By Justin Adams | [email protected]

It has been an abnormal summer with everything related to COVID-19, but one thing remains the same: Herriman community events, even if some are a little different this year.

While the biggest annual event of the summer, the Fort Herriman Towne Days festival, was cancelled, many other regular events were still held with modifications and some new events were created specifically designed for a COVID-19 world.

Every event has had to follow a list of guidelines provided by the state health department, such as mask and social distancing requirements, according to the city’s Events Department Manager Kevin Schmidt. City leaders have also had to limit the total attendance for in-person events to accommodate social distancing. Despite that, attendance has been strong.

“Our events are well-supported,” Schmidt said. “Our first drive-in movie filled up in seven minutes once it went online. The ‘Star Wars’ experience and Extreme Bulls sold out. MotoX sold out.”

The participation levels in the city’s virtual events has also been impressive. A recent virtual BINGO night hosted by the city drew about 140 participants. 

Other virtual events include a 10k race and a “Tour of Herriman” bike race in which residents were encouraged to compete independently for the best time. 

Schmidt said the imperative to come up with events that still work despite the pandemic has helped the department to think more creatively.

“If anything, this has helped us to adapt and recognize that there are different things we can be doing, or different people we can reach through events,” he said. 

In fact, events where residents can participate at their own leisure could become a permanent staple of the city, even after COVID-19 goes away. 

Some of the city’s upcoming events include an event 

In September, there will be an event centered around Grandparents Day (Sept. 13) in which the city will solicit donations of cards and posters, as well as daily necessities, that local seniors need. 

“We want to help residents remember senior citizens in the area,” Schmidt said. 

Then in October, the city’s annual Herriman Howl event will be modified to a new event called Herriman Eerie Evenings in which residents can sign up for specific time slots to come and experience some spooky Halloween scenes. 

Things could get a little more challenging for community events once the weather gets colder because social distancing is much easier to achieve outdoors. 

Schmidt said the city’s community events are even more important this year because people need things to look forward to and enjoy with their families with everything else going on.

“It’s been really interesting how many people have reached out to thank us for still providing activities and events because it is needed, normally, but so much more right now,” Schmidt said. “We’re known for our great events, and that’s something we all take pride in.”