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The Hill Cumorah Pageant is an extraordinary performance and one of the world's greatest outdoor theatrical productions. The story line begins at about 600 B.C. and narrates about a group of people who left Jerusalem for a land that would be known as America. The performance includes Hollywood special effects (like earthquakes, lightning strikes, erupting volcano), and a costumed cast of over 650 performers most of whom are ordinary people paying their own expenses to come from all over the U.S., Canada, and other countries in order to give their time and talents to the show. It is made by public and free to public, because everyone connected with producing the pageant is a volunteer.

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The nearest airport to Palmyra (New York) is Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC / KROC). It is located in the suburb of town Gates, southwest of the city of Rochester(New York) on the 390 expressway. The driving distance from Palmyra to Greater Rochester International Airport is 28 miles (46 km) and the trip takes about 30 minutes by car. There are other several airports in the area which can be used. Syracuse Hancock International Airport (70 miles (113 km), 1 hour 15 minutes driving distance), Buffalo Niagara International Airport (95 miles (153 km), 1 hour 30 minutes) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (IATA: JFK, ICAO: KJFK) in New York City - international hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. (334 miles (537 km), driving time is about 6 hours).

If you arrived to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, you can use train to Palmyra through Rochester. Rail Amtrak goes from New York Penn Station every day from 7:15 AM. The price of a coach seat is $57 (2011), the duration of the trip is about 7 hours. You need a taxi or a car to get from Palmyra to the Pageant.

The Greyhound buses run from New York to Rochester for 24 hours daily. It takes 6 to 7 hours to get there depending on the stops. The bus fare is $64 (2011).

If you drive use the road map to reach the Pageant. The Hill Cumorah is located on Highway 21 between the village of Palmyra and Manchester, NY. It is four miles south of Palmyra and two miles north of Interstate 90, Exit 43.

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Visitors are welcome any time of the year but the Pageant is held in July, and it is the best time to go. Keep in mind that July is usually hot and humid in the area.

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We recommend: Liberty House Bed & Breakfast (131 West Main St., Palmyra, New York 14522). Rates starting from $89 to $99 (2011) per room per night including full breakfast. Located two blocks to the west of the center of the Palmyra village. Liberty House B&B is small (only 3 rooms) but cozy with beautifully appointed guest rooms. Liberty House is a wonderful example of Victorian architecture and decor.

If you want to stay as close as possible to the Cumorah Hill:
- Palmyra Inn (955 Canandaigua Road, Palmyra, New York 14522) - rates are from $99 per night per room. Located 2 miles from Cumorah Hill and within walking distance of the Sacred Grove. Palmyra Inn offers a free shuttle service to local historical sites. There are 60 rooms in the hotel.
- Scottish Inns (4078 Route 96, Manchester, New York 14504) , a two star hotel with rates from $44 per night per room. Located at Exit 43 of the New York State Thruway (I-90) - five miles from Mormon Historical Site. There are 38 rooms on two floors. Research and book hotels in or near Palmyra, United States

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Visiting performance, sightseeing

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The Hill Cumorah Pageant performances take place in the first half of July and continue for seven days. The exact dates of the event vary slightly from year to year (check the The Hill Cumorah Pageant official web site for more information).

The Pageant is a great outdoor theatrical performance. Ten level stage is erected on the slopes of Cumorah Hill to enjoy one of a kind spectacle with Hollywood special effects and a costumed cast of over 650 people.

The script for the Pageant Story is taken from the Bible and the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. There are 10 short story scenes.

The performance begins at 9:15 each evening. The costumed cast welcomes the audience from 7 PM until the performance begins.

The performance is very popular. Make reservations for hotels well before July. There are not many hotels in the rural area around Cumorah Hill.

Allow two days and a night for the trip. It will give you time to tour other Mormons sites in Palmyra area.

Admission and parking are free - no need to worry about tickets. There are seats for 8,000 spectators. Seats are available on a first come basis. Our advice is to come early if you want to have the best seats. Alternatively, you can bring your own blanket and find a place on the slopes of the hill which forms a natural amphitheater around the stage.

The atmosphere during the event is very relaxing and inviting. You can bring you own food; you can bring even your own lawn chairs and use them in the areas marked. However, some restrictions are enforced by the Pageant security: you cannot have alcoholic drinks; open fire (read barbecue) is not allowed. Pets are not allowed at the historic sites and in the Sacred Grove (service dogs excepted).

The Hill Cumorah historic site is open daily, all year round. It is located four miles south of the village of Palmyra, on Highway 21. You can visit in the area:
- The Smiths' log cabin rebuilt on its original site in 1997.
- Sacred Grove - a wood clearing where young Joseph is said to have his first vision.
- E.B. Grandin's Print Shop where in 1830 the Book of Mormon was first published in the village of Palmyra.


You need light cotton clothes and sturdy shoes if you want to visit the sites. The weather is hot and humid in Palmyra in July - have sun glasses and water with you.

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Tags: art and culture (26); Book of Mormon; Christianity (2); Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Church of Mormons; E.B. Grandins print shop; Entertainment (4); Event (3); Festival (7); Festival and Celebration (6); Greater Rochester International Airport; Hill Cumorah; Hill Cumorah Pageant; history (31); Joseph Smith; Latter-day Saints; Liberty House Bed and Breakfast; New York state; Palmyra; Palmyra Inn; Religion (18); Sacred Grove; Sacred place and sanctuary (20); Scottish Inns; USA (5); Wayne County

Web Sites:   Hill Cumorah & Historic Sites

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