By Lindsey Baxter | [email protected]

Millcreek residents couldn’t be more excited to gather together at Venture Out on June 4. Especially after missing the summer of 2020 due to the pandemic. 

Venture Out was the first of many events in Millcreek for the summer making a welcome statement to community members with an all-out magic themed night.

 June 4 was the first official movie night and Friday Festival themed events of the summer. Canyon Rim Park hosted The Night Circus theme where there were various booths, games, food, magician, jugglers, music by Peter Breinholt, and a live fire performance at dusk before watching The Greatest Showman.

Venture Out’s first event was held 16 years ago. It was a one-day festival that evolved to offer many community engagements programs. With the cancellation of events last year, residents have been looking forward to getting out and celebrating this summer more than ever.

Marcus Wilson provided fun for the crowd with comedy, juggling, and some stunt work. He has provided entertainment to Millcreek residents at numerous events throughtou the years and was grateful to be back in person. Wilson said he was happy that everything is getting back to normal and able to do shows again. Information on his shows can be found at www.funnymanwhodoestricks.com.

Aimee McConkie, executive director of Utah Venture Outdoors, was all smiles watching families come together.  

“I love seeing people connect, enjoy being outside and smiling,” McConkie said. “People loved the shows. I think they loved the fire dancers.”

Leslie Stark, a resident who just moved back to Millcreek, said, “we love that our community provides entertainment and enjoyment for the whole family. A wide variety of food trucks, fun local bands, a chance to have our kids all mingle like before 2020.”

Although the last film festival night was June 25 with games, food, events, music and showing Moana. Millcreek Movie Nights are planned for every Friday night in July and then there are August Adventures as well. There is also Food Truck Rallies every Thursday until Aug. 26 from 5-8 p.m. at Millcreek City Hall. Summer Jam Concerts are every Monday through Aug. 30 at Canyon Rim Park Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m. For all the upcoming and great continuous events Venture Out hosts, check out their website at www.ventureout.org.

The night saw smiling faces, laughter with people interacting and enjoying the night. 

Resident Shannon Baker attended the night with friends. 

 “The energy is amazing tonight,” she said. “I love living in a city that is willing to put in so much time and effort to create a real community bonding event. We need this more than ever this summer. It is so fun to walk around and visit with friends and neighbors who we have not seen in so long. This really is the light at the end of the tunnel we were all waiting for.”