The Cedar City Couple Behind One of the Oldest Renaissance Faires in the Country

CEDAR CITY — At 39 years old, the Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire is one of the oldest in the country. Started originally by a group of professors from Southern Utah University, the fair has continued year after year, only pausing last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the fair is being held from July 14 -17 at Main Street Park in Cedar City, Wednesday to Friday from 11 am to 9 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm. The fair features vendors, crafters, food and drinks, performers, dancers, and magicians — and there’s no fee for admission, like it has been for the last 39 years.

For 33 of those years, Cathy and Rick Bryant have been helping put it on. “The fair started with a premise,” said Rick. “We want people to spend money with the vendors and not on the entrance.” And they have stuck to that. Any money they earn goes into savings for the next year’s fair.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” said Cathy. “Once it’s put together and we look at what we’ve done… it’s amazing.” Cathy said preparation for the next year’s fair starts as soon as the last one ends, and they spend the whole year preparing.

Rick said that some of the highlights of this year’s faire include magicians, singers, belly dancers, lessons on chainmail making and sewing, demonstrations on armor and Renaissance era fighting, as well as the vendors and food.

After all the years of Renaissance faires, Cathy says her favorite part is the friends she has made. “We have come to know so many people that we wouldn’t normally even get to know,” said Cathy.

“The people and community are great to support us,” said Rick, adding that his favorite part was just seeing people happy.

Costumes are an important part of Renaissance Faire culture, where they are known as “garb.” “It takes a lot of work to find a costume just right,” said Cathy. The vendors and entertainers are required to be in costume, but many others guests at the fair were dressed in garb too.

“It’s hot in St. George, it’s 20 degrees cooler in Cedar City,” added Rick jokingly. “Come visit us at the fair. Come and say hello!”

Rick says because the Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire is completely put on by volunteers, they are always looking for help. If you would like to assist with the fair, contact Rick Bryant at 435-531-9368. More information on the fair can be found here.