From left, Arsh Akhundzadaa, 8, his brother Abdul Mutaal, 11, and their cousin Abdullah Rahimy, 11, all of Afghanistan, play a basketball game at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Utahns celebrated World Refugee Day on Friday in Big Cottonwood Regional Park, where families took part in honoring the people who resettle after being forced to flee their homes.
Utah’s celebration took place at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek and was supported by the state’s Refugee Services Office, VentureOut and the City of Millcreek.
“World Refugee Day is a celebration of the vibrant cultures that make our community unique,” said Michael Pekarske, director of the Utah Refugee Services Office. “This gathering is a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to connect, share traditions and experience incredible food, art and music. It is a day of joy, and we invite everyone to come celebrate with us.”
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The event featured entertainment, hands-on experiences, a market with refugee-created products, a healthcare fair and a movie.
People enjoy performers at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A performer dances at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
People join with performers and dance during the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Kids play soccer at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A pile of shoes sits near an inflatable obstacle course during the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Children slide down a large slip and slide at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Kids shoot hoops at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Performers dance during the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
People applaud after a performance at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Children from the Utah International Charter School play volleyball at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A large inflatable globe hangs at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
People enjoy food from a variety of international food carts at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Children slide down a large slip and slide at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
People explore activities and vendors at the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Children play soccer during the World Refugee Day celebration at Big Cottonwood Regional Park in Millcreek on Friday, June 19, 2026. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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