The Top Picks for July 2019

July is arguably of the most festive months during the summer season! We get to celebrate our freedom, our country and the people who made history to pave the foundation for generations to enjoy. The first week of July is certain to attract people of all ages. A festival that has been around for over 30 years as brought people in from all over the country to our little city of Provo. If you plan on having fun this month, don't forget your snow cones and sunscreen because being smart and sweet go hand in hand. 

Freedom Festival 2019

The grand parade, carnival rides, a hot air balloon festival is only a taste of everything going on during the Freedom Festival! A comprehensive list is compiled on our events calendar that can help you navigate and plan a fantastic holiday weekend! 

Food Truck Mondays
What could be better than a Monday night with live music and countless food trucks? Meet up at Orem City's Center Park for a night of delicious food and live music! Begin a week of summer on the right foot and support local businesses and talent. 

Peter Pan at the Scera Outdoor Theatre

This month the Scera Theatre has chosen Peter Pan in their summer season line up! Opening night is July 5th and it runs for 2 weeks! Experience the allure of an outdoor theatre with a fan favorite show that is sure to please dreamers of all ages.

Party Under the Stars
Come dance the night away at the Riverwoods at this FREE event! Invite your friends and your family to groove to all types of music like Latin, ballroom and swing!

Pioneer Day Extravaganza 2019
Pie making contest, petting zoo, live entertainment and so much more! Come learn the history of the pioneers with this exciting event held at Kiwanis park!

You can find out more if you'd like by visiting our complete Events Calendar and start planning out your summer! 

Ghost Stories Of Utah County

Utah may seem like a place where nothing seems to happen, but all the locals know that is not true at all. Ghosts and spirits of many men and women roam freely amongst the small towns, foothills and mountains stretched across the state. These stories hold secrets and dreadful tales of the haunting past and live on through the story telling passed from generation to generation.

The Old Geneva Steel Mill
The 1940s powerhouse mill was doing wonders for the economy, but taking a toll on the people of Vineyard. Fatal accidents and deaths were not uncommon at the mill, but after it closed down, ghost hunters found this to be a place filled with ghosts and spirits...

The Legend of Princess Utahna (Mount Timpanogos)
Many years ago, a tribe of Native Americans lived on top of a mountain. Every year they would participate in a human sacrifice to please the God named Timpanogos. One year the season was very dry and everything was dying. The crops would not grow and the people grew hungry and afraid...

Rock Canyon
How could such a beautiful and unique canyon, hold such grim ghost stories? This place is very welcoming to all rock climbers and adventurers, but many don't know it's dark history...

***Save this post. It will be updated with new information, stories and findings***

Ghost Stories of Utah County | Rock Canyon

Rock Canyon is known to us all for the incredible hiking and rock climbing that brings in hundreds of people each summer. But, do they know about all the deaths and murders that happen here too? For the past few decades there are rumors of satanic rituals, apparations and murders that take place here. Rock Canyon has a very dark and grim history....

2017 Rock Canyon

PHOTO 2 - Fort Utah in 1859 during the time of the Provo River Battle.
Howard Stansbury's Exploration and Survery of the Great Salt Lake of Utah, 1852.

PHOTO 1 - Big Elk and his Squaw

It was surprisingly difficult to track down the most accurate historical story of this canyon. As most locals know, early Mormon settlers made their way to Utah beginning near the 1800s. The Ute Indians had been here for hundreds of years already and did not like the idea of having their land taken over. Big Elk was the leader of the Ute Indians at the time. Relationships were somewhat civil to begin with between the Ute Indians and Mormon settlers, but it wasn't always easy. There were groups on both sides that despised the other, but things stayed relatively cordial for the next few years. 

As time went on it was obvious that tensions grew between Indians and Settlers as to fight over the land. The one that is believed to be located near Rock Canyon was called Battle at Provo River. Not long after was the Battle at Fort Utah which has a very similar story as does the Battle of Provo River. It was somewhat difficult to determine the differences, but here is what we know...

