This year marks the 53rd yearly presentation of the pageant and will be the last performance. The pageant will be presented on eight nights, June 13-15, 18-22 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.

For the past 52 years, Manti has taken on new life and excitement when the Manti Temple grounds of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been turned into a giant stage, larger than a football field, for the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

Travelers are expected to flock to Manti for these last performances. Those who plan to come are encouraged to plan for accommodations in advance. There are places to stay, but those may fill up rapidly.

Visitors are encouraged to come early, spend some time of quiet relaxation and historical reflection, tour the grounds of the historic Manti LDS Temple, built in 1888 and spend a night or two in the area.

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

This year, the pageant will again retell 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 craftsman 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 was printed last summer and is available for purchase online at https://squareup.com/store/mantipageant.

The book is hard-bound, 9×11 size, containing 450 pages of text and over 2,000 photos. For more information, call (435) 835-5872.