CEDAR CITY, Utah (June 21, 2026) - As part of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games' 40th Anniversary Celebration Series, presented by Leavitt Group and Auto-Owners Insurance, Brian Head Resort hosted the Return to Athlete's Village on June 20. The event brought the community together for competition, music, and outdoor fun, returning to a tradition started at the first Utah Summer Games in 1986.

The original Games hosted athletes at Brian Head while they competed in Cedar City, offering competitors a visit to one of southern Utah's wonders as well as a place to stay. In celebration of 40 years of USG, Brian Head Resort welcomed athletes, vendors, and the community to return for a day-long party.

"We are excited to partner with Utah Summer Games and hold an event in collaboration with our local community," Brian Head Resort Chief Financial Officer Jaxon Haderlie said. "We would love to continue to grow USG events at Brian Head. Our high elevation base at 10,000 feet makes it a great location to escape the heat and enjoy some fresh mountain air."

In addition to a live musical performance, a crowd of street vendors, and discounted access to Brian Head's ski lifts, the Return to Athlete's Village featured disc golf and cornhole competitions.

USG Singles Disc Golf tipped off Friday, June 19, at the Parowan Canyon's North Course then concluded yesterday morning at the Brian Head Resort Course. Despite a relatively windy weekend, Dave Armour managed to score an impressive -13 as well as a gold medal in the mixed amateur 1 division.

The USG Cornhole Tournament carried the competitive flame into the afternoon and evening. Larry Dewsnup and Truman Brandt paved a pathway to gold, dominating the championship game in a 21-0 rout.

The tournament marked the second cornhole competition of the Games's 2026 programming, indicating clear success for the sport since its addition in 2025.

"With the addition of the event at Brian Head this year, we think it's awesome that Cornhole was chosen as a sport to be included," Cornhole Sport Coordinator Carter Wilkey shared. "Last year's competition and this year's have all been great so far, and we're looking forward to seeing how big this sport can grow as part of the Games."

With the Return to the Athlete's Village wrapped up, the 40th Anniversary Celebration Series, presented by Leavitt Group and Auto-Owners Insurance, includes only one final event: the Utah Summer Games Night at the Utah Shakespeare Festival on June 27. USG participants receive free tickets to "Twelfth Night" and are encouraged to attend "The Greenshow" performance beforehand.

The community is also welcome to visit the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games 40th Anniversary Exhibit at the Southern Utah Museum of Art, which will remain open until late September.

Photos by Shania Hopkins: