America25 and Utah officials are calling on neighbors to host communal meals on July 5, 2026, as part of a nationwide effort to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Potluck initiative goals and details
The America's Potluck initiative, led by America250 Utah alongside all 50 states and Puerto Rico, encourages families, cities, and faith communities to gather for shared meals. The program aims to reach a goal of 25,000 potlucks to foster connection and belonging among people from all walks of life.
Celebrating diverse Utah culinary heritage
The celebration is designed to highlight Utah's diverse heritage, featuring everything from ancient recipes of Native peoples and pioneer dishes to traditions brought from around the world. To assist with planning, America250 Utah is providing resources including state-specific recipes from America's Test Kitchen, promotional videos, and digital invitation templates.
About the America250 Utah Commission
The America250 Utah Commission was established in 2023 by Governor Spencer J. Cox and the Utah Legislature. The commission is tasked with creating opportunities for Utahns to commemorate the nation's birthday through a lens of local heritage, working alongside public and private entities to inspire engagement for the upcoming semiquincentennial.
Program leadership and national coordination
The America250 Utah program is led by the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement. The initiative works in coordination with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which was established by Congress in 2016 to orchestrate the national 250th anniversary celebrations.
