Venture Outdoors Fest is June 16

Millcreek residents are being encouraged to attend the second annual Venture Outdoors Festival on Saturday, June 16, from 3-9 p.m. at Canyon Rim Park (2900 E. 3100 South). Other events will begin at 9 a.m., and a 5K run will start at 7 a.m.

Attendees will be greeted by 48 feet of graffiti art, showcasing various festival activities.

"This is a unique and an imaginative way of exhibiting outdoor adventure," said Cynthia Stone, a festival co-chairwoman. "We decided to do something big and visual to showcase what the festival is all about."

The free, family friendly event includes various activities for children, including a navigation treasure hunt, crafts, kids race and a 40-foot giant slide. Other clinics range from leisurely activities to more heart-pumping, exhilarating sports.

"We want to ensure we have something for everyone, at every age, and every ability," said Stone. "We hope by exposing festival guests to these clinics they will be excited to explore the outdoors and live a more active life."

More than 40 clinics will help demonstrate recreation amenities available in Utah. Clinics include using garden herbs for healthy cooking, a skateboard competition, archery training, kite-boarding demonstrations, fly-fishing techniques and a discussion with Mount Everest climbers.

Other clinics will teach children and adults basic principles of "leaving no trace behind" camping, and the importance of maintaining and protecting wilderness resources.

"We want people to explore the outdoors and learn how to leave minimal impact so everyone can enjoy Utah's beautiful outdoors," said Stone.

Live music will be provided as will food from various vendors.

The festival is designed to build community awareness for residents of Millcreek Township and promote active living.

Schedule of events:

Fill-the-Ark 5K Race

Fill-the-Ark 5K Race (Wasatch Junior High, 3103 E. Craig Drive).

This fund-raiser for Heifer International, which provides animals to needy villages, is from 7 until 10 a.m.

Millcreek Bike Rodeo

Millcreek Bike Rodeo and Breakfast (Big Cottonwood Park, 1300 E. 4300 South), 9-11 a.m.

Kids participate in 10 bike-safety stations and enjoy a community breakfast.

Guided Wildflower Hike

Guided Wildflower Hike (Millcreek Canyon Trail, 3800 S. Wasatch Blvd.), 9 a.m.

Free guided hike with botany experts from Utah Native Plant Society.

Healthy Living Clinic

Healthy Living Clinic for Older Adults (East Millcreek Recreation Center, 2264 Evergreen Ave.), 9-11 a.m.

Older adults will gain new resources and information on how to improve their health and nutrition.

Learn more at www.millcreekoutdoors.org or call Aimee McConkie at 801-634-8910 or e-mail her at amcconkie@msn.com.