Girls all over the valley gather at the Princess Festival, a five-day charity event at the University Mall in Orem. (Ty Mullen)
The annual Princess Festival will return for a unique five-day engagement at University Place in Orem this week.
The festival has become the nation's second-largest princess event and provides children ages 3 to 10 with a fully immersive experience.
“The Princess Festival is such a unique experience. It gives children the opportunity to dress up and have personal experiences with their favorite princesses while learning how to serve others like the princesses they idolize. It’s amazing to work with these kids and teach them kindness through these characters,” said Teresa Jack, Princess Festival performer.
The event consists of performers engaging with children for games, storytelling, tea parties and other activities. The week will conclude with a grand ball for parents and children, with ballroom dancing lessons and entertainment included.
The mission of the Princess Festival is 'to touch the hearts of young girls (and boys) and communities to empower them in acts of service, kindness, and courage through the creative engagement of imaginative characters, stories, and events.'
The Princess Festival has raised more than $2 million for charity. Proceeds are donated through the festival's partner, “In Our Own Quiet Way,” to provide school supplies and life-saving medical equipment to families in Kenya. Festival organizers have also provided 50 percent of admission tickets free to allow children in all financial situations to enjoy the event.
'My three daughters went to the Princess Festival for three years. My daughters had the best time interacting with the princesses. It is an amazing event that every little girl should get the opportunity to attend,” said Tonya Matthill, Princess Festival parent.
The idea began after Ron and Maurine Hatfield served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Germany, where they met Bernadine Angalusha. They started a non-profit organization called, 'In Our Own Quiet Way.' Six years after establishing the organization, they hosted the first princess festival in 2008.
By the time the third annual Princess Festival came around, the event drew 8,000 people to the Hatfield estate, filling it to near capacity. In later years, the festival has moved to Thanksgiving Point and also expanded their outreach to local children. The Princess Festival strives to promote female empowerment by promoting the true qualities of a princess.
Event Information:
Dates: Through August 4, 10 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Location: University Place, 575 E. University Parkway, Orem
General admission is $18 and the royal ball is $99 per couple. Tickets are available here.