Join the Debate: Great American Think-Off Weekend in New York Mills June 12-13

33rd Annual Think-Off Explores the Pursuit of Happiness 

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Great American Think-Off invites the public to reflect on one of the nation’s founding ideals: the pursuit of happiness. 

The 33rd Annual Great American Think-Off returns Friday and Saturday, June 12-13, 2026, in New York Mills, Minnesota, featuring a live philosophical debate centered on this year’s question:

Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?

“The pursuit of happiness is one of America’s most familiar ‘unalienable rights,’ yet people view happiness in remarkably different ways,” said Betsy Roder, Executive Director of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. “We’re looking forward to hearing how our finalists and community members wrestle with this topic.”

Founded in 1993, the Great American Think-Off is a nationally recognized philosophy contest that makes big ideas accessible to everyone. Each year, essayists from across the country and around the world submit arguments taking a clear stand on a provocative question. Four finalists are selected to travel to New York Mills, where they present and debate their ideas before a live audience that ultimately votes to select America’s Greatest Thinker. 

The 2026 Great American Think-Off Finalists Are:

• Solape Adetutu Adeyemi, a researcher, consultant, and environmental sustainability advocate from Lagos, Nigeria.
• Thaddeus McCamant, a longtime agriculture educator and consultant residing in Frazee, MN.

• Lorie Kolak, a stay-at-home mother and award-winning writer from Riverside, IL
• Allen Taylor, a truck driver from Colorado Springs, CO, and a past Think-Off finalist (2023).

This year’s debate will be moderated by Nora Hertel, founder and executive director of Project Optimist. An award-winning journalist, Hertel brings more than a decade of experience in investigative, political, and environmental reporting. 

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.: THINK-OFF KICK-OFF

Start the weekend with a series of free community events at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. 

Food Truck
Purchase dinner from a local food truck parked right outside the Cultural Center.

Artists & Philosophers Reception
Meet the 2026 Think-Off finalists and regional artists featured in the Cultural Center’s current gallery exhibit, “Before We Were Happy.”  Artist talks and finalist introductions begin at 7:00 PM. Free and open to the public. Cash bar available. ALL are welcome!

A Peace of My Mind Public Story Studio
Photographer and storyteller John Noltner returns to New York Mills with his traveling Public Story Studio. Community members may remember Noltner’s 2023 Belonging project, which invited participants to reflect on when they felt a sense of belonging. This year, participants are invited to respond to the Think-Off question in 25 words or less and have their portrait taken. The studio will be open both Friday at the Reception and Saturday at the Debate. This project is part of a larger statewide oral history initiative supported by the McKnight Foundation. Stay tuned for related future events in NYM! 

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 – MAIN EVENT: Think-Off Live Debate

Debate at 7:00 PM | Doors open at 6:00 PM
New York Mills School Auditorium – 209 Hayes Ave., NYM
Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the door / $5 students
Buy Tickets Online Here: https://kulcher.networkforgood.com/events/92111-2026-great-american-think-off
A Peace of My Mind Public Story Studio 6:00 – 10:00 PM

Join us for this unique live debate where the winner is determined by audience vote.

Immediately following the debate, attendees are invited to continue the conversation at a free Post-Debate Reception at the Cultural Center featuring complimentary refreshments and a cash bar.

Can’t attend in person? The debate will once again be livestreamed on the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center YouTube channel. Online donations to support the event are welcome.

The Great American Think-Off has been featured nationally by C-SPAN, The New York Times, The Today Show, and numerous regional and national media outlets as a model for respectful civic dialogue.

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship support of West Central Initiative and the grant support of Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation, along with local sponsors and community partners who are acknowledged online and in the event program.

This activity is also made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an operating support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

About the Great American Think-Off

Now in its 33rd year, the Great American Think-Off is a nationally recognized philosophy contest where ordinary people tackle extraordinary questions. The event promotes critical thinking, civil discourse, and community engagement by inviting people from all walks of life to debate important ideas in a respectful public forum.

About the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. Since 1990, the Cultural Center has connected people with artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota—celebrating the local and providing a window to the world.

Learn more about the Think-Off, past questions, and past winners at think-off.org.