Press Release
June 14, 2022

World Refugee Day in-person events return after two-year pandemic hiatus
Thousands expected to gather June 17 and 18 to celebrate Utah’s refugees

SALT LAKE CITY (June 14, 2021) — Utahns will join together in celebration of Utah’s 18th Annual World Refugee Day on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Big Cottonwood Regional Park (4300 S. 1300 E., Millcreek). Families can enjoy free activities, music and entertainment, storytelling, a global market and cuisine from around the world.

“World Refugee Day is a highlight of the summer and we are thankful and excited to gather in-person once again,” said Asha Parekh, director of the Refugee Services Office. “This has been a landmark year as we welcomed more than 900 Afghans over the past few months. World Refugee Day is an opportunity to honor refugees who just arrived and those who have been here for years, and the communities and individuals helping them build a new life.”

Festivities start Friday, June 17 at 6 p.m. with food, music, and recognition of refugees who became naturalized U.S. citizens during the past year. A screening of the Disney animated film “Luca” will begin at sundown. On Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., events include refugee youth soccer and volleyball tournaments, “around the world” booths to learn about countries and cultures, and more food and shopping from refugee vendors. 

A variety of refugee-run food businesses and food trucks will share their global cuisine including:

  • Bhutan House (Indian, Bhutanese and Nepali)
  • Prime Corn (pre-Hispanic vegetarian)
  • Mother of All (Sudanese)
  • Delicius (Venezuelan)
  • Ashikat Kitchen (Middle Eastern)
  • Halab’s Jasmine Kitchen (Syrian)
  • Kafé Mamai (African-Caribbean)
  • Wings on Wheels (American with an Afghani twist)
  • Get Fala-full (Middle Eastern and Indian)
  • Namash (Swahili)
  • Noor Al Sham (Shawarma and Syrian)
  • Sikkim Momo (Sikkimese and Indian)
  • Falafel Al Jailawi (Middle Eastern and Iraqi)

World Refugee Day is presented in partnership with refugee, community and business organizations, including VentureOut! More information is at refugee.utah.gov or facebook.com/UTRefugeeServices. 

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