PHOTO 3 - Ute Indians

Around the year 1850, Big Elk took 70 Ute Indians with him to face the Mormon Settlers to end the arguments and reclaim their land. The battle went on for a few days. There were many Utes that were injured or wounded that needed refugee and fled from the fight. Most were split into two groups, some headed South and other group went to hide in Rock Canyon. The Mormons gave one more final push and took over the land. Big Elk himself was wounded as well and took refuge inside the canyon, but later died near the mouth of it. Legend says that his Squaw was attempting to flee the scene and climb the cliff, where she misstepped and fell to her death, hence Squaw Peak named after the incident.

Over the years, ghostly encounters and strange phenomena have taken place in the canyon. Multiple rock climbing accidents, satanic rituals, disappearances and murders have taken place in this canyon. It is rumored that there is a small girl that haunts the creek running through the canyon. People have heard her singing and humming to herself as she plays with the rocks and water. If spectators get too close, she disappears into thin air. There have also been reports of woman waling and crying out, that echoes through the vast rock walls. Rock climbers and hikers have also seen a figure/apparitions of a man dressed in 1970s clothing that stands a top of the rock staring down at the people below. You see him charging down the mountain directly to you, and then he vanished just before impact. 

Whether you plan to climb, hike, jog or bike around Rock Canyon, always make sure to bring a friend. Whenever you leave, you may feel like someone is watching you or following you out of the canyon. 

Don't worry, apparently other people have felt the same thing...

Stacey Mower Bringhurst/Alltrails

SOURCES

ARTICLE 1 - Only In Your State, "The Haunted Hike In Utah That Will Send You Running For The Hills" September 3, 2017, by Catherine Armstrong

{http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/utah/rock-canyon-haunted-hike-ut/}

ARTICLE 2 - Early History of Rock Canyon, rockcanyonutah.com

{http://www.rockcanyonutah.com/?page_id=201}

BOOK - "Haunted Utah: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Beehive State" by Andy Weeks

{https://books.google.com/books?id=5dguvc3MitQC&dq=climbing+accidents+rock+canyon+provo+utah}

PHOTO 1 - intermountainhistories.org

{http://www.intermountainhistories.org/items/show/44#&gid=1&pid=2}

PHOTO 2 - intermountainhistories.org

{http://www.intermountainhistories.org/items/show/44#&gid=1&pid=1}

PHOTO 3 - ilovehistory.utah.gov

{http://ilovehistory.utah.gov/people/first_peoples/tribes/ute.html}

Ghost Stories of Utah County | The Geneva Steel Mill

Vineyard has recently been an area with a lot of booming business and developments going on within the past few years. Residential developments, office buildings, retail space as well as another campus section for the University will eventually be built; but, if we were in the 1940s, this area would be famous for the powerhouse economy booster, known as the Geneva Steel Mill

Photo 1 - Utah State Historical Society

The Old Geneva Steel Mill sat alongside the shore of Utah Lake tucked away in the town of Vineyard. It first became famous due to the world war at the time and was a part of the United States Steel Corporation. Many things were processed there like pipe, steel plates, coal chemicals, ore, scrap metal and more. It had 5,000 employees at this time, making it the second largest employer in the state of Utah. It seemed as though everyone worked at the Mill.

Photo 2 - SLTribune (1943)

The Mill was somewhat of a miracle for the people of Utah. There were many great things that the mill provided, but there were also a lot of downsides. The Mill helped move the economy and gave it a positive boost. It provided a lot of jobs to a lot of people. However, there seemed to be a lot of side effects that bled over to every day life. People's health was taking a hit too do the high emissions put off by the plant. Our air was horrendous during this time. It was so bad that drivers on the road could barely see through the thick smog that the mill gave off. Food and crops took a hit as well, with angry farmers demanding justice for their suffering fields. In the 1970's the EPA came down very hard on the plant, trying to regulate more and more of the emissions crisis.

