America 250 has been celebrated across the United States, and the Utah celebrations began in SCERA Park, over in Orem.
The American Legion, Post 72, hosted a car show to celebrate America's veterans.
The American Legion was congressionally chartered in 1919 and is the largest veteran service organization in the United States. Post 72 covers the Orem area, dedicated to community service, providing funerals and military rites for veterans who have passed away.
"We appreciate all those who contribute to the Car Show, because this is our one annual fundraising event to help us to support all these other service projects that we do," Rodney Gardner, a commander in the American Legion, Post 72, said.
Hundreds of vehicles parked on the fields alongside vendors and activities. However, Post 72 took the time to make sure attendees understood why they were there.
"We're going to have a flag ceremony where we all bring in the United States flag, we'll have a Pledge of Allegiance, and then we'll have a 21 Gun Salute honoring all those veterans," Gardner said.
"Even though most of us are retired, it's like a full-time job. We do this because we honor our veterans, those who have given their all to save this country, our flag and our freedoms," Kelly Kirkpatrick, the vice commander of the American Legion, Post 72, said.
Kirkpatrick has organized and worked with the annual car show since it began in 2013. He calls his 2026 entry his "Saturday Night Go Get Root Beer and Ice Cream Car."
"I get people going like this, they go, 'Woohoo,' give me a holler, saying, 'Nice car.' You know that's gratifying. But I don't do it for the praise. I do it to have fun," Kirkpatrick said.
Several cars displayed in the car show will be featured in local parades for America's birthday.