Every Thursday evening from early June to late August, Heber City’s Main Street Park turns into more than a park.
Local musicians take to the stage to play their tunes for hundreds who gather on the adjacent spacious field. Scores of other attendees circle the perimeter where craftspeople, organizations and foodies alike connect with different community members and show them their wares.
Last year, the Heber Market on Main turned 25, and it shows no signs of shrinking or slowing anytime soon.
According to information provided by the Heber Branch of the Bank of Utah — a longstanding sponsor of the market — it took root back in 1998 when KPCW DJ Paul Askins got sick of traveling to Park City to MC for events each week.
He started a Concerts in the Park series in Heber City, connecting with the bank to solicit help paying different bands who, at first, played in front of crowds of just 10-20 people.
Since then, the event has grown into what it is today. It continues under the direction of Heber City and consistently draws scores of people each Thursday throughout the warmer months of the year.
Right now, Heber City is looking for vendors who want to take part in the event and individuals or businesses who are willing to sponsor it.
According to Heber City Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant Jody Summers, the gathering has served as an opportunity for different business leaders to connect with one another in a variety of ways. It’s also provided a place where people can purchase goods knowing their sales tax will stay local in Heber City.
“We have spaces for about 25 food vendors, and that could be anything from just snow cones and lemonade and ice cream to full-on dinner options,” Summers said. “Over the years we’ve added craft and retail booths. We have a section for just educational and promotional things.”
She said the event has also been an opportunity for doctors new in town to spread the word about their practice and for insurance companies to solicit their services to the community. Churches have also become a part of the event, working to bring people to salvation only feet away from vendors working to put honey on their corn dogs.
“We kind of have a spot for everybody in the community,” she said.
And, she added, vendors with fresh produce or locally sourced fresh food like bread or honey to sell can do so without paying the costs charged to other vendors.
“It was called the Heber Valley Farmers Market, but we weren’t getting a lot of farmers. It is hard in Heber. We have such a short growing season,” she explained. “We definitely want to attract more of that so we get an even bigger actual farmer’s market presence there.”
Those interested in reserving a booth can do so until May 31 or until they are all reserved.
Heber City is also looking for individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring the event.