Community & History
International Day started back in the 1920’s, when Rock Springs was recognized to be a very unique town. It was very rare that a community as small as RS would have a population that was so diverse. To have 56 nationalities in such a small area was unheard of throughout other areas of the Inter-mountain West. People got together and started International Day as a way of showcasing the large variety of ethnic songs and dances from the different community groups.
At that time, the event was held at the Elks Lodge and at the old Rialto Theater. It continued for years until the start of WWII. Due to changing times, the event died out. It started up again for a few years in the 1960’s, and then died out again. It was revived in the 1990’s and was held on B St. and on S. Main St. It has been at its current home in Bunning Park since 2003. Due to its growing success, we are in the 20th year (2023) of this recent revival.
Current Chair members include JT Larson, Burt Reynolds, Greg Bailey, David Tate, Joanne Zotti, Stephanie Lewis, Logan Meeks, Ron Wild, Kayla Mannikko, Evelyn Merrell, and Michael Boren.
International Day is funded through community donations and local business sponsorships. We also receive funding through Sweetwater BOCES grants and a City sponsorship.
The Rock Springs City Council members personally sponsor a hospitality tent for the performers each year.
Today, Rock Springs and Sweetwater County are fortunate to have a variety of community resources which preserve our heritage and educate both residents and visitors about the rich history of the area. We encourage you, whether you are a local or a visitor, to reach out to one or all of these great organizations and find out what all the celebrating is about!
At that time, the event was held at the Elks Lodge and at the old Rialto Theater. It continued for years until the start of WWII. Due to changing times, the event died out. It started up again for a few years in the 1960’s, and then died out again. It was revived in the 1990’s and was held on B St. and on S. Main St. It has been at its current home in Bunning Park since 2003. Due to its growing success, we are in the 20th year (2023) of this recent revival.
Current Chair members include JT Larson, Burt Reynolds, Greg Bailey, David Tate, Joanne Zotti, Stephanie Lewis, Logan Meeks, Ron Wild, Kayla Mannikko, Evelyn Merrell, and Michael Boren.
International Day is funded through community donations and local business sponsorships. We also receive funding through Sweetwater BOCES grants and a City sponsorship.
The Rock Springs City Council members personally sponsor a hospitality tent for the performers each year.
Today, Rock Springs and Sweetwater County are fortunate to have a variety of community resources which preserve our heritage and educate both residents and visitors about the rich history of the area. We encourage you, whether you are a local or a visitor, to reach out to one or all of these great organizations and find out what all the celebrating is about!