Heber Valley Self Reliance is hosting a community harvest event on October 23 and 24, 2026, to collect an estimated 30,000 pounds of potatoes and 1,000 pounds of winter squash. The festivities, held at 1335 East Center Street in Heber City, will feature community meals, contests, and various activities aimed at celebrating the season's bounty.
Community Harvest Schedule
The upcoming harvest event is scheduled to take place over two days. On Friday, October 23, activities will run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The second day of the event, Saturday, October 24, will feature programming from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Organizers are targeting a massive yield for the community, specifically aiming to harvest 30,000 pounds of three different kinds of potatoes and 1,000 pounds of five varieties of winter squash.
Food and Activities
Food and entertainment will be central to the two-day gathering. For the Friday supper, the organization will offer chef-cooked pizza and hamburgers for a suggested donation. On Saturday morning, a free pancake breakfast will be served at 9:00 a.m. The menu will continue later that day with chef-cooked pizza and hamburgers available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a suggested donation.
To keep attendees engaged, the event will include several recurring activities. A potato contest for prizes will take place every hour, alongside potato sack races held at the same hourly intervals. Additionally, the group is offering incentives for those participating in the harvest, such as the option to fill two 10-pound potato bags and receive one free bag for a suggested donation, or to fill two 30-pound bags and receive one free bag for a suggested donation.
Produce and Donations
The event also provides several opportunities for community members to acquire produce and local goods. Individuals can purchase 10-pound potato bags that have not been filled for a suggested donation. Similarly, 30-pound potato bags that have not been filled are available for a suggested donation, which includes one free bag. Other items available for suggested donation include honey, food-grade buckets with lids, and home-crafted jewelry made by children.
Community members are also encouraged to participate by bringing their own garden produce to the event for a suggested donation. The location for these activities is 1335 East Center Street, Heber City, Utah.
Mission and Past Efforts
The Heber Valley Self Reliance group is part of a broader mission to foster a supportive community through the sharing of knowledge, skills, and resources. According to the organization's profile, the group focuses on topics such as homesteading, gardening, food preservation, off-grid living, and emergency preparedness to help members achieve greater self-reliance.
This mission was evident in previous community efforts throughout 2026. Earlier in the year, the group held a planting event on Saturday, May 23, 2026, to help cut potatoes and plant six types of winter squash. In June 2026, a potluck supper and tour of Starry Garden Farm was held to introduce new members to the organization's mission.
Preparedness and Education
The group's commitment to preparedness includes hosting large-scale community events like the Wasatch Self Reliance and Emergency Preparedness Fair. In March 2026, that fair was held at Wasatch High School, offering classes and booths on diverse topics including cybersecurity, first aid, and food and water storage.
Other educational topics covered by the group have included alternative energy, beekeeping, and community emergency response teams. The organization also emphasizes practical skills such as gardening in the local climate, greenhouse building, and managing household utilities during disasters.
Organizational Background
The Heber Valley Self Reliance group operates out of 2981 South Daniels Road, Heber City, Utah. The organization seeks to empower individuals and families with the tools necessary to face unexpected challenges with confidence through their various community-driven projects.
