(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 16, 2010 ) CEDAR CITY, Utah. – Kicking off the summer festival season are the Utah Summer Games, June 10 - 27. This Olympic-style sporting event boasts 51 competitions for adults and youth. Participants can show their skills in basketball, volleyball, equestrian sports, golf, bowling, bass fishing and even arm wrestling. With about 9,600 participants each year, the Summer Games is undoubtedly the premier sporting event in Utah.
Next up is Groovefest. For five days, June 23 – 27, this full-blown music festival takes over Cedar City. There are multiple concerts on two different different stages. Some acts are well-known and others are local singer/songwriters. Attendees can enjoy all of the concerts for free. For a nominal cost, there are workshops available for aspiring musicians. Of course, Groovefest wouldn’t be complete without a variety of tasty food vendors and arts booths to peruse through.
The big-hitter of the festival league in Cedar City is The Utah Shakespearen Festival, June 28 – August 31. Go back in time to experience the great art of theater. The summer season presents six different plays on three venues – one much like the infamous Globe in London. Players don’t only present the works of Shakespeare himself, but also of great authors like Jane Austen and Alfred Hitchcock. The festival also features Secret Garden Tea Parties for children, backstage tours to get a behind-the-scene scoop and Curtain Call Lunches where attendees can chat with an actor or director. For those who don’t want to miss this fantastic event, but can’t make summer, check out the fall season.
For the ultimate American summer celebration, plan your visit for the Fourth of July. The American Family Fest, a true Independence Day celebration, is about fun, patriotism, inspiration, and entertainment! The biggest Fourth of July celebration in the region takes place July 2 – 5. It features family competitions, a national talent search, a carnival, live music, activities, cultural events, and performances, including the Independence Day parade. The grand finale will set the city will be ablaze with an amazing display of fireworks, a perfect ending to the American Family Fest.
For a second dose of theater – but not so serious – travelers can join Cedar City for the Neil Simon Festival. From July 15 – Aug. 14 chuckles, giggles and snickers can be heard all around town. The Neil Simon Festival is the world's first and only professional theatre company dedicated to honoring and preserving the works of America's most popular playwright of all time. This season, the company presents Steel Magnolias, California Suite and Broadway Bound. This event is great for a true theater aficionado … or someone who just likes to laugh.
In Cedar City, visitors also can have their pick of a wide variety of lodging options from luxurious cabins to homey B & BÂ’s. ThereÂ’s something for every taste and budget and most accommodations have festival packages throughout the summer. For more information, contact Bonnie Char at (435) 463-4563.
