It was the local parody review, the Park City Follies, that said it best, soberly revealing a very serious agenda: preserving what is left of Park City customs. Billed as “Follies on the Roof,” the annual show lamented the loss of Autumn Aloft, a hot-air balloon extravaganza that took place each year. It mourned the loss of real dynamite crackling at 6 a.m. on Miner’s Day. “Tradition!” sang the amateur performers on the Egyptian Theatre stage. The grand resolution of the evening was a peace treaty between developers and long-time Parkites: to protect, and promote Park City’s surviving quirks — market them — after all, it’s what endears citizens to the town.
Though Park City also hosts wintertime festivities, cold weather is for tourists. The oldest and most respected Park City and Summit County traditions emerge long after the snow melts. Here are a few of the best in the county:
The Jupiter Peak Steeplechase
What: No hurdles here. The Jupiter Peak Steeplechase is a 16-mile trail-running loop with a 3,000-foot elevation gain. The event begins at Legacy Lodge at the base of Park City Mountain Resort.
When: Aug. 9 at 8 a.m.
Where: Park City Mountain Resort.
Cost: Pre-registration for the event is $25 until Aug. 8. Day-of registration is $35. For more information: MountainTrails.org.
The Mid-Mountain Marathon
What: The Mid-Mountain Marathon begins at Silver Lake Village, at Deer Valley, and finishes at The Forum at The Canyons. The scenic near-level single-track trail at 8,000 feet traverses Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, The Colony and The Canyons resort through forests of aspens.
When: Sept. 6 at 8 a.m.
Where: Deer Valley Resort and The Canyons.
Cost: Entry fee is $50 per person before Aug. 15; $55 before Sept. 1. There is no registration after Sept. 1.
For more information: RunnerCard.com and MountainTrails.org.
Miners Day Parade
What: The day, sponsored by the Park City Rotary Club, honors Park City’s mining history, from the discovery of silver in the 1860s to the opening of Treasure Mountain Resort in 1963. Events also raise funds for charity projects like the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Events feature include the mucking and drilling competition where hard-rock miners compete using the skills they learned on the job. The Rotary Club hosts a breakfast at City Park, followed by a 5K race, an 11 a.m. parade and the “Running of the Balls” fundraiser, which asks individuals to sponsor one of many balls that will be released at the top of Main St.. The person who purchases the winning ball earns prizes.
When: Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1.
Where: City Park and Main St..
For more information: ParkCityInfo.com.
Fourth of July celebration
What: The Park City Ambassadors, a charitable, volunteer wing of the Park City Chamber/Bureau, organizes a blow-out each Fourth of July.
All-day activities include live entertainment and games for children at City Park. Start the day off right with a pancake breakfast at City Park. By then, you’ll be ready for the mid-morning parade down Main St., which is followed by a picnic. For the sportier types, there is also a 5K walk/run and an annual doubles volleyball tournament. To end the day with a bang, enjoy the fireworks display at dusk.
When: Friday, July 4
Where: City Park and Main St.
Cost: Free.
For more information: ParkCityInfo.com
Utah Symphony
What: Deer Valley Resort’s Amphitheater hosts the Utah Symphony for its annual celebration of all things American. Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Be sure to keep Deer Valley’s guidelines for the performance in mind. Their Web site states coolers and glass containers and chairs 9 inches or less in height are allowed. Try to resist the temptation to arrive early and reserve a seat. “Items brought into the venue prior to the gate opening at 5:30 p.m. will be removed,” the Web site warns.
When: Friday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Deer Valley Resort’s Amphitheater
Cost: General admission, $25; Reserved seating, $50; Family passes, $75; Youth or student, $12. Ticket prices increase $5 on the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased through ArtTix at (888) 451-2787 or utahsymphonyopera.org. General admission tickets can also be purchased at Deer Valley Signatures located at 625 Main St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
For more information: DeerValley.com
The Oakley Rodeo
What: Oakley Rodeo Festivities include a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, horse show, barbecue and fireworks. The annual rodeo draws in crowds from all over Summit County. Rodeo riders from all over the country come to compete.
When: July 2 – 5
Cost: Tickets, $12
For more information: OakleyCity.com
The Kimball Park City Arts Festival
What: More than 220 artists and 30 live musical performances make The Park City Kimball Arts Festival an attraction for the entire intermountain West. Featuring dining options, wine and beer gardens and a kids’ corner, this year marks the event’s 39th anniversary.
When: Aug. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Park City Main St.
Cost: 2-day pass, $10; Adults, $8; Children 10 and under, free.
For more information: Kimball-Art.org.
Summit County Fair
What: The annual award-winning Summit County Fair features the Miss Summit County Pageant, a dog and horse show, food booths, barrel racing, livestock, horticultural and floricultural exhibitions, fine-arts exhibits, baked-goods competitions and a pet fest among its featured events. See the Demolition Derby on Aug. 2, an ATV rodeo on Aug. 7 and fireworks after a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo on Aug. 8.
When: July 31 – Aug. 16.
Where: Coalville
Cost: Prices to events vary
For more information: SummitCountyFair.com
The Park Silly Sunday Market
What: Beginning June 15, The Park Silly Sunday Market takes over the lower half of Main St. on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. With booths purveying organic foods.
When: June 15 through Sept. 28. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Park City’s Main St.
Cost: Free.
For more information: ParkSillySundayMarket.com.