It’s here, Cache Valley—our favorite week for flag shirts, sticky popsicles, and pretending we definitely know where the kids are once the fireworks start.

This issue is packed tighter than your uncle’s paper plate at the Chuck Wagon Breakfast: we’ve got Ty the sweet shelter pup still searching for his forever backyard, a Megaplex makeover you’ll wanna sneak a date night to, and very useful BBQ moves (two words: Blonde. Brownies.).

We’re spotlighting small-town parades with candy showers, rodeos under the stars, the ultimate glow stick hack so you don’t lose your kids in the dark, and slaw that your kids will 100% ignore—don’t worry, we brought dessert for that too.

So fill up that camp chair, grab a cold dirty Dr Pepper, and dive in.

Here’s to chrome, cannon salutes, and keeping our four-legged friends calm while the sky explodes in freedom sparkles.

Happy 4th of July, Cache Valley—let’s make it one for the books!

In this issue:

- Word on the Street
- Where to Be
- I'll Take One of Everything
- Life Comes at You Fast

- Locals Who Mean Business

- This Made Us Smile

How Lucky Are We, Really? A Little Love Letter to the 4th of July

Sometimes it’s easy to forget, in between the Costco hot dogs, the “did we buy enough sparklers?” panic, and the battle for the best patch of grass at the park, just how lucky we really are to live where we do.

Sure, we can grumble about potholes and property taxes, but we also get to wake up every morning in a country where we can say what we want, worship how we choose, build the life we dream of—whether that’s climbing the corporate ladder or raising goats and kids on a quiet patch of Cache Valley dirt.

We get fireworks and freedom.

The right to vote, to disagree, to run for office, to protest, to cheer, to try again when we mess it up (which we do, plenty).

We get the blessing—and, honestly, the responsibility—of keeping this grand old experiment in freedom alive for the next generation.

On July 4th, we get to gather with our people—neighbors, family, old friends who bring their famous potato salad—to eat too many burgers and clap like little kids when the sky explodes in color. It’s a simple thing, but it’s also huge.

So this week, maybe take an extra second to soak it all in. The big, messy, beautiful gift of it all.

The fact that we can grill hot dogs in the backyard and speak our minds.

That we can gather and celebrate and argue and dream—sometimes all on the same day.

Happy Independence Day, Cache Valley.

Here’s to the freedoms we cherish, the neighbors we love, and the fireworks we’ll probably still hear at midnight next Tuesday. 

Now pass the watermelon.

New Seats, Same Popcorn Fingers—Megaplex Is Almost Ready!

Good news, movie buffs—your living room just got demoted. The Megaplex Theatres at University is this close to flinging open those shiny new doors after a major glow-up.

We’re talking fancy recliners, spruced-up screens, and plenty of room to spill your giant soda in style.

Date night, girls’ night, solo popcorn bucket for dinner? All back on the table.

Sneak a peek at what’s coming! 

Utah Women: You’re Not Alone in This

If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling all the things and still wondering if you’re doing enough, this one’s for you.

Take a breath, read this, and remember: your mental health matters just as much as everyone you take care of.

Let’s talk about it, share it, and remind each other—we’re stronger when we lift each other up.  Read the full story here.

Ty’s Tired of Waiting—Can We Get This Good Boy Outta Here?

Picture this: your backyard, a squeaky toy, and Ty—Cache Valley’s most patient heeler/border collie mix—zooming around like he just discovered Dutch Bros Rebel. 

This sweet boy has been waiting forever (well, 7.5 months, but that’s basically forever in dog years) while his siblings packed their bags for their forever homes ages ago.

Ty’s got tail wags for days, enough energy to power your next adventure, and exactly zero interest in growing up behind kennel bars.

If you’ve got a dog-shaped hole in your life (or know someone who does), Ty’s ready to fill it with love, chaos, and muddy paw prints on your clean floors.

Let’s get this good boy home, Cache Valley—he’s got zoomies to unleash and you’ve got treats to give. 

Be Ty’s hero—see how to adopt him here!

Freedom, Furry Friends, and Free Tickets—Oh My!

This 4th of July, skip the backyard ants and come hang with Zootah’s cooler critters instead.

The zoo’s open all day for your sunshine-and-sloths adventure—and if you’re active or retired military, you get in FREE (thank you for your service!).

So pack up the kids, grab your red, white, and blue shades, and come let freedom roar.

Feathers, Fresh Air, and a Little 4th of July Storytime!

