Lehi celebrated its community history on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the annual Heritage Day event at the Legacy Center. The celebration, organized by the Lehi Historical Society and Lehi City, honored local citizens and showcased the area's artistic heritage through a parade and various community activities.
Afternoon Festivities and Honors
The 2026 celebration included a variety of scheduled activities designed to connect residents with the stories that shaped the community. The festivities began at 2:30 p.m. with a parade of honorees that traveled from Wines Park to the Legacy Center located at 123 N. Center St.
Following the parade, an honoree program was held under a tent in front of the Legacy Center. The names of the individuals recognized during the ceremony are added to the Lehi Heritage Day Monument to preserve their contributions to the city's history.
Community Activities and Services
The event's programming extended through 6 p.m. and included a classic car and bike show, an art exhibition, and an honoree reception. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in community service through an initiative with Wrap the World With Quilts, which involved tying fleece blankets.
Food was available throughout the afternoon, with Chick-fil-A sandwiches for sale to attendees. The Lehi Historical Society also operated a gift shop in the North Gym of the Legacy Center, offering historical marker pins and special collector items.
Historical Context of Heritage Day
The theme of the event has historically focused on the intersection of local history and the arts. During the 2025 Heritage Day, which took place on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, the theme was "Speed, Spirit and Soul: Stanley Wanlass and the Artists of Lehi."
As Lehi Free Press reported at the time, the 2025 event featured world-famous automotive artist and Lehi native Stanley Wanlass. Wanlass was the featured artist in the north gym art show, with his paintings and bronze sculptures serving as the inspiration for the event's theme due to their ability to capture the beauty and thrill of speed.
Artistic Significance
Lara Bangerter, the director of the Lehi Historical Society, previously emphasized the importance of the event in connecting the community. During the 2025 celebration, Bangerter noted that the inclusion of local artists made for a visual and engaging Heritage Day theme.
Bangerter remarked that the presence of internationally recognized artists like Wanlass made the event particularly significant. She stated, "Beautiful art makes me feel like I am in the presence of greatness." "You feel that with Stanley and his creations. That makes it all the more amazing to me that Stanley, an internationally recognized artist and Lehi native, has agreed to participate in our event."
Honoring Local Citizens
The 2025 Heritage Day also highlighted more than 20 local artists who shared their work with the public. The Lehi Historical Society uses these events to foster community inspiration and connection through shared history and creativity.
In addition to the art show, the 2025 event honored several specific individuals to recognize their impact on the city. The honorees included John K. and Dixie Bushman, Mike and Kathleen Hansen, Mark I. and Collette Tidwell Johnson, Gene W. and Jan A. Kirkham, Ken and Barbara Peck, Bruce and Judy Hansen Shelley, Lynn B. and Heather Le Sorensen, and Harold Terry and Karen Brown Terry.
Preserving Lehi Legacy
The annual Heritage Day remains a central event for the Lehi Historical Society and Lehi City. By combining historical recognition with local art and community service, the event serves to preserve the legacy of the people, places, and stories that have shaped the Lehi community.
