If you enjoy hectic parking, deafening noises, and 50,000 people giving you extreme social anxiety, then perhaps you already have plans for the 4th of July. However, if you are one of the few that avoid the Stadium of Fire in Provo at all costs, but still wish to celebrate America’s day of independence, here is a list of alternative activities you can enjoy for the 4th of July that have little or nothing to do with Joe, Kevin, or Nick.
Hit up Provo’s Farmers Market in Pioneer Park located at 500 West Center Street. The Farmers Market is held every Saturday through October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.?You can enjoy live music, an array of arts and crafts, plenty of produce and a general good feeling that comes from supporting local businesses and farmers. Why not pick up a couple of ingredients at the market to include in your own 4th of July barbeque later that day? And don’t forget to take advantage of the free samples that are offered at various booths.
It may be a bit of a drive, but consider attending “Enjoy the Crunch,” which is Moab’s 4th of July celebration.?Sure, there may be crowds and loud fireworks, but there is also a watermelon eating contest, a ring toss and a dunk tank.?What’s not to love about a good old fashioned festival that will make you feel like a kid again? Plus, it is in beautiful Moab and not in a stadium occupied by Glenn Beck and thousands of tweens obsessed with the Disney-owned products commonly known as the Jonas Brothers.?Enjoy the Crunch is located in Swanny City Park at 400 N. 100 W. and runs from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
While you’re down in Moab, go camping.?Or go camping closer to home. Basically, I just want you to go camping.?And so does Uncle Sam.? Show your appreciation for America by taking advantage of all the beauty our state has to offer.
Okay, so do you want to be really alternative this 4th of July? How about celebrating a day before and beating everyone to the punch? Well, you can by attending a sure-to-be-stellar house show at 3900 N. 50 E. in Provo.? Local bands The Young Lords, Death & The Orange, The Eden Express, and Agent Smith will be performing.?Take the opportunity to see and hear some of the best in Provo’s music scene for free. It doesn’t get much better than that, folks. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and goes until 12 a.m.
Lastly, go to a bar. Might I suggest a personal favorite — The Deerhunter Pub in Spanish Fork at 2000 N. 300 W. Show your red, white, and blue and order a round of Bud Light for everyone.?Who needs fireworks when you’ll start seeing your own stars and stripes after knocking a few back??And don’t forget to make a toast to an alternative 4th of July well spent.
