What's Happening in Provo and Orem | Jan. 20, 2025

What’s Up Provo!

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

The story behind Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech is worth reading about. Read how “…the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech was completely extemporaneous and was completely spontaneous.” ➡️ The story behind the speech 

A few highlights of today’s newsletter:

• 🌟 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and other MLK day activities, Tuesday Tunes at the University Mall, Planetary Alignment, BYU men’s basketball vs. Colorado, BYU’s Walk of Life

• 🖼️ Van Gogh to Playdough, Learners with Littles, etc. February registration opens up

• 🏃‍♂️ Conner Mantz sets new U.S. half-marathon record

Local Business
Iglu Outfitters 🧊 

The coldest weather of the season is now upon us, so it’s a great time to check out Iglu!

Iglu was started by three moms, raising 12 kids collectively, and they were sick of being cold while watching all the sporting events!

So they created a wearable sleeping bag—maybe the warmest thing you could wear at any outdoor event. (You might have seen a number of Iglu’s if you’ve watched one of BYU’s football games.)

Check out all their wearable sleeping bags | BYU branded options

Nothing in this section is sponsored. We’ll always let you know if something is sponsored.

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The Bulletin 📌 

Utah native breaks U.S. record in the half-marathon 🏃‍♂️ 

Conner Mantz, a native of Cache Valley and former BYU runner, now holds the American half-marathon record! He finished the Houston half-marathon in 59 minutes, 17 seconds yesterday at a race in Houston. (The previous half-marathon record, set by Ryan Hall, stood for 18 years.) Article

Snowpack Update 🏔️ 

The snow in Northern Utah over the weekend has continued to help, but the snowpack levels in Southern Utah are dropping to historic lows. Article | KSL’s Snowpack Chart 

BYU Volleyball stays undefeated 🏐 

BYU swept Ball State, the #6 team in the country, last week and is now 6-0 on the season! BYU played Ball State at Ball State’s home arena and beat them 3-2 on Thursday night, and 3-2 again on Friday night. Article 

More Sports 🎾🏐🏀 

🏀 BYU 72, Utah 73 (in overtime). Takeaways
🏀 BYU women’s basketball loses to Texas Tech 70 - 65. Recap
🎾 BYU men’s tennis wins their season opener by beating Weber State 6-1. Recap
🏀 UVU men’s basketball defeats SUU 96 - 80. Recap

Today
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🌟 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Celebrate MLK Day with a service project at Thanksgiving Point.

In partnership with Five.12 Foundation, this MLK Day of Service at Thanksgiving Point invites you to join with the rest of the community in assembling food kits for at-risk students and families. A great way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy!

Thanksgiving Point | 9 AM–12 PM | More info

💝 Martin Luther King Community Outreach Day
Here are some other MLK day service opportunities in Provo/Orem from Y-Serve (including service projects at D.I., Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross, etc.). Also, refreshments, should be great for the whole family.

🛼 MLK Special at Classic Fun Center
“All day skating! All Day Bouncing! 50 arcade Credits! Game of Laser Tag! And a Round of MiniGolf!” There’s a lot included in the MLK Day Special at the Classic Fun Center, get all this for $16.99 (if you buy online).
Classic Fun Center in Orem | All day | More info

🏛️ Martin Luther King Day Celebration at the Utah State Capitol
11:30 am - Community Gathering at the Utah State Capitol
Noon - MLK Celebration Program: Invocation, Song, Youth Reading, Remarks & Reflections by Community Leaders & Elected Officials
1:30 pm - Celebration Walk to the Gateway Mall
2:00 pm - Community Choir Concert at the Gateway Mall
2:00 pm - Community Service Project - Donation Drop Off Center at the Gateway
More info

🧴 Free Education Series: The Skin Candy
Make your own bottle of lotion and learn from The Skin Candy while your kids participate in a Snapology class…all for free!
“The Skin Candy is a soap and cosmetics brand created to deliver beauty products…that allow you to turn your bathroom into an at home spa.” And Snapology “is packed with unique and exciting activities, including engineering challenges, innovative builds with LEGO® bricks, and engaging robotics projects.”
Oliver’s Place (125 South 2000 West Pleasant Grove) | 4pm-5:30pm | More info | Instagram post

Also:
👉 Heber Valley Railroad Monday Night Train at 7 PM
👉️ Orem, Provo, Springville Libraries will be closed today for the holiday
👉️ LES OLSON IT Best of Utah Gymnastics Meet (BYU vs. Utah vs. SUU vs. Utah State) at the Maverik Center (Utah has won the last 5 competitions)

Tuesday
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Tuesday Tunes at the University Mall 🎙️ 

From now until the ides of March you can enjoy live music at the University Mall in Orem for free!

Tomorrow’s performer will be Heber Matute. A little background about Heber, he was 5 years old when his family immigrated to the United States (to Tennessee) to escape the dangerous situation in Honduras.

