t’s nearly July in Utah County and the contrasting themes continue. Families are flocking to community theaters and outdoor movies while wildfires and early summer heat remind us to be careful with fire and smoke. Provo keeps piling up “best‑run city” accolades, airlines and county officials tout progress on the Provo Airport expansion, and rodeo fans watch ash drift from far‑off blazes. At the same time, the calendar overflows with movies in the park, night lift rides, farmers markets and multiple Independence Day parades and concerts.
On the lighter side, a classic children’s book takes the stage in Orem, a new chicken‑salad spot opens in Pleasant Grove, and this week’s fireworks and festivals promise to draw crowds from across the valley. Whether you’re looking for a night of theater, a community event or a taste of something new, there’s plenty to fill your long summer days.
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In today’s edition:
One local story worth knowing about
Quick updates from around the county
A local restaurant spotlight in Pleasant Grove
Things to do in the week ahead
A few updates you might have missed
The Big Story
Timpanogos Arts Foundation brings Matilda to the stage
Classic children’s literature takes center stage as the Timpanogos Arts Foundation opens its summer production of Matilda. The musical adapts Roald Dahl’s beloved story about a whip‑smart young girl who discovers extraordinary powers while navigating a school run by the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull. Local performers of all ages bring the characters to life, filling the stage with colorful costumes and lively songs.
The show follows Matilda as she befriends her kind teacher Miss Honey and outwits her cruel headmistress. Evening performances run through July 18, with select matinees to accommodate families. Organizers describe the production as “family‑friendly fun” and note that ticket sales help fund arts education and community programs. If you’ve read the book or seen the film, the stage version offers a fresh way to experience Matilda’s cleverness and courage.
Community theater not only showcases local talent but also provides affordable entertainment and keeps children’s stories alive for new generations. As temperatures rise and wildfire smoke fills the air, an evening at the theater offers a safe, air‑conditioned escape that supports the arts.
Quick Hits
Provo tops national “best‑run city” ranking again
WalletHub’s 2026 evaluation of America’s best‑run cities placed Provo first for the second year in a row. The personal‑finance site cited a 3.1 percent business‑growth rate, a 91 percent high‑school‑graduation rate and some of the nation’s lowest violent‑ and property‑crime numbers. Provo leaders credit residents’ engagement and a zero‑based budgeting system for the recognition. The report notes that short commute times and a thriving local economy help the city outperform much larger metros.
Wildfire smoke dims skies and drops ash on summer events
Smoke from wildfires in southern Utah and Nevada drifted over Utah County last week, leaving a fine layer of ash on cars and patios and turning the sky an eerie shade of orange. Air‑quality officials classified conditions as “moderate,” advising sensitive groups to reduce outdoor activity while rodeos and festivals continued with extra watering and dust control. Residents described the falling ash as “like a storm coming in,” and health officials said haze may linger until winds shift.
Provo Airport expansion remains on schedule
One year into a major expansion, Provo Airport officials say construction of a new north concourse is progressing smoothly and will add three gates by late 2027. Passenger volumes have surged past 3.5 million since the terminal opened in 2022, prompting plans to eventually expand to ten gates and a future customs facility. Officials say crews are carefully staging work to avoid disrupting current flights and that partnerships between Provo City, Utah County and state and federal agencies are keeping the multi‑phase project on budget and on time.
Restaurant of the Week
Chicken Salad Chick (Pleasant Grove)
If you’re craving a picnic‑style lunch without turning on the stove, the new Chicken Salad Chick in Pleasant Grove might be the answer. The fast‑casual chain, founded in Alabama in 2008, specializes in house-made chicken salad in more than a dozen flavors, ranging from classic recipes to spicy buffalo and fruit-filled varieties.. Guests can order scoops, sandwiches or trio plates that pair chicken salad with sides like pimento cheese, grape salad or broccoli slaw. Soups, sweet tea and cookies round out the Southern‑inspired menu.
The Pleasant Grove location features a bright, welcoming dining room and a drive‑through for takeout. Staff encourage diners to mix and match flavors to discover their favorite, and kids’ meals and catering packages make it easy to feed a crowd. Hours run from late morning through dinner, with limited Sunday service. Whether you’re a chicken‑salad devotee or a newcomer, the variety and hospitality set this franchise apart from ordinary sandwich shops.
