Jim and Vicki Kulow have been named the 2026 Grand Marshals for Price City's International Days, according to an announcement from Price City. The couple was selected for their lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community development within Carbon County.
Upcoming International Days Festival
The International Days festival, presented by the Price Municipal Corporation, is scheduled to take place between Aug. 5 and Aug. 8, 2026, at 250 E. 500 N. in Price. The event features various attractions, including dining options for attendees.
A Lifetime of Local Service
Jim Kulow, known to many locals as "RNJ," was born in Castle Dale and has spent his life contributing to the Carbon County community. His professional history includes working at the Kenilworth Store starting at age 13 and serving as a sales manager for Pierce Oil for 25 years, a role he held until retiring at age 87. His diverse career also included nine years as a coal miner at Soldier Creek Coal, work as an insurance agent, owning a filter business, and assisting in the construction of the Carbon Power Plant and football fields in Helper and East Carbon.
Athletic and Philanthropic Legacy
In addition to his professional roles, Kulow has a significant history in athletics and community fundraising. He was drafted from Carbon High into the Milwaukee Braves organization in 1956, following interest from the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and the Braves. His athletic background includes earning scholarships from Brigham Young University, Utah State University, Carbon College, Compton Junior College, and Mesa Junior College for football, baseball, and academics. He also won the International Days Horseshoe Tournament in 1956 and was named MVP of the 1967 All-Church Softball Tournament.
Scholarships and Community Support
Kulow's philanthropic efforts include a 25-year tenure helping to run the Coal Country Classic Golf Tournament alongside Ellis Pierce. Through this tournament, they raised approximately $300,000 in scholarship money for students at the College of Eastern Utah who were interested in the energy field. He has also been an equity member of the Carbon Country Club for decades, where he is a three-time club champion and has volunteered his time to assist the local college golf team.
Advocacy and Educational Impact
Vicki Rinaldi Kulow, who moved to Carbon County from Tooele in 1977, has been recognized for her dedication to education, advocacy, and compassion. During her career at the College of Eastern Utah, she served as the Purchasing and Shipping Director, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, and a counselor for nontraditional students, specifically focusing on women returning to school. Her work at the college earned her recognition as the students' Number One Professional Faculty member.
Empowering the Community
Vicki Kulow has also been a prominent figure in local non-profit and volunteer sectors. She helped found the Clothing Closet with Rebecca Mason and Brenda Addley, an initiative designed to provide community support through clothing donations. Her volunteer work includes serving as a trained Utah Victim Advocate for Women Helping Women and participating in the Soroptimist organization. She has also worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a fire dispatcher and has helped raise more than $1 million through breast cancer walkathons and fundraisers, a cause close to her as a two-time breast cancer survivor.
A Legacy of Resilience
The Kulows have been described by Price City as a couple that embodies the spirit of International Days by celebrating community and preserving local history. Their collective legacy includes extensive volunteer work with the Greek Festival, Vista AmeriCorps, and various charitable causes that have impacted generations of residents in Carbon County.