He’s now performing all over the U.S. and he’s made Salt Lake City his home! From Spotify: “His influences range from Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Bazzi, Chris Brown, The Backstreet Lovers, etc.

University Place (Urban Court) | 5pm - 7pm | More info

Planetary Alignment at Antelope Island 🪐🌌

If you are looking for a good place to view the planetary alignment, Antelope Island might your place. It was designate as a “Dark Sky Park”, so it will be one of the best places in Utah to view it the night sky. (Jordanelle and Timpanogos Cave were also designated Dark Sky Parks as well.)

Antelope Island State Park | January 21 | More info

💃 Trinity Irish Dance Company Presents JIG
Founded in 1990 by choreographer Mark Howard, the Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) is redefining Irish dance with their show, JIG. And you can check out their blend of tradition, innovation, music, rhythm, and movement at BYU tomorrow!
BYU Dance Performance Theatre | 7:30 PM–9:30 PM | More info

👗 4th Annual Pritchétt Soirée
“Come party with your girls for the funnest night of the year!” At this event, see the debut of Pritchétt Bridal’s 2025 bridal collection during their “high-end fashion show”! There’s going to be appetizers and drinks, a dance party, and extras for purchase, like piercings, permanent jewelry, charm necklaces, and custom paintings!
Utah Valley Convention Center | 7pm-9:30pm | More info/Tickets

💬 BYU Devotional
Elder Gary E. Stevenson will be giving the devotional at BYU!
BYU Marriott Center | 11:05 AM | More info

Also:
👉️ Pleasant Grove Kneaders Soup Taste-off from 6pm-8pm (Lehi’s)
👉️ BYU men’s basketball vs. Colorado (away) at 9pm
👉️ Craft and Chat: Crochet at the Provo Library from 6pm - 8pm

Wednesday
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☂️ Mary Poppins at the Covey Center
It’s going to be a "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" evening at the Covey Center tonight. Utah COPA will be performing Marry Poppins. So enjoy the classic with your family, ticket cost $14.
Covey Center | January 22–23 @ 7 PM | More info

Walk of Life 🕯️ 
This event will be a commemoration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at BYU. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. Meet at the tunnel by the Marriott Center, the walk will be to the Wilk courtyard where there will be speeches and presentations.
Marriott Center Tunnel | 6:30pm | More info

🧩 Puzzle Swap
Got puzzles or games gathering dust? Bring them to the Springville Library for a Puzzle and Game Swap. Great time to clear out your shelves and hopefully find a new game/puzzle to enjoy!
Springville Library | 7pm - 8pm| More info

Also:
👉️ Blood Drive at the Provo Library
👉️ Big Kid Adventures at the Orem Library from 4pm to 5pm (for grades K-3rd)
👉️ Candy Craft at the Springville Library
👉️ Free guide through the Crossing the Divide exhibit at the BYU MOA starting at 12:10pm

Reminders and Notices ⚠️ 

Fork Fest Band Submissions 🎸 

Fork Fest: Music & Arts Festival 2025 will features 32 bands across two days and is considered “the premiere annual showcase of Utah bands”. Band registration is are now open and submissions are due January 31st. More info

🖼️ Van Gogh to Playdough Registration
This one is for kids ages 3-5, and the caregiver(s). Kids read, play, sing, and create during this twice a week event. It is free but registration is required. The events for January are fully booked, but registration for February’s events is scheduled to open up today. More info/Register

💪 Speed and Strength Camp
For grades 8th - 12th, this speed and strength camp at BYU starts in February (Feb. 3rd). Sessions happen 2x a week (Monday and Wednesday). Still spots available! More info

🇺🇸 Springville Flag Contest
Art City is looking to the community to help them design their new official flag! The submission deadline for this is coming up, but there’s still time. (“This opportunity is open to anyone with a connection to Springville City, regardless of age or artistic experience.”) More info

🖍️ Draw like a Disney Artist
Classes at Sharpened Stylus in Springville (taught by Nathan Allen from Lucasfilm Animation) are starting soon. The Spring In-Person class starts next Tuesday! More info

🗽 Learners with Littles February 13
Registration for the Feb 13th Learners with Littles session is open right now. Here is some more info about it: “Learners with Littles brings parents and children together to help all learn more about America’s heritage. It is a monthly discussion series about American heritage on UVU campus for parents or caregivers of children (or for those who don’t mind children in the background). “ More info

💰️ Orem City CARE grants due in February
These grants are intended to improve the quality of the local arts programs, and improv parks, recreation in the city, etc. Grant amounts range from $1 – $15,000+, and the organization awarded the grant must be a nonprofit organization (501c3). More info

Thanks!

Thanks for reading! Make it a great day today Provo! 😉 

-Nicole, Josh, & Carlie

p.s. If someone forwarded this to you, and you aren’t part of the group yet, then sign up here! 👈️