From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
While many people around the Beehive State head to pumpkin patches and corn mazes during the fall, others head to Cedar City for a festival that’s unlike any other. The Cedar City Livestock Heritage Festival, held each fall, celebrates the area’s agricultural history. However, this isn’t your typical event in Utah. Rather, you’ll find a few activities that are certainly one-of-a-kind and definitely worth experiencing for yourself.
Cedar City has a rich agricultural history. This town was settled in 1851, just four years after the Mormon pioneers entered Utah. This southern Utah town turned to livestock production as its main source of income.
Years later, in 1890, several cattlemen in the area decided to enter the sheep business by purchasing a herd of sheep from Colorado. These herds thrived, and today, there are more than 160 farms in Iron County involved with cattle and sheep.
The Cedar City Livestock Heritage Festival celebrates this history with two days packed with livestock and agriculture-related events. This Utah fall festival will take place October 28-29, 2022 with a handful of activities.
However, the highlight of this two-day Utah festival is the Sheep Parade. Right down Cedar City's Main Street is a one-of-a-kind sight. Rather than floats, you’ll watch more than 1,000 sheep being herded from Cedar Mountain’s pastures.
In addition to the hundreds of sheep, you’ll also see horses, stock dogs, wagons, and antique tractors. You may even see bagpipe bands, historic and modern sheep camps, and so much more.
After the parade, head to the Cross Hollows Events Center where you can sample some of the best Dutch Oven cooking in Iron County. Place your vote to determine the best main dishes, side dishes, breads, and desserts, all made using a Dutch oven. Who knows ... you may even leave with a few recipes to try on your own.
Put on your boots and get ready for two days of fun, laughter, and excitement at the Cedar City Livestock Heritage Festival. With plenty to do and see, this is one unique fall festival in Utah you need to attend at least once.
To learn more about this fall festival in Utah, including information for participating in various events, visit the Cedar City Livestock Heritage Festival’s website.
Have you ever participated in this Cedar City festival? What was your favorite activity at this two-day event? Let us know in the comments!
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