Photo 3 - SLTribune (1942)

This wasn't the only problem that the Mill was experiencing. Fatal accidents and deaths were reoccurring on sight. In 1990, eight workers were killed by an explosion at the plant. In 1994, a man was electrocuted working on a circuit board. In 1997 a worker's body was crushed between a steel rail and crane cab. It wasn't until 2001 was when the mill was permanently closed and abandoned for the next few years and shortly after that they filed for bankruptcy. During that time of abandonment, there came in the reports of strange sightings and apparitions. It is said that you could hear footsteps behind you when no one was there. You couldn't shake a feeling as though you were being watched or closely followed. The lock room at the mill was rumored to be the most haunted. Everything from the showers turning on and off by themselves and apparitions of men then suddenly vanishing.

A few years later in 2005, the mill was completely demolished and the clean up process began. It took years to get all the concrete slabs and residual debris out of the area and cleaned up. But now bigger and better plans are set and ready for building.

Let's hope the ghosts were swept away after all those years...

SOURCES

PHOTO 1 - Online Article, "An historical glimpse of Utah Lake" Deseret News, 2012

{https://www.deseretnews.com/top/459/13/The-Geneva-Steel-Mill-An-historical-glimpse-of-Utah-Lake.html}

PHOTO 2 - The Salt Lake Tribune file photo of Geneva Steel in 1943.

{http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=53950167&itype=CMSID#gallery-carousel-446996}
PHOTO 3 - The Salt Lake Tribune file photo of Geneva Steel in 1942
{http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=53950167&itype=CMSID#gallery-carousel-446996}
ARTICLE 1 - Deseret News, August 17, 2000 "Accident kills one at steel factory"
{http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=53950167&itype=CMSID#gallery-carousel-446996}
ARTICLE 2 - Geneva Steel, utahrails.net
{http://utahrails.net/industries/geneva-steel.php}
BOOK - "Restless Souls" by Linda Dunning
{https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=isbn:1599558238}

Ghost Stories of Utah County | The Legend of Princess Utahna

Mount Timpanogos stands tall today reaching over 11,000 feet which is the second highest summit of the Wasatch Mountain range. Spring water leaks and rushes down the mountain side with fresh wildflowers breathe in the clean air. Families, students and more have come to this beautiful place to hike, but little do they know the actual legend of Mount Timpanogos. There are 2 prominent stories that explain the romantic history behind this mountain.

The Legend of Princess Utahna

Many years ago, a tribe of Native Americans lived on top of a mountain. Every year they would participate in a human sacrifice to please the God named Timpanogos. One year the season was very dry and everything was dying. The crops would not grow and the people grew hungry and afraid. The people thought they had done something wrong, and the Great God was angry and punishing them. The people came together and chose several girls in the tribe that were very beautiful and came from important families. Each girl was blindfolded and drew a small rock from a dish, determining who would be sacrificed. The chosen girl was the beautiful, kind and very loved Princess Utahna; she was the chief's daughter. Everyone was upset about the outcome and wanted to come up with some other way, but Utahna had already committed to her destiny and began her climb up the mountain.

What she didn't realize is that she wasn't alone. A young boy, who had fallen in love with her, did not want her to be sacrificed. He followed her journey up to the summit and stayed behind to watch her chant, pray and fast to Timpanogos. She cried out for her people, asking Timpanogos for forgiveness and to give the people rain for their crops. They had reached the top and Utahna was ready to fall to her death when they boy came out of hiding and began begging and pleading her to not jump. Utahna was stunned, thinking that she was in the presence of Timpanogos himself. She followed him to a beautiful cave, away from danger and there they had spent almost 2 years together. Utahna had completely fallen in love with him. 

One afternoon a bear had found the two of them and attacked the boy. She realized at that point that she was not in the presence of a God but a man. She was not upset with him, rather she helped him with his wounds and waited for them to heal. Yet, she knew her fate and knew she had to set out on what we she was destined to do. She left the cave late one night, after the boy had fallen asleep and took the last leg up towards the summit. As the sun began to rise above, there she took her last breath and leapt off the side to her death. The boy had woken up and found that Utahna was gone. He went up the mountain to find her body shattered and broken and he carried her all the way back to their cave. He wept and cried out to Timpanogos as he took his own life. They both began to seep into the earth and became a part of the mountain. The cave grew with the most beautiful and colorful minerals in honor of these two lovers. 

