Kevin Bacon returns to the Utah high school where he filmed ‘Footloose’

Kevin Bacon visits Payson High school in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Footloose at Payson High School on April 20, 2024 Payson, Utah. Photo: Melissa Majchrzak // Sixdegrees

The actor returned just a month after the film's 40th anniversary

PAYSON, Utah — Actor Kevin Bacon joined students from Payson High School and volunteers from across the community to make and distribute 5,000 essential resource kits for those in need on Saturday.

This event was the culmination of a student-led campaign that began in fall 2023 dedicated to bring Bacon back to Payson High School, where he filmed “Footloose” 40 years ago, before the school is permanently closed and demolished later this year.

More than 1,000 volunteers showed up on Saturday to complete the resource kits, which were valued at over $1.1 million. facilitated by Bacon’s organization SixDegrees.org, a nonprofit dedicated to building a stronger, more just society by empowering young people, the kits included basic hygiene items, socks, journals, reusable water bottles, shelf-stable goods and three months of free counseling.

“It’s inspiring to see the dedication of these students and the community as a whole,” Bacon said. “Payson was just as welcoming as my first time here 40 years ago. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and today’s event truly showcases what happens when we show up for one another.”

Later that evening Payson High School students held the last prom in their historic school building, themed “Everybody Cut Loose,” in honor of the iconic movie.

The distribution event, which was dubbed #BacontoPayson, was a collaboration between SixDegrees.org, the Utah Film Commission, Payson High School, and several local nonprofits.