The Spirit of Freedom pageant designated an America 250 event

MANTI — The Spirit of Freedom Pageant has been officially designated as an America 250 Utah Community Event.

America 250 is the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Across the country, Americans are planning unique and inspiring ways to celebrate this semiquincentennial milestone.

With the anniversary approaching, preparations are underway in Manti for the pageant’s debut in July 2026. Volunteers will begin building the set on Saturday, April 4. Additional volunteers are needed each Saturday for the next six to eight weeks.

Auditions for speaking and singing roles for adults and children are being held online through the pageant’s website. Crowd scenes are open to participants of all ages, and organizers encourage involvement from throughout Sanpete County and beyond. Online audition submissions are due by Wednesday, April 8.

Those with sewing skills can contribute by helping with costumes. Volunteers will receive a packet of materials to complete at home.

The production will also need help with lighting and sound. Many in the community gained experience through the former Manti Mormon Miracle Pageant, and those skills are welcome again. While that earlier production was presented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Spirit of Freedom Pageant is non-denominational and open to the entire community.

To sign up as a volunteer, visit JustServe.org or the Spirit of Freedom Pageant website at spiritoffreedompageant.com.