The mountain still whispers of cries and chanting, as the spirits of these lost souls linger in the trees. You can find the body of Princess Utahna lay across the top as she herself became the mountain range while her head faces north. There are many versions of this story that have been passed down from families to families, but this story of Utahna remains to be one of the most well known of them all.

SOURCES

Book - Lost Landscapes by Linda Dunning, page 27 - 29

Website Article - utah.com, "Mt Timpanogos Summit via Timpooneke Trail {https://utah.com/hiking/mt-timpanogos}

Parks In Provo | Pioneer Park

PIONEER PARK

500 West Center Street

Provo, Utah 84601

(801) 852-6606

Capacity = 100+

This beautiful park located right outside downtown Provo, is a newly renovated dream that can be enjoyed by families and friends all over the city. With the perfect view of those beautiful mountains, it's no surprise that there can be a lot of fun for kids and a relaxing afternoon for parents. There are upcoming events like the Provo Farmer's Market that happens every year! So, let your kids cool off while you relax and enjoy your time outside.

History of Provo | The Provo Library at Academy Square

The Provo Library stands proudly on University Avenue where the history of Brigham Young University first began. This building was also the birthplace of one of the the first beginning collections of the Provo library. This historic building has been around for over 100 years and has been a beautiful piece of architecture accessible to the residents of Provo. 

In 1875, Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as well as a previous Utah governor, wanted to create a school for the members of his church where students could come and gain an education, strengthen their character and to continue their studies of the gospel. The Brigham Young Academy, founded in 1876, first began teaching elementary and high school age students. They held their classes at a building called the Lewis Building, which unfortunately burned down in 1884. Don Carlos Young, the son of Brigham, was put in charge of the design and architect of the new building to be built. It took over 8 years to build and it was formally dedicated on January 4, 1982. 

Brigham Young Academy, 1897 (SOURCE)

The academy officially changed their name to Brigham Young University in 1903. Franklin S. Harris was one of the Presidents of the University and added about 5 other colleges to the University. This beautiful building was designed to hold roughly 1,000 students. What is now know as the Ballroom was a place for students to study, hold event gatherings and assemblies and a place to dance! This place was home for a lot of students. Many additions were made to the building over the years. The old bell from the Provo Tabernacle was installed in 1919. The name of the building changed a lot. The building had many different names, but the one that lasted until it's last days was the Education Building. In the 1970's, it was closed down and sold to private owners. 

It stood vacant for over 20 years and began deteriorating. People wanted to tear it down while others wanted to renovate and preserve it. The building was saved from demolition when a $16.8 million bond was passed by the community of Provo and there the renovation began! In 2001, people celebrated the re dedication of the building as well as a new library wing added! People come every day to the library for a place for learning, study, research and games.

The Provo Library at Academy Square
550 North University Ave. Provo, UT 84601
801-852-9650
www.provolibrary.com

SOURCES
Article #1 - Becoming A University by Gordon Daines (May 7, 2009)
Article #2 - Self Guided Tour of The Provo City Library at Academy Square
Article #3 - Article on provolibrary.com
Article #4 - Article on provolibrary.com

Discover The History
Check out our new series highlighting all of the beautiful history, architecture and people who made Provo what it is today!

Music Monday | Cherish DeGraaf

There's always a bright future ahead for young creative minds, and Cherish DeGraaf is taking full advantage of her natural talent with music. She's equipped with a genuine and pure voice that dances along perfectly to her acoustic sound. She's already had noteable success since she's released her first EP album this May. She's been selling a lot of her music along with uploading it to iTunes and Spotify to really reach a bigger audience. We decided to meet up with her and talk about her experiences thus far...

TDIP: So, tell me about yourself! Where'd you grow up and how'd you get into music?

