'Spirit of community': How Utah County is planning to celebrate America 250

PROVO — While Utah County is known for having festivals, markets and community events throughout the summer, this year's festivities are leaning into a patriotic theme for the 250th anniversary of the nation.

The Utah County tourist organization Explore Utah Valley is kicking off the celebrations with a National Tourism Day event on Thursday. Gathering travelers, community leaders, tourism partners and residents at the Provo Airport, the organization will "officially launch Utah Valley's summerlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary."

From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., vendors and organizations will be spotlighting the various patriotic exhibits, festivals and family activities that are scheduled throughout the valley this year.

"We are excited to welcome residents and visitors to Provo as our community joins the nation in celebrating America's semiquincentennial," Provo Mayor Marsha Judkins said. "This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the people, principles and sacrifices that shaped our country while celebrating the spirit of community that continues to unite us today."

Utah County Commissioner Brandon Gordon said he hopes the America 250 events bring people together as families and neighbors "to celebrate what makes Utah County the greatest in the U.S.A," he said.

Many of the patriotic activities will coincide with America's Freedom Festival, the annual Fourth of July weeklong celebration in Provo that concludes with Stadium of Fire.

"Our mission is to promote the values of God, family, freedom, and country," festival executive director Jim Evans said. He will speak at Thursday's kickoff about the city's longstanding tradition of Independence Day activities and how this year's festivities will be special for the anniversary.

Thanksgiving Point CEO McKay Christensen said Imaginaria, a summer festival at the Ashton Gardens, will be "at the heart of Utah's America 250 celebration."

"With 50 acres dedicated to America's most recognizable landmarks, families will have opportunities to explore American history, creativity, innovation and imagination through immersive experiences unlike any other in the state," McKay said.

Held from June 1 to Aug. 22, the gardens will have crafts, a field of historical flags and "larger-than-life" artistic installations of historic sites such as the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial and Mount Rushmore to emphasize "where imagination meets the American spirit."

The iconic fall festival Cornbelly's will also be joining in the fun by including patriotic-themed attractions at its Lehi and Spanish Fork locations. The large-scale corn mazes will also have educational exhibits and seasonal displays to celebrate the role of agriculture in American history.

"We are grateful for the partnerships that make Utah Valley's tourism vision possible," Explore Utah Valley Executive Director Lee Adamson said. "We look forward to an unforgettable summer of celebration ahead."

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