The 12th annual Utah Honey Harvest Festival concluded at Clark Historic Farm with a variety of community celebrations, including the crowning of Honorary Queen Bees and honey tasting contests. The signature fall event, which began on Friday, Oct. 9, offered families access to local honey sales, beekeeping demonstrations, and live entertainment.
Honoring Community Leaders
The festival featured a diverse schedule of events designed for families. On Friday, Oct. 9, the celebration included the crowning of Honorary Queen Bees at 5 p.m. This ceremony honored a group of women aged 75 and older who have served as positive influences within the community. According to Clark Historic Farm, these women were recognized with a crown, sash, brooch, a certificate, and two complimentary entrance tickets.
While the selection of these honorees is not strictly a contest, the farm noted that the number of women recognized each year depends on the committee's discretion, the available budget, and the total number of nominations received. The farm stated that while most honorees are residents of Grantsville, past or present, exceptions may be made. Nominations for this honor closed on Sept. 25.
Honey Tasting and Contests
A central attraction of the festival was the honey tasting competition. Participants were invited to bring a small jar of honey, approximately 8 ounces, to the Clark Farm Sweetbread booth located just inside the front entrance. For the 2026 event, visitors could submit entries any time on Friday, Oct. 9, or before noon on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Winners for the honey contest were determined through a dual process involving a vote from festival visitors and a separate panel of judges. The winners were scheduled to be announced at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. The prizes for the competition were sponsored by Harvest Lane Honey.
Vendor and Entertainment Highlights
The festival grounds hosted more than 80 craft vendors, many of whom were local Utah vendors. In addition to the vendor booths, the event included the Sweet Fiddlin' Fest, which provided musical entertainment for attendees. Other activities included beekeeping demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, games for children, and bounce houses.
Clark Historic Farm also provided a museum and various harvest-themed activities. To support these performances, the honey sampling, lawn activities, and the preservation of the historic farm, the organization implemented a $5 entrance fee for the festival.
Family and Educational Activities
The festival also emphasized educational and interactive experiences for younger attendees. The event included kids' camps and various hands-on exhibits. To accommodate families with animals, the farm prohibited pets, with the exception of trained service animals.
For those seeking animal interaction, services like Taylor's Traveling Troupe provided specialized petting zoo experiences. This service, based in Pleasant Grove, offers miniature and small animals for events such as festivals and family reunions. The troupe provides educational facts alongside the animal encounters and includes amenities such as stools for children, snuggle bags for holding small animals, brushes, and treats.
Farm Mission and Logistics
The mission of the Clark Historic Farm, which hosts the annual festival, is to preserve, inspire, and educate. The farm manages the event to support the continued improvement of the festival and the ongoing preservation of the historic site. Parking for the festival was provided on the streets and in a park and ride lot on Main Street near the cemetery, with handicap parking available on Clark Street next to the entrance.
