Utah's America250 Plans Potlucks, Walk250 and Volunteer Programs Across the State

Kat Potter, deputy director of the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, outlined the state's America250 programming on Utah Libraries Have You Covered, saying the initiative will use three pillars—educate, engage and unite—to frame events statewide leading up to July 2026.

Potter said a 20-member governor-appointed commission is overseeing signature programs and that staff are implementing events across Utah communities. "One of them is called America's Potluck," Potter said, describing a July 5 "America's Potluck" day to encourage neighbors to gather over food as a way to unite differing perspectives. Potter said the idea began as Utah's Potluck and has spread to about 34 other states.

The initiative also includes Walk250, a year-long challenge encouraging people to walk, bike, roll or otherwise log activity toward a 250-mile goal. Participants can track progress online and pick up collectible stickers at local libraries, Zions Bank branches and state parks. Potter said YouServe Utah will coordinate volunteer opportunities and that the public can record personal service stories at america250.utah.gov.

Potter emphasized outreach across communities, including partnerships with banks and state parks and opportunities for schools to connect with programming. She framed the museum opening and America250 events as complementary efforts to amplify Utah's cultural and historical narratives during the anniversary year.

CCE asked listeners to visit america250.utah.gov for details about signature programs, volunteer sign-ups and story submissions.