The 14th annual Ogden Valley Balloon Festival is Aug. 15-17. The event is free to the public, with the exception of a small fee for some kids games, some balloon rides and food.

Events start Aug. 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Wolf Mountain with exhibits, food and drink, kids games, a climbing wall and a mountain-man rendezvous. The events move to the Wolf Creek Resort Festival Field in Eden from 5:30 to 10 p.m. with balloon rides and live entertainment. Events Aug. 16 include a balloon launch and rides from 6 to 9 a.m. and a plein air painting competition from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibits, rendezvous and entertainment continue that day. Events run from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 17.

Visit ogdenvalleyballoon festival.com for information.

Lower fire risk begets easing of restrictions

With the recent rainfall and expected monsoonal rains reducing the threat of wildland fires, fire restrictions in Utah have been rescinded. Even with the lower risk, the potential for wildfire is still present and officials are still urging the public to use caution when using fire, especially campfires. Wildfires resulting from campfires represent 13 percent of the acres burned so far this year. Restrictions vary by location, so check with local officals for updated information.

Conservationists speak

Ken Sanders Rare Books is holding a presentation and slide show by Glen Canyon Park Service Ranger Bill Wolverton and Utah Backcountry Volunteers founder Dave Pacheco on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at the bookstore, 268 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City. Wolverton has worked to preserve 36 miles of the Escalante River Drainage, keeping out invasive plants such as the Russian olive.

Jordanelle Triathlon

The Rock Cliff Recreation area at Jordanelle State Park is hosting the 10th annual Jordanelle Triathlon on Aug. 23. The Rock Cliff campground will be closed to camping Aug. 22 and closed for day use Aug. 23. Visit www.triutah.com for more information. To learn more about the park, visit www.state parks.utah.gov or call 435-782-3030 or 435-649-9540.

REI events

Today, the Sandy REI store, 10600 S. 230 West, is holding a GPS 101 class. The class will cover an introduction to the GPS system, types of receivers and their common use, and basic GPS functions. Call 801-501-0850 or visit www.rei.com for more information.

On Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Salt Lake City REI store, 3285 E. 3300 South, East Millcreek, Mark Danenhauer of the Utah Rivers Council will discuss the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and give an update on the activities currently in Utah that may lead to our first Wild and Scenic Rivers. He will give participants a brief tour of some of Utah's best candidate rivers for protection. Call 801-486-2100 or visit www.rei.com for more information.

-Compiled by Brett Prettyman