For more than 80 years, Midvale’s Harvest Days Festival has celebrated the city’s community spirit and diverse cultures. This year’s event runs Monday, July 28 through Saturday, Aug. 2. 

Neighborhood block parties kick off the annual festival on July 28-29, bringing residents together to build friendships and develop strong community bonds.

“Block parties are a pretty long tradition for Midvale City, where each neighborhood can throw its own party, block off the street and get to know their neighbors…Each year we see about 20 block parties,” said Erinn Summers, Midvale’s project and policy manager. “They can have elected officials join in and visit them at their block party. It’s a place where neighborhoods can get closer together and celebrate their year together.”

On Wednesday, July 30, the Midvale Arts Council hosts the Hall of Honors and Art Show at the Midvale Performing Arts Center (695 W. Center Street). The Hall of Honors recognizes people who have made significant contributions to Midvale. New recipients will be inducted into the Hall during a ceremony at 7 p.m.

The art show begins earlier in the day, at 5 p.m., and features local artists competing for awards in a wide range of mediums, including photography, oil, mixed media, watercolor and 3D art. Admission to the exhibit is free.

Tyler Library (8041 S. Wood St.) hosts a game night on Thursday, July 31 where families can play lawn, video and board games, or create their own. Check The County Library website for the time of the event.

A free summer concert on Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. features James Romero y Los Amigos Three Generations performing on the Midvale City Park stage (455 W. 7500 South). 

“They’re fairly well known,” Summers said. “We actually have a mural of James Romero on our Main Street. It’s on the senior center wall, on the south wall. It’s a cool mural of him with his guitar. He was very excited.”

A full day of activities is planned for Saturday, Aug. 2, the final day of the festival. It begins with a fun run at Midvale City Park at 7 a.m., followed by the Harvest Days Parade at 9 a.m. The parade starts at Copperview Elementary (8449 Monroe St.), runs north up Monroe and Grant streets, ending at the park. From 3-10 p.m., the Harvest Days Festival at the park will host games, live music, a petting zoo, food trucks, bingo, a passport hunt, Scales and Tails shows, vendors and more. 

“It’s family oriented, so there are free activities for all ages with games, bounce houses and photo booths,” Summers said. “Last year, we added the children’s entrepreneur market. So we have the regular vendors and then the children’s vendors have their own row. They sell their own materials. The children’s market is to teach kids how to run their own business and how to sell their wares.”

A fireworks show at 10 p.m. will end the festivities. Families are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show at the park. For more information, visit EngageMidvale.com. 

“It’s our biggest event, and we have a community committee who helps plan it,” Summers said. “Making sure it’s family-friendly, accessible and affordable are really big goals.” λ