Summer Festivals in Utah

With such a rich heritage, Utah does not have to look far to find things to pay tribute to during the summer festival season. They have got that modern western feel, and a unique religious history unlike any other state, so you might expect to find those things woven into their festivals and fairs, but how about a dance straight out of the Middle East, or a fall sounding festival in the midst of the summer?

At the Living Traditions Festival in Salt Lake City, taking place from May 18^{t h} - 20^th, expect to find a meshing of the ethnic groups that dot the city's diverse population. With music, food, dancing, and arts and crafts, this festival brings the best of each culture to the forefront to celebrate the richness that diversity brings to the area. If you would like to know more, check out the website at http://www.slcgov.com/arts/livingtraditions/

If you really want to get that western feel, you can capture it at the Lehi Round-Up Celebration in Lehi from June 25^th through the 30^th this year. With a rodeo and an all-horse parade, this festival is a ranch hand's fantasy world. There is also an art show, with prizes offered to both children and adults, and two parades for everyone to enjoy. During the week, The Hutchings Museum will also be holding special events in conjunction with the Round-Up. If you would like to participate as a spectator, or maybe sign up to compete for the title of Round-Up Queen (you don't have to be a resident), get all of the information at http://www.lehicity.com/roundup/

The arrival of the first settlers in the Salt Lake Valley is the focus of the Days of '47, a great event held in Salt Lake City from July 17^th through the 24^th this year. Though the festival's name points to the past, and the festival does pay tribute to Brigham Young and his brigade of early settlers that brought life to the Great Salt Lake Valley, it is not so much a historical walk through old Salt Lake. It is primarily a rodeo, with bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and more, where some of the sports top names will compete for a roughly $200,000 prize. Find out more at http://www.daysof47.com/

Horses and bull riders are to be expected in Utah, right? What might be slightly unexpected is the Belly Dance Festival, held in West Valley City, from August 17 - 18 at Liberty Park. Around five hundred dancers from all over the United States bring this favorite dance style to life with performances, costumes, percussion workshops, an international bazaar, and of course food. Get more information on this intriguing festival at http://www.kismetdance.com/belly-dance-festival/index.htm

Oktoberfest in August? It's not all that unusual. The original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany actually begins in September each year. This year from August 25^th through 26^th, Oktoberfest comes to Snowbird, UT with Polka bands, roaming jugglers, arts and crafts, food, and a special visit from Yo-Yo Man.