About Welsh Days

Welsh Days is an annual celebration that honors the Welsh heritage of our community. This cherished tradition brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the rich cultural legacy of the Welsh immigrants who founded Wales, Utah in 1854.

When Welsh coal miners John Evans Rees and John Price arrived in what was then called "Coal Bed," they brought not only their mining expertise but also their vibrant Welsh culture. The town was renamed Wales in 1869 to honor these pioneering settlers, and today, Welsh Days serves as a living tribute to that heritage—connecting past and present through music, food, community gatherings, and shared stories of our ancestors who journeyed from Wales to the American West.

Schedule & Activities

Friday Kick-off
Cornhole Competition 5 pm
Potluck Dinner 6:30 pm
Vendor Booths
Raffle
Live music and Dancing
FIREWORKS! at dark
Saturday Main Day
Fun Run 6:30 am registration, 7 am start
Breakfast 7:30 am
Parade 9 am
Strong Man Competition 10 am
Vendor booths
Concessions
Kids games
Pie eating contest

Photos

Our Welsh Heritage

Wales, Utah holds a unique place in Utah history as the site of one of the territory's first coal mines. In 1854, when a Ute Native American named Tabiona showed Brigham Young a black rock he called "heap burn," it set in motion a chain of events that would bring experienced Welsh coal miners to this remote canyon.

John Evans Rees and his cousin John Price, both skilled miners from Wales, volunteered to locate and develop the coal seam. They discovered it in Coal Canyon, and soon other Welsh immigrants—many of whom were also members of the Latter-day Saint faith—were directed to settle near what was first called "Coal Bed." By 1869, the community was renamed Wales in honor of the Welsh ancestry of its settlers.

At its peak, the mines employed up to 200 men, and Wales became a vital transportation hub with a railroad depot and twelve coke ovens. Though the mining operations eventually declined, the Welsh cultural identity remained strong. Today, descendants of those original Welsh miners continue to call Wales home, preserving traditions that span generations and continents.

Our Generous Sponsors

The Welsh Days committee would like to thank the following for their generous donations that make this celebration possible: (2025)

Documents

Previous Years

Browse documents, photos, and information from past Welsh Days celebrations.

Get Involved

Welsh Days is a community event that relies on volunteers and community participation. If you're interested in helping with the celebration—whether it's setting up, organizing activities, or simply joining in the festivities—we'd love to have you!

Contact the chair person or the town office to learn how you can contribute to making Welsh Days a success.

Contact

For more information about Welsh Days, please contact:

Welsh Days Chair Person

Erika Anderson

Phone: (435) 851-0759

Town of Wales

Phone: (435) 436-9345

Email: office@walesutah.gov

Office Hours:
Tuesdays: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Wednesdays: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Thursdays: 9:00am to 1:00pm

Parade Contact

Kayla Garff

801-652-5991

Fun Run Contact

Laura Roberts

435-469-1894

Vendors Contact

Chelcey Franco

435-494-8426