Cedar City and communities across Iron County are preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States with a series of events throughout June and early July.
The local festivities will begin June 12 at 7:30 p.m. with the “From Iron County, With Pride: An America 250 Concert” at Southern Utah University’s Library Quad. Community bands, choirs and orchestras will bring the community together to celebrate this momentous occasion with pride and patriotism.
And if that’s not enough, to keep things going all night, the event will be followed by a concert by the band Muddy Boots at 8 p.m. at Parowan Main Street Park.
On June 13, residents can start their day at the Parowan Fun Run Car Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. before heading to Cedar City’s Summer Street Fest. The celebration will feature food, vendors, live entertainment, a beer garden and a patriotic atmosphere to celebrate National Flag Day, taking place the following day. Held in downtown Cedar City from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., this fest is the perfect way to launch the summer season.
A week-long break will follow these events to allow everyone to rest and prepare for the “Stars and Stripes Forever” 13-day celebration.
The Beverley Center for the Arts 10th anniversary celebration will resume festivities on June 26 at 10 a.m. with a day dedicated to culture and art.
Along America 250, this year marks a milestone for Southern Utah since both the Southern Utah Museum of Art and the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts are celebrating their 10th anniversaries. The Utah Shakespeare Festival is also celebrating its 65th anniversary.
Over the years, the arts in Southern Utah have flourished, nurturing generations of artists who have showcased American talent far and wide.
The next day, June 27, the Summer Jam with Uncle Sam event will take place at Cedar City Main Street Park at 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Cedar City Youth Council, the free outdoor community dance will be an opportunity to keep the festivities going and enjoy dancing in a spirit of patriotic community fellowship.
Throughout the festivities, residents and business owners are invited to showcase their nationalistic pride in the America 250 Iron County Red, White and Blue Decorating Contest. Participants are encouraged to decorate the exterior of their home or business in an America 250-inspired theme, with flags, light and all that comes through their imaginations.
Contest Prizes range from a $250 Visa Gift Card for 1st place to a $50 Visa Gift Card for 3rd Place. All interested participants must sign up by June 27th using the contest entry form and place their decorations by June 28th.
The June schedule also includes the Spirit of America Concert on June 28 at the Cedar City Rock Church (75 E Center St, Cedar City). Starting at 7 p.m., the program will showcase music from the American songbook of the Choral Artists of Southern Nevada.
On June 29, the launch of the Freedom Found: America 250 County Challenge will urge residents and visitors to explore local attractions and activities throughout Iron County to earn prizes.
Then, on June 30, history and civic engagement will take center stage during the Echoes of Freedom Speakers Corner event at Cedar City’s Mayor’s Square. Starting at 2:50 p.m., participants will spend 250 minutes reading significant American documents and speeches, including the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
Later that evening, the first installment of the America 250 Playlist Lecture will begin at 6 p.m. at the Cedar City Visitor Center. The 250 songs curated by SUU professors Ryan Paul and Joseph Howe will echo through the walls of the center to recall and commemorate all the memories that have shaped the country into what it is today.
The festivities will continue throughout July and beyond, and SUU News plans to keep you updated all month long. Additional information and a complete schedule of America 250 events are available on the Iron Visit Cedar City website.
Author: Fanny Felixine
Editor: Michele Fogg
Photos courtesy of SUU
life@suunews.net
