Plenty of Utah festivals to keep you entertained this summer

The Beehive State has breathtaking scenery — from green-mountain peaks to red-rock deserts. But it also has a wide range of events, many of which give you a glimpse of the state's history. If you visit Spring City for its Heritage Day on May 26, for example, you will be able to tour homes built by pioneer settlers, many of whom came from Scandinavia.

On the far end of the summer season is Midway's Swiss Days, which has become a Labor Day weekend tradition for many Utahns. And then there are the many arts festivals and rodeos.

One event that caught our attention for small-town ambience is Boulder Heritage Days, July 12-14. The tiny community puts on a heartfelt celebration that includes a tribute to a founding family that had the courage to live year-round in one of Utah's most beautiful but isolated regions.

Here, in chronological order, are some of the many events that will take place in our state this summer:

Scandinavian Heritage Festival

Description: Storytelling, Scandinavian supper, entertainment and sports are among events that pay homage to Scandinavian pioneers who settled Sanpete County.

Where: Snow College, 150 E. College Ave., Ephraim

When: May 24-26

Cost: Varies, although many events are free

Information: scandinavianheritagefestival.com

Spring City Heritage Day

Description: A tour of restored homes and buildings highlights this celebration in what is possibly the best preserved 19th century Mormon town in Utah, now a budding artists colony. Art and antiques sales, as well.

Where: Spring City, 12 miles northeast of Ephraim

When: May 26

Cost: $10 adults, $5 children under 12

Information: www.historicspringcity.org

Moab Arts Festival

Description: Arts and crafts including jewelry, pottery, wood, sculpture, fine art, photography, music, kids' area, food court.

Where: Swanny City Park, Moab

When: May 26 and 27

Cost: Free admission

Information: www.moabartsfestival.org

Deseret Peak Stampede and Days

Description: A potpourri of events including a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, craft show, pony rides, entertainment.

Where: Deseret Peak Complex, 2930 W. Highway 112, Tooele

When: June 1 and 2

Cost: $5-$10 adults, $3-$5 children

Information: www.deseretpeakcomplex.com

American Indian Art Show

Description: Paintings, beadwork, leatherwork, wood carvings and more by Amerian Indian artists.

Where: Western Heritage Museum, 328 E. 200 South, Vernal

When: June 4-23

Cost: Free, donations accepted

Information: www.co.uintah.ut.us/museum/whMuseum.php

Quilt Walk Festival

Description: An homage to Panguitch's pioneer heritage with a quilt show in the high school gymnasium, quilting demonstrations, cowboy action shoot, Lions Club breakfast, Dutch oven cooking classes, craft fair, parade and races.

Where: Panguitch