Looking for a calm break from the BBQ chaos?

Stokes Nature Center is open this Friday for your Independence Day dose of fresh air and feathered friends.

Bring the kids for Nature Tales at 11am—they’ll love “F is for Feathers: A Bird Alphabet” almost as much as spotting the real thing outside.

Open all weekend too, so come wander, wonder, and get a little wild—in the gentlest way possible. 

Tiny Shin Guards, Big Dreams—Rec Soccer is Back!

Got a kiddo who lives to kick, chase, and maybe pick dandelions mid-game?

Recreation soccer league registration is officially OPEN for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026!

Sign up your future MVP before August 16th and let the snack schedule chaos begin. 

Register here!

Chrome, Cruisin’, and a Sock Hop—4th of July Done Right!

Why settle for plain ol’ fireworks when you can spend the 4th surrounded by shiny classics and rockin’ tunes?

Friday’s got an all-day Show-N-Shine car show, a scenic cruise to Bear Lake (hello, perfect summer drive!) and an old-school Sock Hop to dance the night away.

Then roll back Saturday for more gleaming rides, tasty eats, a car giveaway, and the big Cruise Parade down Main Street.

Polished chrome, classic beats, and all the small-town vibes—Cache Valley Cruise-In is the place to rev your patriotic spirit!

Lewiston’s Legendary 4th—Your Fun Schedule

Cannon Salute, Flag Ceremony & Pancake Breakfast — 6–9 a.m.
Wake up to the sound of BOOM, salute the flag, then line up for a pancake pile-up that supports the fire department. $8 well spent—plus, kids under 2 eat free, so let ‘em have seconds!

Darwin Pitcher Patriotic Border Run — 7 a.m.
Kick off your day with a 1-miler or 5K—your excuse for extra syrup at breakfast. All races start at 7 a.m., so set that alarm, champ.

The Famous Parade & F-16 Flyover — 9:15 a.m.
Traffic shuts down at 9 a.m., so claim your curb early! Wave at the Grand Marshalls Darrel & Karla Gibbons, snag some candy, and keep your eyes peeled for the sky show—those F-16s don’t disappoint.

Quilt & Art Show — 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Pop into the Lewiston Ballroom for raffle-worthy quilts and art so nice you’ll wish your walls were bigger.

Vendors and Kid Zone — 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Church Park’s the place—fire hose spray, bounce houses, and live tunes keep everyone entertained (and maybe slightly soggy).

Cowboy Boot Races — 10:30 a.m.
At the baseball diamond—if you’ve never watched kids sprint in cowboy boots, you’re missing out on pure American comedy gold.

Pickleball Tournament — 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
City Park’s courts turn competitive—grab your paddle, smack some whiffle balls, and pretend you know what you’re doing.

Flag Ceremony & Patriotic Speaker — 11:30 a.m.
Head to Church Park for a flag posting and inspiring words from Lt. Col. Darcy Burt—just the pep talk you need before your second plate of fair food.

Bake Sale — 12–3 p.m.
Grab a cookie (or 5) at the Lewiston Library Pavilion. Supporting the library never tasted so sweet.

Junior Rodeo — 12 p.m.
At the Rodeo Grounds—little buckaroos show off their skills, and yes, it’s free!

Home Run Derby — 12 p.m.
Step up to the plate at the baseball diamond—$5 for 5 balls. Swing for the fences, earn family bragging rights.

Movie “Lilo & Stitch” — 2 p.m.
Cool off at the Lewiston Theater with a $2 showing of everyone’s favorite alien chaos story.

DUP Cabin Tours — 2–4 p.m.
Take a peek at local history at 2550 W 2000 S. Nostalgia and air conditioning—yes, please.

Wells Jackson Memorial Horse Pulls — 6:30 p.m.
Bring the crew to watch teams of massive horses show off their muscle—$5 for adults, kids 12 and under just $3.

Famous Fireworks — Dusk
End the day with a BANG! Fireworks launched from the rodeo grounds—bring your blanket, your snacks, and a big ol’ “Ooooooh.”

PSA: Wear sunscreen, hydrate, and bring more cash than you think—these bake sale cookies aren’t gonna buy themselves. Happy 4th!

Hyrum City’s Star-Spangled 4th & 5th Festivities

JULY 4

Chuck Wagon Breakfast — 7:00–10:00 a.m.
Rise, shine, and stuff your face—because nothing says freedom like pancakes, meat, and eggs cooked by your neighbors. Bring cash, a card, or your best “I’ll wash dishes” face.