Cherish DeGraaf: My name is Cherish, I'm 18-years-old, I grew up in Pleasant Grove and I recently graduated high school this past May! I've been playing music all of my life really, but I've bee playing a lot more publicly for the past 4 years now. 

TDIP: What do you like to play?

CD: I play guitar, ukulele and a little bit of piano.

TDIP: So, tell me about your music. What do you like to write about? What inspires you?

CD: A couple of artists that I get my inspiration from would be the Moth & The Flame, some of their slower stuff I really like. I also love the way they write. Quiet House is another really great band. I like to write about certain experiences that I've had. Relationships is one of the big ones, but I also really enjoy writing about finding myself. That's what my song 'Find' on my EP is all about really, the higher power to connect to. 

Music Monday | The Cold Year

The Cold Year is compiled of experienced and talented musicians that evoke more than just a unique and intricate sound, but a story along with it. Releasing an full album this summer, these men are gearing up for a full summer of shows all over. I haven't met such passionate people that put everything into their lyrics and writing. Read my interview with lead singer Matt Skaggs and bassist Mitch Shepard.

TDIP: Tell me about your musical history. What made you want to pursue music?

Mitch: I told my Dad that I wanted to be a rockstar when I was really little. He bought me my first guitar at garage sale when I was 7. I took guitar lessons for about 4 years, but stopped after awhile because I wasn't really playing for myself, it was more just practice. In junior high I picked up the bass and started playing a lot more jazz music. I've always enjoyed playing the bass and I feel like that's what I stand out most on.

Matt: My Mom is a fantastic singer so I grew up where there was music in the household at all times.  Singing loud and proud was never an embarrassing thing for my family. I grew up just belting out and always singing. Every moment that I wasn't playing legos or video games, I was always singing. When I was just a little baby, I remember that my older brother Dan was obsessed with Bob Dylan. He had Bob Dylan's entire collection of lyrics and tabs that was 6 inches thick. My other brother Jake played the drums. 

When it was my time to pick an instrument, my brothers led me more toward the bass. They told me that the bass is the coolest instrument and that everyone's always in need for a bassist! Truthyfully, they were just trying to get me in the family band (laughs). I actually started on upright bass, but it wasn't until later that I realized I really like writing music and playing guitar. I spend a lot more time on guitar because I enjoy breaking it down into components, but I still love bass.

TDIP: Tell me about the band. How did you guys come together? 

Music Monday | The Solarists

This indie band centered around the Provo area have been together for the past 8 months, but are already making waves in the local scene. Lining up multiple shows at music festivals the next few months ,The Solarists have the perfect blend of good vibes music with a flare of rock, making it the perfect road trip tunes that you actually want to listen to during those sweltering summer days. 

After meeting up with the guys at a local restaurant, the Sushi Burrito, their favorite hang out spot, I sat down with Nate, Clint, Justin and Kaua to ask them a few questions... 

SOURCE

TDIP: The Sushi Burrito. You guys were saying it's your tradition to come here?

Clint: We love Sushi Burrito! We always come here after a recording session. 

Kaua: Yeah, and if they were to sponsor us in any way, shape or form, we wouldn't be opposed to that (laughs)

TDIP: (laughs) Very nice! So tell me a little bit about yourselves. How did you guys first get started in music? Growing up, were you mostly self taught or was there any professional training?

Nate: My cousin gave me a Led Zeppelin CD and I was about 11 years old when I got my first guitar. After that, the rest is history really.

Clint: I was always in band in high school and that's actually how I met Justin and Nate. I played the saxophone and we were in jazz band together. When I was younger I played a lot of jazz music. A while later, I started up a hip hop group with some friends and realized I really enjoyed making music.

Parks In Provo

One of the simplest but greatest ways to get out and enjoy great weather is to gather everyone together, grab some blankets and food, then head over to your local park. It's free and convenient and all you need is a little creativity to enjoy a day out! We've visited some of these locations, snapped some photos and wanted to give you a little guide in finding the ideal park for you.

