The Malad Valley Welsh Festival features many activities and events so that there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Festival, whether or not you are Welsh. The Festival will be Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29, 2024, with the concluding Fireside on Sunday, June 30.  See the complete schedule at www.welshfestival.com.

USS Idaho

Recognizing that a nuclear submarine has little to do with Wales or pioneers, the Malad Valley Welsh Festival agreed to a one-day display of a model of the United States Navy’s latest submarine. Sponsors of the display wanted to ensure that Malad had an opportunity to host the USS Idaho, and Friday, June 28, will probably be the only time the model will be in Oneida County.

Samaria’s Heritage Square

Samaria was the first place the Welsh pioneers settled in the 1860s so it is important that Samaria be a part of the Welsh Festival.  Under the direction of Luke Waldron, the Malad Valley Heritage Square will host a scavenger hunt with prizes for those who find all the hidden items at the Heritage Square. In addition, the cabins at the Square will be open so that visitors can learn about the emigration of the Welsh from their native country to the western United States, including Malad Valley. Visitors may also take a self-guided driving tour of historic Samaria, and the Blue Goose will be open for treats.

Welsh Language Class

Jonathan Shaw of Cache Valley will provide one-on-one or small group instruction in the very difficult Welsh language on both afternoons of the Welsh Festival in the 2nd Ward Church.  Come and find out how to pronounce those double “L”s. Welsh-English dictionaries will be for sale at the Welsh Country Store.

Presbyterian Church

The historic Presbyterian Church will be open for tours and treats on both days of the Festival.  Visitors may drive or walk up the hill to the church or take the wagon rides and get off at the church to be picked up by the next wagon. Toni Werk and other members of the Presbyterian Church will be there to talk about the first church building in Malad. The best coffee in Oneida County will be available.

Quilt Show and Bake Sale

The Oneida Quilters will once again host their annual quilt show during the Welsh Festival. On display in the Malad Co-op in downtown Malad will be many beautiful hand-made quilts by the talented quilters of Oneida County.  Baked goods will be for sale at the quilt show.

Oneida Pioneer Museum

The Oneida Pioneer Museum in downtown Malad will be open extended hours during the Welsh Festival.  Visitors are encouraged to see the new displays in the Museum now that the mezzanine is once again open. Hours will be 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on both days of the Festival.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

A huge book sale will again be sponsored as a fund-raiser for the Oneida County Library during the Welsh Festival. Books of every genre will be for sale in the area of the Malad City Park next to the Library.

Dragon Race

The Malad High School Cross Country Team, under the direction of Coaches Tia Talbot and Bobbi Summers, will host the Dragon Half and Quarter Marathon fund raisers on Saturday, June 29. The Half Marathon will begin at 6:00 a.m., and the Quarter Marathon will begin at 6:30 a.m. near Devil Creek Reservoir and end at Malad City Park. To sign up and for more information, contact Tia at 435-757-3476 or see [email protected].

So whether you like to see beautiful quilts, read, run, explore Malad Valley’s history, or even see a model of the Navy’s newest submarine, come to the Malad Valley Welsh Festival. There will be something for everyone!