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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Annual Harvest Festival Returns to Heber City
The Wasatch Community Foundation, together with the Heber Valley Self-Reliance Group, invites the public to the fifth annual Harvest Festival. This free, family-friendly community event will be held October 23 from 5–8 p.m. and October 24 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at 1335 East Center Street in Heber City. The festival is open to families, neighbors, gardeners, farmers, and community members, celebrating the harvest season and promoting self-reliance, emergency preparedness, and local food.
Building Community Unity Through Self-Reliance
The festival aims to foster community connection and unity, emphasizing skills and relationships that contribute to a resilient community. "This is about much more than gathering a harvest," said event organizer and founder Russ Olsen. "It’s about bringing our community together and building the skills, relationships and resources that help our valley become stronger and more self-reliant. Community Unity is what this event is all about."
Hands-On Potato Harvest and Volunteer Opportunities
A main attraction of the weekend will be the annual potato harvest. Volunteers of all ages can dig and gather potatoes that will be donated to local food banks and other organizations supporting people in need. Additionally, volunteers can earn potatoes for their own families, turning the harvest into a fun, hands-on activity reminiscent of an Easter egg hunt—but with potatoes. Children can participate in contests and compete for prizes, including awards for finding the largest potatoes.
Farmers Market and Local Food Experiences
The festival will bring together local gardeners, farmers, and vendors to showcase and sell their produce at a farmers market, linking attendees with fresh, locally grown food. The event will also feature honey for sale and meat from a regenerative ranch, with organizers highlighting its nutritional benefits confirmed by Utah State University testing. The comparisons between the ranch's beef and conventional grain-finished beef will be available for attendees interested in nutrition and sustainable practices.
Learning About Emergency Preparedness and Self Reliance
Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with organizations focused on self-reliance and emergency preparedness. These groups will provide information, resources, and demonstrations on practical techniques that families can apply at home to enhance their own preparedness and create a more resilient community.
Festivities, Food, and Family Activities
The Harvest Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on October 23, offering pizza and hamburgers for attendees. The celebrations continue on October 24, starting with a free breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by more food options—including pizza and hamburgers—from noon to 2 p.m. Children and families can enjoy various activities throughout the festival, making it a welcoming event for all ages.
Source: parkrecord.com.
