The Fourth of July weekend is here and things are going to look a bit different than in the past.
The biggest change this year for the Fourth of July is the parade on Park City’s Main Street won’t actually be on the 4th. City council voted in May to move the parade to Friday the 2nd, citing lingering COVID-19 concerns and a desire to scale down the event and make it more local-friendly.
Friday’s parade is scheduled to begin at 11am and will run from the top of Main Street to Park Avenue.
City Economic Development Program Manager Jenny Diersen told KPCW the parade will feature 35 floats from Summit County residents and businesses.
Diersen added this year’s grand marshal won’t be just one person, but a number of local heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think the numbers are not yet confirmed, but our grand marshall is going to be the frontline workers that have served our community in the last year,” said Diersen. “We will confirm those, but the nurses and the doctors and all those frontline workers and the volunteers that have helped us weather through the last year. We are excited to honor them to really lead the parade and will be happy to see them out there.”
Main Street, Park Avenue, and Swede Alley will all be closed to vehicle traffic at 6am. $20 paid parking will be available at the China Bridge parking garage with access from Marsac avenue only.
With large crowds expected, Diersen asked visitors to plan ahead or utilize public transit to get to Main Street. Buses will run from the Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley base areas, Ecker Hill and Kamas park & rides, as well as Park City High School. Masks are required on Park City buses.
“I do ask that people be proactive and know how they’re going to get here, not only tomorrow, but through the entire weekend,” she said. “Take those steps. Think about if you can carpool with your friend or ride your bike or give yourself a little extra time to [get] where you need to go.”
Bikers are asked to avoid Deer Valley Drive and utilize Park Avenue and the Rail Trail instead. A bike valet on 9th Street will also be available.
Other Friday events include rugby games at North City Park from noon to 5pm and a Deer Valley Music Festival concert at 7:30pm.
Saturday will feature a Main Street flyover by Hill Airforce Base at 10am. Park City Mountain Resort will also be hosting a day of art, music, and activities at the Canyons Village.
On the 4th, Main Street’s Silly Market and Car-Free Sundays will both take place throughout the day. Park City police will hold their annual memorial service at Schruers Plaza at 11am. The Park City Fourth of July Volleyball Tournament will also happen all day at North City Park.
The full schedule of weekend events can be found here.