Blacksmith Fork Freedom Run — 7:00 a.m.
Start your day with 9.3 miles of patriotic self-inflicted cardio. Or just cheer from the sidelines with a breakfast burrito—no judgment here.

Flag Ceremony — 8:00 a.m.
A moment to pause the pancake eating and remember why we’re here—bring your hand over heart and your best “USA! USA!” chant.

Main Street Mile — 9:55 a.m.
A mile so quick you can run it in flip-flops before the parade. Register at the Senior Center—bonus points if you beat your kids.

Parade — 10:00 a.m.
Line the streets, catch candy like your life depends on it, and wave at every tractor, float, and random guy on a four-wheeler—classic small-town magic.

Hyrum Hornets Baseball Game — 7:00 p.m.
Take your hot dog to East Park and cheer on the Hornets as they try to whack the Logan boys outta the park. Peanuts optional, yelling encouraged.

Fireworks — 10:00 p.m.
The grand finale! Find a blanket, claim your patch of grass, and get ready to say “Oooooh” and “Aaaaah” at least 47 times.

JULY 5

Grand Old Flag Historic Display — 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Still feeling patriotic? Swing by Elite Hall to see flags older than your Uncle Gary’s BBQ grill. History and air conditioning—win-win!

PSA: Wear sunscreen, hydrate, and don’t trust your uncle when he says he has “plenty of chairs.” See you there, Cache Valley!

Coleslaw: Because Somebody at the BBQ Has to Eat a Vegetable

Look, we all know the kids are gonna side-eye this Amish Slaw like it’s radioactive cabbage—more for us, right?

This crisp, tangy bowl of crunchy goodness is for the grown-ups who appreciate something fresh to balance out all the burgers and brats.

And if the little ones still aren’t convinced… that’s why we brought the Blonde Brownies. 

Here’s the slaw recipe!

Bring These to the BBQ—Leave with Zero Leftovers

If you really want to win the 4th of July BBQ (besides showing up with extra ice—hero move), show up with a pan of these chewy, buttery Blonde Brownies.

They’re like a chocolate chip cookie and a brownie had a delicious patriotic baby.

 Sweet, simple, and guaranteed to disappear faster than the sparklers. Make ‘em, share ‘em, and watch your plate come home empty.

Get the recipe here!

Family Favorite Alert: This Flank Steak Means Business!

Want to be the hero of the backyard BBQ?

This marinated flank steak is the kind of recipe that gets folks lining up for seconds—and then sneakily standing by the grill for thirds.

Savory, juicy, and ridiculously easy, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll earn you “Grill Master” bragging rights all summer long. 

Grab the recipe here!

The Glow Stick Trick: Kid-Tracker Extraordinaire!

Once the sun goes down and the fireworks start, keeping track of your sugar-fueled, flashlight-wielding kiddos in the dark can feel like herding caffeinated squirrels.

Solution?

Pick up a cheap pack of glow stick bracelets and necklaces at the dollar store.

Snap ‘em, deck out your kids like human fireworks, and boom—you’ve got your own glowing breadcrumb trail.

Bonus: they think it’s the coolest thing ever, you think not losing them is the coolest thing ever—everyone wins.

Fireworks & Furry Friends—Keep ‘Em Safe!

Our friends at K9 Unleashed just dropped some must-read tips to help your pups survive the booms and bangs of the 4th.

From microchips to white noise hacks, these simple tricks can mean the difference between a calm cuddle bug and a runaway rocket dog.

Take a peek, prep your pooch, and let’s keep tails wagging all holiday long!

We’re here to make this your favorite thing to open in your inbox—right up there with your Amazon shipping notice and your kid’s “School’s canceled” text. 

So tell us: what did you love? What do you want more of?  What should we absolutely never do again (looking at you, coleslaw haters)? 

Hit reply and drop us a line—we read every one, promise.

Thanks for being the best part of Cache Valley, and Happy 4th!

Thanks!
- your Cache Valley Locals team

P.S. Spread the Sparkle!
If you loved this jam-packed dose of small-town fun, local tips, and backyard BBQ hacks, do us a favor—pass it along!

Forward this issue to a neighbor or shout it across the fence while you’re lighting sparklers. 

The more Cache Valley locals in the loop, the better the party gets.

Hiking 🤦‍♀️