Park Record archive photo by David Jackson
Park City’s annual Fourth of July celebration is a big party that retains a small-town feel.
It begins with a 5K run, a memorial to fallen officers, an Air Force flyover, a community parade on Main Street, a party at City Park and a drone show.
“Park City is known for its hardworking and determined community, and the Park City Fourth of July celebration is no exception,” said Jenny Diersen, Park City’s special events manager. “The community comes together to keep that small-town feel. Everyone gets involved and it’s one of my favorite days in town each year.”
To accommodate the parade, Main Street will begin closing at 6 a.m.
“There is no parking on Main Street, Park Avenue, Swede Alley and the Swede Alley and City Park surface parking lots at (this time),” she said. “We anticipate Main Street, Swede Alley and Park Avenue will be (completely) closed to traffic by 8 a.m..”
Diersen encourages participants to use public transportation or carpool.
“We have increased the frequency of all public transportation from major hubs — Richardson Flat, Park City High School, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort — during the event,” she said.
Parking at China Bridge costs $30 until 1 p.m., and after that, parking is free, and there is a bike valet at 9th Street, Diersen said.
“We expect the parking lot to be full by 10 a.m.,” she said. “If you plan on biking, slow down, especially on walking trails like Poison Creek, the Rail Trail, Park Avenue and Main Street.”
The parade, which ends at City Park, is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., shortly after the Air Force flyover.
“My favorite time of day is the flyover, which is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Main Street,” she said. “I recommend being on Main Street at 10 a.m. to avoid rush hour and see the start of the parade. If you arrive later, you should head to Park Avenue to see it.”
The parade is also a friendly community competition for those who have entered floats, Diersen said.
“The winners of the parade are announced by the next day at the latest and they get bragging rights,” she said.
This year’s parade theme is “Sustainable Stars and Stripes,” and award categories include Community Spirit, Humor and Funk, Crowd Engagement/Favorite, Youth Award, Heritage/Traditions/History, and Environmental Sustainability.
“We have several local families who serve as parade judges each year, and they’re spread out all along the route,” she said. “You can help influence their decisions by cheering on your favorite floats so they can hear you.”
While the parade is meant to be fun for participants and spectators, safety is paramount, Diersen said.
“Be a good spectator of the parade,” she said. “It’s hard for the floats to see the people milling about in the street.”
Diersen also suggests that small children and the elderly occupy the front seats, on the sidewalk, and that adults sit in the back, on the sidewalk.
“Never approach a tank or run in front of or around a tank,” she said.
The day will continue at City Park with food trucks, the annual Park City Rugby Tournament, live music and family activities, before ending with a drone show in lieu of fireworks launched at Park City Mountain, Diersen said.
“We made this change last year because of environmental concerns and wildfires,” she said. “We worked with KPCW (91.7 FM), who will provide music to accompany the show for those watching.”
Fireworks will still be held on July 3 and 4 at Canyons Village at 10:20 p.m., but no fireworks will be held in the Park City jurisdiction.
Park City’s 4th of July celebration would not be possible without volunteers.
“We have countless staff members working during the holidays to help make the event fun and safe,” she said. “We thank everyone who takes time away from their families and loved ones to work and volunteer during the holidays.”
July 4, 2024 Calendar in Park City
- 8:00 a.m. — 5K Fun Run with Park City Ski and Snowboard (pre-register)
- 9:00 a.m. — Memorial for Fallen Officer Rodney Schreurs
- 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. — Friends of the Park City Library Annual Book Sale
- 10:45 a.m. — Air Force flyby
- 11:00 a.m. — Park City 4th of July Parade
- All Day – Park City 4th of July Volleyball Tournament and Family Activities at Park City Mountain
- 12:30 p.m. — Food trucks, rugby, live music and children’s games at City Park and Skate Park
- 3:00 p.m. – Forum Fest at Canyons Village
- 10:00 p.m. — Drone Show at Park City Mountain
- 10:30 p.m. — Fireworks at Canyons Village
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