MONA, Juab County — While some may see a renaissance fair as just nerds playing dress up, others find it to be a great way to escape from modern day life, connect with others and learn about history.

The Utah Renaissance Faire is celebrating its 13th year this weekend at the Mt. Nebo Botanical Farm in Mona, 3700 Old Highway 91. As it’s grown and expanded to the largest renaissance fair in the state, the event has become a staple in many peoples’ lives, such as Gayle Dowdle, the fair’s resident Queen Elizabeth.

Dowdle loves costuming and was a cosplayer for several years when she decided to make a Queen Elizabeth gown and attend her first fair. A decade later, Dowdle frequently whips out her intricate dress and becomes royalty at multiple renaissance fairs each year, including Utah’s.

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