manti pagaent takes its final bow

We almost didn't get there. Even as we went down to the event, we nearly turned around and came back. We were getting a late start, things took longer than we anticipated, and we really didn't know whether it was worth it or not. I am not wondering that anymore. It was definitely worth the trip and a memorable night. 

​Though the drive was uneventful, we really had no idea what we were in for. Finally arrived to drop off Emily and Eddy to find seats while we located parking. Split up now just before dark? No problem. We have our cell phones with us if needed.

Somehow when we got separated, I actually wondered if not too many people were coming because this is the pageants final year. That was before I walked to the temple grounds and before I even got to the seating. There were people, blankets, and beach chairs everywhere. I maneuvered my way to the ground, found a spot I could stand to get a look of the situation. I surveyed the grounds .. packed .. I considered sitting out side the temple grounds .. packed .. I made my way to the side where I could think and make a plan. I'll text or call the others, assess whether they have any ideas, and see what they want to do. Great idea but 20,000 others were thinking the same thing, so phones didn't work and texting was spotty at best.

Every summer since 1967, Church members in this Sanpete County community have put on the pageant.

In the ensuing five decades, the Mormon Miracle Pageant grew to hosting more than 15,000 people some nights, attracting upwards of 100,000 visitors each summer for the free production.  Tonight was the final debut, so we expect 20,000 at least.

 No need to be fancy or distraught, just look for Mom. She is bound to walk this way eventually.                   FINAL DEBUT

I wasn't so lucky, but after the opening scene, I started to walk toward the far side to see if I could stumble across the fam.

Incredibly, I did. They had seats saved for the lot of us, and we snuggled together under blankets. The performance did not disappoint. Perhaps this was the best year ever.

After 52 years, Manti bidding a ‘bittersweet’ farewell to Mormon Miracle Pageant

This too was our year to attend the Hill Cumorah Pagaent--a life long dream realized just in time before it's scheduled end.