Travelers seeking quiet relaxation and historical reflection may come to Manti to spend a night or two at quaint bed and breakfasts, or tour the grounds of the historic Manti LDS Temple, built in 1888.

But in June of each year, Manti takes on new life and excitement when the Manti LDS Temple grounds turn into a giant stage, larger than a football field, for the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

The town truly comes alive as a cast of over 900 depict with dance, music and drama, a unique production for a large audience seated under a canopy of stars.

The pageant runs for eight nights, June 14-16, 19-23 with no performance on Sunday or Monday. Admission is free. Gates open each night at 6 p.m., and the pageant begins at 9:30 p.m. This year marks the 52nd yearly presentation of the pageant.

Each year, the pageant retells the account of the resurrected Jesus Christ visiting the people on the American continents. The dramatization includes Christ healing and teaching the people, as well as blessing the children, just as he did in Jerusalem.

Then time fast-forwards to the 1800s, when farm boy Joseph Smith received and later translated the record of this ancient American people. The record is known today as the Book of Mormon.

Finally, the presentation concludes with the story of a fictional couple searching for religious truth and enlightenment and the joy they find upon discovering that family relationships can be eternal.

First time pageant-goers will find the following tips useful: Arrive early for optimum seating. First-come seating is provided for 14,000 and there is room on the grass for additional spectators.

June evenings can be cool so bring a sweater or blanket. Blankets may be used on chairs but are not allowed in the aisles. It is wise to also be prepared in case of inclement weather.

There are facilities and accommodations for special needs, lost and found, drinking fountains, restrooms, translators. Search and Rescue and emergency personnel are on site.

While the pageant is free, dinner is not. Travelers are welcome to bring a picnic dinner or visitors can also purchase a barbequed turkey or roast beef dinner near the pageant grounds.

The tasty meals are reasonably priced and will be served each evening during the pageant at the National Guard Armory, 100 West Union, in Manti. In addition, a variety of food and craft booths will also be available in the Food Court located at 200 North Main. Remember to eat before returning to the pageant as no food or drink is allowed on the temple grounds.

Plan to stay overnight in Manti the night of the pageant as traffic will be exceptionally congested at the conclusion of the production.

Many visitors find that staying at a bed and breakfast adds to the experience, providing a unique local perspective, plus great service. Whether choosing a bed and breakfast, hotel, or campground, be sure to make reservations well in advance.

Camping at Manti City Park, 200 North 300 West, is allowed only during the pageant on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations are not taken. Restroom facilities are available, but no showers.

There is a fee, so campers should go ahead and set up tents or trailers and a camp-fee collector will visit the site to collect. The park is within walking distance of the temple grounds.

Be sure to take some time before or after the pageant to explore the region. Take a scenic drive, rent ATVs, check out the nearby fishing, hiking and mountain biking trails or visit one of the museums, unique boutiques or craft shops.

For those not familiar with the story of The Book of Mormon, it may help to learn a bit about its history before attending the pageant. Background information can be obtained from locals or members of the LDS Church or check out a copy of The Book of Mormon from the library in Ephraim, Mt. Pleasant or Manti.

Interested persons can also visit https://history.lds.org/ or https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm.

The history book of the Mormon Miracle Pageant will be printed this summer. People interested in the book may register at: mantipageanthistorybook@gmail.com. Please include phone numbers with registration.

Notice will be sent to those who register as further ordering information is available. The history book will be a hard-bound, 9×11 size, containing 450 pages of text and many more pages of photos. For more information, call (435) 835-3000.