Festival Activities

Presenters

Dr. Ron Dennis, retired BYU professor, is the foremost expert on the Welsh emigration to the Western United States.  With help from native Welsh speakers, he translated all of “Zion’s Trumpet,” the newspaper printed in Wales by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1850s. He has led several tour groups to Wales, working with Mormon Heritage Association.  His presentation will be “Dan Jones: Missionary in Wales.” Jones was instrumental in converting thousands of Welsh people to the church and encouraging them to emigrate to Utah.  Ron’s presentation will be at 10:00 on both days of the Festival.

Lucie Thomas Washburn, who has degrees in English literature, lived in England for several years and spent a lot of time in Wales, where most of her ancestors once lived. She has presented at many Welsh Festivals, helping educate Festival attendees about the culture and traditions of Wales.  This year she will present on “Welsh Castles,” telling about the Ring of Iron and other castles that make Wales famous. Many of the castles, whether or not in ruins, are major tourist destinations in Wales.  “Castles” is the theme for this year’s poetry competitions. Lucie’s presentations will be at 11:00 on both days of the Festival.

Dr. Gordon Simpson, now of Blackfoot, grew up in Malad when his father was the Superintendent of Schools and his mother taught 4th grade. He practiced dentistry in Blackfoot until he retired. A few months ago, he presented to the Sons of Utah Pioneers in Blackfoot about growing up in Malad during the 1940s and 1950s, and listeners thought people with Malad roots would enjoy the presentation. His presentations will be the final event of the Festival and will be at 5:00 on Sunday, June 29.