Celebrate "America250" in Cache Valley
This summer, communities across Cache Valley will join the rest of the nation in celebrating a major milestone — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From concerts and theatre productions to scavenger hunts and community gatherings, America250 offers families meaningful ways to celebrate history, service, and community together.
America250 is the bipartisan, nationwide initiative to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While the official anniversary falls on July 4, festivities will take place throughout the summer of 2026.
Community Gatherings
America’s Potluck is one of the featured programs, built around the tradition of gathering together for a shared meal. On July 5, Smithfield will join hundreds of host communities across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. All Cache Valley communities are welcome to join in for food and music at Mack Park from 5 to 7 p.m.
One unique Utah program tied to the commemoration is the 3D Coin Design Contest, sponsored by the Utah STEM Action Center. Participants are invited to create a digital coin design celebrating the history and contributions of a Utah county. Winning designs will be milled for exhibition, featured in an online gallery, and eligible for cash prizes. For more information, visit stem.utah.gov/coin-contest.
Music and Theatre
Several music and theatrical productions happening in Cache Valley this summer will also help families get into the spirit of the anniversary.
On June 11 at the Cache County Fairgrounds and Events Center, there will be a “Dancing through the Decades” gala. Guests can enjoy live bands and instruction from semi-professional dancers featuring dance styles from different eras of American history. Audience participation is highly encouraged!
The American Festival Chorus will be performing a celebratory concert on July 1 at the Logan Tabernacle. The event will include patriotic music as well as American folk music. The concert is free and open to the public.
Utah Festival Opera Company will be putting on the classic, 1776: The Musical, leading up to the Fourth of July, with a production on the big day as well. The production brings the story of the Continental Congress to life with humor, music, and memorable songs. For tickets, go to: utahfestival.org/1776-2/
Learn Together
Education and historical reflection are also central parts of the America250 initiative. In March, the Logan Library started offering a free lecture series about various aspects of American history.
Lectures are held on the third Saturday of each month at 4 p.m. in Community Room B. Two summer film series exploring American history will also be offered at the library on the second and third Thursdays of the month. The children and family movie will be at 1 p.m. and the regular movie will be at 6 p.m.
Families can also explore local and American history together through the “Let Freedom Ring” statewide discovery scavenger hunt. Participants can download the Goosechase app on any smartphone and enter the code “freedom250LC.” The app features a Cache County–customized adventure that encourages families to explore local landmarks and complete a variety of activities.
Family Activities
Looking for even more ways to celebrate America250 as a family? Try a few of these ideas:
Participate in Hyrum City’s Star Spangled Celebration, that kicks off with a rodeo and includes a patriotic program the Sunday before the 4th, the Blacksmith Fork Fun Run, a patriotic flag display, and the annual parade. Also visit the Hyrum City Museum at hyrumcitymuseum.org for activities celebrating America all year.
Visit Brooker’s Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street in Logan, where each flavor of ice cream is paired with a name of an influential person from American history. Challenge each family member to learn one fact about the historical figure connected to their ice cream flavor.
Service is a big theme of the America250 initiative. Plan out a service project that your family can do together.
Have a patriotic film festival. Family favorites might include: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the National Treasure movies, and Captain America.
Talk as a family about ways each person can help make the community and nation a better place.
Parents and guardians can also find additional family activities and educational resources at america250.utah.gov/education/. David Zook, who recently retired from public service, after many years serving as Cache County Executive, wrote an op-ed for Cache Valley Daily on July 3, 2025, to kick off the America250 celebration in Utah. “America250 is more than just a moment,” Mr. Zook said. “It’s a movement, one rooted in gratitude, built on unity, and carried forward by the people who call this county and this country home. Let’s make this a celebration that future generations in Cache County will look back on with joy.” For more information about America250 celebrations around the valley, visit cacheamerica250.carrd.co.
