Spanish Fork Fiesta Days – 2023
Published July 14, 2023 | By Lynn Blamires, feature writer for My Local Utah
The summer is alive in Utah with city celebrations and each one has a flavor of its own. Spanish Fork is the next in line to step into the spotlight. The theme of this year’s gala is “Right Where You Belong.” This year marks the 81 Fiesta Days event.
July 18, Tuesday
3:00 p.m. Baby Contest – Spanish Fork kicks off their party with the most beautiful babies in the world as judged by the 2023 Miss Spanish Fork Royalty and their mothers.
If you are a baby from 0 to 36 months who can talk their mothers into entering you into this event, you will have a chance of winning in one of six age categories based on your age on July 18. If you are lucky, your mother will dress you in a costume to fit this year’s theme: “Right Where You Belong”. If you are one of the lucky winners, you will receive an 8×12 portrait which is sure to be displayed in a prominent place in your home. One in which your first prom date will not be able to miss. I love baby contests and it is not just because of the cute babies.
July 19 – 22, Wednesday – Monday
7:00 p.m. The Fiesta Days Rodeo – This world-class event is a stop on the PRCA Pro-Rodeo Tour. World champions compete using a back-to-back format. The twelve best contestants during each morning slack will move to the evening’s performance – allowing you to see event champions every night except Sunday. Saturday features the PCRA Xtreme Bulls competition.
July 20, Thursday
10:00 a.m. The DUP Museum will open displaying artifacts and photos from Spanish Fork pioneers. Baby quilts, receiving blankets, burp cloths, and other handmade items will be available for purchase as well as historical photos and family histories.
July 20 – 29, Thursday – Saturday
7:00 p.m. The Spanish Fork High School in conjunction with the Community Theater will present Matilda the Musical in the auditorium. On two of those days, the musical will play at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
July 20 – 24, Thursday – Monday
Sidewalks will be full of racks offering reasons to come and see. Enjoy the beauty of Spanish Fork and all of our local shopping for the best bargains around.
4:00 p.m. A Craft Fair will feature unique items in decor and novelties, such as jewelry, clothing, accessories, toys, face painting, collectibles, books, etc. There are also information booths and services for beauty and health.
4:00 p.m. The food vendors open their doors serving a variety of foods including Navajo tacos, tri-tip sandwiches, marinated chicken, tacos, burritos, nachos, snow cones, shaved ice, lemonade, hamburgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob. They will be open at 10 a.m. every day through Monday except Sunday.
4:00 p.m. The carnival will open. The fun of the midway is the reason people young and old look forward to this annual event. It is presented by Brown’s Amusements and is the biggest and cleanest carnival to ever come to town. New thrill rides for all ages will be available to enjoy. The carnival will be opening again at 4 p.m. on Friday but will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Monday and will stay open until 11 p.m. throughout Fiesta Days.
July 20, Thursday
Family Night in the Park will feature the Happy Valley Comedy group. Enjoy an hour of family-friendly stand-up comedy by Kendra Green, Dennis High, Cheyenne Jackson, and Adam Broud, and your host, Ryan Provstgaard.
July 21, Friday
7:15 p.m. – A pie baking contest – Any dessert pie, from blueberry and rhubarb to pecan and buckeye, from single crust to double crust, all are welcome! Age divisions are broken out into youth (14 & younger) and adults. Categories include Fruit, Non-Fruit, and Cream pies. Prizes will be presented by sponsor, Wall Brothers – The Barn.
7:30 p.m. – Spanish Fork’s Got Talent – Come see the area’s best vocalists, musicians, jugglers, magicians, comedians, poets, vocal ensembles, acoustic instrumental ensembles, and dance groups, or any other unique talent going for the big prize. First place wins $300, second place wins $200, and third place wins $100.
July 22, Saturday
8:00 a.m. – Car Show at Sports Park West – a live band will play during the show from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm – CryWolf is a family favorite four-piece acoustic rock ‘n’ roll band. Vendors and food trucks will be available throughout the day.
9:00 a.m. – The Spanish Fork Children’s Parade – individuals, families, church, or neighborhood groups are welcome to participate in this parade. Entries will be judged by Miss Spanish Fork and her royalty. Categories are Most Creative, Most Original, and Best Use of Fiesta Days theme (“Right Where You Belong”).
9:30 a.m. – Children’s activities – This is a super fun event for children and those with adaptive needs. Immediately after the Children’s Parade, the park will be the center of fun and free activities for children to enjoy.
A large tent, sponsored by Intermountain Health Spanish Fork Hospital, will be set up in front of the stage to provide games, face paintings, digging for treasures, creating crafts, and having a real princess paint their nails. Go fishing, go bowling, get a tattoo, and fill up bags with prizes from the many other ventures. Free inflatables, sponsored by Legacy House, will also be set up for children to enjoy.
12:30 p.m. – Entertainment in the Park – a variety of dancers and singers will delight on stage at City Park. A list of performers is available online.
6:00 p.m. – The Miss & Mr. Extraordinaire Pageant is open to area residents under 18 years old with adaptive needs. The program is designed to provide opportunities for those with adaptive needs to be recognized and perform on stage. The event will include a production number, talent category, and evening wear. Each participant will receive a crown and sash.
8:00 p.m. – Spanish Fork will come alive on Center Street with a street dance. A live DJ will be spinning the wheels playing a classic blend of current and past chart-toppers that’ll keep the party hopping and the energy at peak levels. Enjoy great music, awesome lights, and loads of fun for everyone of all ages. Come downtown, grab a bite to eat, and dance the night away.
July 23, Sunday
7:30 p.m. – Sunday Night in the Park – the featured performer is Halo Ray. Prior to the performance, the Pioneer Spirit Award recipient will be introduced and some giveaways will be passed out from the sponsor, Legacy House of Spanish Fork.
July 24, Monday
6:30 a.m. – 45th Annual Speedy Spaniard River Trail 10K
7:30 a.m. – 29th Annual Speedy Spaniard Mile Run
8:00 a.m. – Spanish Fork High School Student Council is pleased to host the 2nd annual Fiesta Days Pancake Breakfast on Monday, July 24, 2023, 8-10 am at City Park (south side of the park). Breakfast is $5 and includes sausage, eggs, and pancakes.
9:00 a.m. – The Fiesta Days Grand Parade – the largest 24th of July parade in Utah County will feature marching bands, floats, businesses, queen royalties, and community groups. The Fiesta Days Grand Parade is a family tradition, a long-time favorite among residents, and this year’s line-up will not disappoint.
2:00 p.m. – The Adopt-A-Duck Race supports the local Firefighters Association. All proceeds from this event are utilized to support the Spanish Fork Fire & EMS members and members of the community in need throughout the year in other charitable events and donations. This is the 18th year for this fun activity. Ducks are put into the river at the Main Street Bridge. The top four ducks to cross into the catch basin (West Park Drive at the river bridge) are competing for a $2,000 purse. The last duck will win $100.
8:00 p.m. – The Fireworks Spectacular Concert – Fire at Will provides a blend of catchy pop hits, raucous classic rock, and popular contemporary music for a leisurely two hours until the fireworks begin. Food trucks will be on hand for food and snacks to top off your Spanish Fork Fiesta Days.
Information on food trucks, performers, and schedules is available at https://www.spanishfork.org/events/fiestadays/index.php. These are Fiesta Days in Spanish Fork.