Around the Point: Things to Do this Week
Provo Movies in the Park – The Emperor’s New Groove
When: June 29 (Mon), 9 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Park, Provo
Bring a blanket and enjoy Disney’s comical Emperor’s New Groove on an outdoor screen. Food trucks and lawn games open at 8 p.m., and the movie starts at dusk. Admission is free.
Full Moon Lift Rides
When: June 29 (Mon), 8 p.m.
Where: Sundance Resort, Provo Canyon
Ride the ski lift under the full moon and take in panoramic views of Mount Timpanogos. The 45‑minute ride includes live music at the base and hot chocolate at the top. Reservations recommended.
Saratoga Springs Farmers Market
When: June 29 (Mon), 5 p.m.
Where: Sunrise Meadows Park, Saratoga Springs
Shop local produce, baked goods and crafts at this evening market. Kids can play in the splash pad while adults browse stalls and grab dinner from food trucks.
Riverton Town Days
When: July 3–4 (Thu–Fri), 10 a.m. start
Where: Riverton City Park, Riverton
Carnival rides, a pie contest, a parade and a fireworks show make Riverton’s two‑day celebration a tradition. Concerts and a rodeo fill the afternoon; admission is free, with tickets sold for rides.
Daybreak Farmers Market
When: July 4 (Sat), 9 a.m.
Where: Daybreak’s SoDa Row, South Jordan
This weekly market on SoDa Row features seasonal produce, artisan breads and live music. The July 4 edition includes patriotic crafts for kids and extended hours until noon.
Fourth of July Festivities
Entertainment Grand Parade
When: July 4 (Sat), 8 a.m.
Where: University Avenue, Provo
Floats, marching bands and vintage cars fill University Avenue in Provo’s signature Independence Day parade. Plan to arrive early; lawn chairs line the route before sunrise.
Salt Lake Bees vs. Las Vegas Aviators
When: July 4 (Sat), 6 p.m.
Where: Smith’s Ballpark, Salt Lake City
Cheer on Utah’s Triple‑A baseball team in a holiday matchup against the Aviators. A post‑game firework display lights up the night. Tickets start at $14.
Stadium of Fire with Brad Paisley
When: July 4 (Sat), 8 p.m.
Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo
Country star Brad Paisley headlines the nation’s largest stadium fireworks show, joined by special guests and the Studio C cast. The performance will be broadcast live across the country.
By the Dawn’s Early Light
When: July 4 (Sat), 7 a.m.
Where: Pioneer Park, Pleasant Grove
Start Independence Day with a patriotic 5K and flag‑raising ceremony. Pancake breakfast follows, with proceeds benefiting local veterans’ programs.
Red, White & Boom (America 250 PG)
When: July 4 (Sat), 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Pleasant Grove
Live bands, a food‑truck rally and a massive fireworks finale anchor this all‑day celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy activities for kids and adults alike.
In case you missed it…
Jack in the Box opens 24‑hour American Fork location
The fast‑food chain opened its 10th Utah location on State Road in American Fork, offering its full menu of tacos, burgers and curly fries around the clock. The restaurant includes a community room and drive‑through and drew crowds at a ribbon‑cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Brad Frost. Operators hope it will become a late‑night staple for north‑county diners.
New Kiwanis Club aims to serve Lehi youth
Community members launched the Kiwanis Club of Lehi with a mission to support children and teens through reading programs, park cleanups and other service projects. The charter dinner drew more than 40 participants, including local high‑school Key Club members, and organizers plan to meet twice a month to expand volunteer efforts.
New group focuses on helping Lehi‑area youthAI helps mosquito‑control crews find hidden drains
Utah County’s Mosquito Abatement District is using artificial intelligence to analyze aerial imagery and identify storm drains that could harbor mosquito larvae. The model, trained on drone and GIS data, has helped crews locate nearly 6,000 previously unknown drains. Staff then ride mountain bikes to drop larvicide tablets into the drains, reducing costs and allowing workers to treat breeding sites before mosquitoes hatch.
Utah County is using AI to fight mosquitoes
That’s it for this issue of The Point.
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