She was the sexiest most impacting Movie star in the World taking the industry by storm.
The Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis JR) came together and became the gang that played in movies together as well as just ran around together. Individually each having their own sound, singing songs that are timeless.
The Blues Brothers are a more contemporary group. In 1980 they stared in the Movie The Blues Brothers and many went on to star in Saturday Night Live.
Hand carved Native American indian
Our hand carved out of one tree Native American Indians came from an antique store out near Tremonton ,Utah. While Sparky was visiting an antique event near Ogden that has dealers from all over that come to show and tell as well as sell their treasures. This is where he met a dealer that had one of these beautiful carvings. After discussing price he actually had three that we could not pass up. Sparky bought two and his son bought the other. They sat at his home in Sundance out front for years until we recently relocated them to be on display in the Museum.
Old guys like other old guys stories
Red Indian gas pump
When you visit Sparks Museum and Event center you will see our beautiful Roman Column gas pump along with our Red Indian Gas pump. Both are fun stories of how we got them. They are each very valuable and hard to find at any price.