PIONEER PARK

Located near downtown Provo with a perfect scenic view of the mountains, Pioneer Park is a great location that is near residential areas to makefor a quick outing. Splash pad, pavilion and a playground makes this park a great location for cooling off during those hot summer months.

NORTH PARK

Tucked away in town, this smaller park is packed with experiences in heritage and culture that is historic to Provo. The Pioneer Museum and the Pioneer Village are within the North Park, making this day trip to the park much more bang for your buck!

RIVERSIDE PARK/PROVO RIVER PARKWAY

A park with great places for running, hiking, biking and exploring. A long 15 mile trail that is great for a late afternoon work out. There are picnic tables and pavilions spread throughout this area, plus a big wide open space perfect for games or gatherings. This park is also connected to the Paul Ream Wilderness Park.




PAUL REAM WILDERNESS PARK
The ideal spot for taking photographs, this small park has so many treasures like a duck pond, a bridge next to the provo river and picnic tables hidden amongst thick trees for a true "camping" like experience. It is a very private area surrounded by trees and would be a wonderful location for a family reunion.

LIONS PARK
Using their beautifully designed pavilion, it is an ideal location for big gatherings with multiple cars. There is lots of open space perfect for soccer games. Off to the side, there is also a baseball diamond. Everything you'd need is here at Lions Park.

FORT UTAH PARK
Home to the Karl J. Thalman baseball fields, this park is perfect for the active soul! Skate park, baseball fields, volleyball net and playground, bring your kids and give them a good work out! Historical features like a replica of the Fort that the Mormon Pioneers first used when they first settled in Provo!

Click on the links to discover more about each park!

We will update this page often as we discover more information!

Have us at your finger tips!

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Welcome To Our Website!

We are so excited to finally be announcing this website! 

We aim to have the most consolidated and complete calendar of events going on around town. Events include live music, plays, sports, college events, annual celebrations and so much more! 

Throughout the summer, we plan to fill this blog up with articles about...

Restaurants

Musicians

Local Crafters

Event Features

"People of Provo"

Announcements and News

and so much more!

If you are a writer and you are interested in getting featured as a guest blogger, then send us an email! We would love to hear from you! You can send all inquires to 

todoinprovo@gmail.com

Have us at your fingertips! You can follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that will give you daily updates on upcoming events, reviews, future giveaways, news features and highlighting what we love about the Provo area!

Do you have an event you'd like to promote? Click on the link to follow it to our Event Submission page. The more the merrier! Take advantage of this FREE form of advertising! The button will always be on our home page at the TOP right corner!

A Guide To Local Music | ToDoInProvo

Provo is home to some incredibly talented musicians; and we're here to shed some much deserved light. These dedicated musicians come from different genres and background that generate a very diverse music scene for Provo. Click below on the links to discover more for our exclusive interviews highlight the history, influences, hardships and successes of these local stars!

THE SOLARISTS

This indie band centered around the Provo area have been together for awhile now, but are already making waves in the competitive local scene. The Solarists have the perfect blend of good vibes with a flare of rock, making it the perfect road trip tunes that you actually want to listen to during those hot sweltering summer days.




THE COLD YEAR
The Cold Year is compiled of experienced and talented musicians that evoke more than just a unique and intricate sound, but a story along with it. Releasing a full album this summer, these men are gearing up for shows all over. I haven't met such passionate people that truly put everything into their lyrics and writing. 

CHERISH DEGRAFF
There's always a bright future ahead for young and creative minds, and Cherish DeGraff is taking full advantage of her natural talent with music. She's equipped with a genuine and pure voice, that dances along perfectfly to her acoustic sound. She's already had noticeable success with the release of her album.

Good Eats In Provo | A Guide To Local Dining

Eating out is one of the greatest times to connect with friends and family all the while enjoying delicious food! There are so many great places downtown that deserve some recognition. Here is our compilation of some of our favorite places to eat out! Click the links for articles about a restaurant's menu, specialties, history, hours, location and just about anything else you can think of! 

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