CEDAR CITY — Cedar City residents welcomed a new Friday festival on the northern side of town, with vendors, activities and live entertainment.
The street was lined with cars as locals gathered at Cedar Fun Center’s parking lot and adjacent parcels for the soft opening of the Cedar Street Fest on June 2.
The festival hosted vendors with various offerings, such as knife sharpening, sourdough bread, doughnuts and T-shirts, as well as a variety of activities, including a rock climbing wall and a bouncy house.
Due to inclement weather, the drive-in movie and live entertainment were canceled but are expected to be a regular occurrence throughout the season, the owner of Pretty Cleaver Knife Sharpening and the festival’s Vice President of Marketing Jeffrey Jenson told Cedar City News.
Jenson said the street fest is “more than just an event.”
“It’s a celebration of community,” he said. “Our mission is to bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. As we gather under the vibrant festival atmosphere, we create connections, support local businesses and build a stronger community fabric.
“Join us in embracing the spirit of togetherness as we celebrate our different talents and abilities, share in joyful experiences and create lasting memories. Together, let’s cultivate a thriving community that uplifts, inspires, and nourishes the bonds that make us who we are.”
The event was announced by Jenson and Cedar Fun Center’s Caleb Bittar at the Cedar City Council meeting in May.
“We’re bringing in a drive-in movie, cars and tacos,” Jenson said.
The market began by accepting 100 vendors as they determined the best configuration for the market, he said.
Council member R. Scott Phillips asked about the group’s plan for trash disposal, bathrooms and parking.
“We already have a lot of traffic on Fiddler’s Canyon Road,” Phillips said. “And I just want to make sure that we can accommodate and handle all the people coming and going.”
They’ll have several large dumpsters, trash cans and portable toilets, and the Cedar Fun Center has offered access to some facilities. Most cars will be parked in the center’s lot. As the event grows, Jenson said they’ve been in discussion to use the parking lot of a nearby stake center, with the addition of a shuttle service.
One of the vendors is home to Cedar Street Fest’s Community-Supported Agriculture Box of Produce Program, where a box of fruits and vegetables can be purchased for $25.
Individuals can also subscribe to receive weekly boxes, reducing the price to as low as $20 after a yearly $10 subscription fee.
“You play a crucial role in strengthening our community’s food system, promoting responsible farming practices, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation,” the street fest posted.
After its second event on June 10, Cedar Street Fest shared its gratitude on Facebook, thanking the “incredible team behind Cedar Street Fest for bringing joy and excitement to our community. Your dedication and hard work in organizing such a fantastic event are truly commendable.”
The post highlights the vendors, artisans and craftspeople, as well as the car meetup, which it said “adds an exciting and thrilling dimension to Cedar Street Fest.”
“The display of beautiful cars, shared enthusiasm, and the opportunity to connect with fellow automobile enthusiasts make it a remarkable gathering,” the street fest writes. “Thank you for fostering a space where people can share their love for cars and appreciate the craftsmanship behind them.”
The street fest points to its outdoor sponsored movie screenings as being “undoubtedly a crowd favorite.”
Jenson said the festival plans to nurture its vendors with free courses and regular support. To that end, they hosted a class at the Cedar Fun Center on Thursday to educate current and potential vendors on food vendor regulations, permit and licensing requirements, and food safety and handling, according to this Facebook post.
The festival will run every Friday at the Cedar Fun Center, with the farmers market and artisan fair from 4-8 p.m. “Wheels, Meals and Deals” is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. and features the car meetup and food vendors. The drive-in movie experience begins after dark.
Event details
- What: Cedar Street Fest
- When: Fridays, 4-10 p.m.
- Where: Cedar Fun Center, 170 East Fiddlers Canyon Road
Photo Gallery
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the community, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Jenson, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the community, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Jenson, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the community, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Jenson, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the community, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Jenson, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the community, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Jenson, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the community, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Jenson, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the community, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Jenson, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the Cedar City community to its soft opening in Cedar City, Utah, June 2, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the Cedar City community to its soft opening in Cedar City, Utah, June 2, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
Jeffrey Jenson poses for a photo at the Cedar Street Fest in Cedar City, Utah, June 2, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the Cedar City community to its soft opening in Cedar City, Utah, June 2, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
A child scales a climbing wall at the Cedar Street Fest in Cedar City, Utah, June 2, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the Cedar City community to its soft opening in Cedar City, Utah, June 2, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the Cedar City community to its soft opening in Cedar City, Utah, June 2, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
The Cedar Street Fest welcomes the Cedar City community to its soft opening in Cedar City, Utah, June 2, 2023 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, Cedar City News
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