Spanish Fork, UT

Spanish Fork, located about 60 miles south of Salt Lake City, is considered a part of the Provo-Orem metropolitan area. The city's population is approximately 20,000.

The first person to call the Spanish Fork area home was Enoch Reece, who in 1850 settled 30,000 acres near the Spanish Fork River. Reece was soon joined by William Pace, John H. Reed and John Holt. Mormon pioneers arrived in Spanish Fork in 1851. They chose the area because of its meadows and irrigable land. Those qualities, combined with an abundance of timber for building, made the area a good location for settlement. In order to protect themselves from the local Native American population, the settlers constructed Fort Saint Luke in the fall of 1854. The Fort was originally home to approximately 20 families. The population of Spanish Fork increased considerably four years later, when a large number of families migrated to the region from various northern settlements. In 1858, entrepreneur and Mormon Church leader Archibald Gardner oversaw the construction of a sawmill, the settlement's first major business venture. In the years that followed, Gardner also established a flour mill and a foundry.

During the second half of the 1850s, Spanish Fork also witnessed a substantial influx of Icelandic settlers. The town is generally regarded to be the first permanent settlement of Icelandic immigrants in the country.

Today, Spanish Fork boasts a swiftly growing population and a strong economy, all surrounded by the natural beauty of central Utah. The city boasts low crime rates, as well as abundant parks and recreational opportunities.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Historically, Spanish Fork has relied primarily on agriculture and livestock for its prosperity. In modern times, the town owes much of its economic well-being to its connection with the Provo-Orem metropolitan area. The local government works hard not only to attract new businesses, but also to work with and meet the needs of existing businesses. This helps Spanish Fork retain a constant economic base. Spanish Fork's largest employers come from several different industries and include the following:

• Teleflex Defense Systems
• Longview Fibre Company
• Nature's Sunshine Products
• Trojan Corporation
• Valley Asphalt
• Shopko
• Kmart
• Mountain Country Foods

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

While Spanish Fork doesn't have specific neighborhood designations, most of its historic homes are located in central Spanish Fork, with newer home developments springing up on the outskirts of town. Home values in Spanish Fork vary considerably.

There are several shopping opportunities in Spanish Fork that range from locally owned small shops to national retail locations. While Spanish Fork itself doesn't have a traditional shopping mall, there are malls in nearby Orem and Provo. In addition, there are multiple restaurants in the Spanish Fork area. Dining opportunities range from fast-food spots to fine dining.

EDUCATION

Spanish Fork is part of the Nebo School District and has four high schools, two middle schools and eight grade schools. The city also has a private girl's school and a residential school for dysfunctional teens. Currently, there are no colleges located within the city limits.

BEST BETS

• Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum: This museum is dedicated to depicting and honoring pioneers.
• Utah Mountain Llamas: Visit this farm to see pot-bellied pigs and llamas. Children who weigh less than 70 pounds can ride various llamas.
• The Icelandic Monument: This monument, located at the base of the Wasatch Range, honors the first permanent Icelandic settlement in the United States.

EVENTS

• Utah County Fair: Held every August at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, this annual event features 4-H events, livestock, horse shows, food and crafts.
• Fiesta Days: A celebration of all things Spanish Fork, this festival includes a rodeo, parade, arts and crafts and, of course, food. This event is typically held in July.
• Himalayan Performing Arts Festival: Held each July, this festival celebrates Himalayan folklore and artistry through performance pieces.
• Sky Spectacular: This is an unusual festival that celebrates the power of wind, and features kites and other wind-driven devices. Local businesses also showcase "green" products that do less harm to the environment than traditional products. The event is held each September at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon.
• Fall Arts Festival: Celebrated in September, this festival highlights all forms of artistic expression, and features artists, musicians and dancers. Events include games, crafts, pony rides, a giant hay-bale maze, balloon animals and antique-style photographic portraits.
• Festival of India: This festival, which usually takes place in September, is designed to celebrate the heritage and culture of the Eastern Indian population of Spanish Forks with food, drinks and music.
• Festival of Lights: This is a drive-through lighting display accompanied by holiday music. It begins Thanksgiving night and continues through New Year's Day.