Park City, Utah...Only a hit during Sundance?

After spending 2 days with my family in Park City, Utah, home of the famous ski resorts and known for it's public debut in 2002 when they hosted the Winter Olympic Games, I began noticing some things about Park City that struck me as interesting, from a media perspective. While this small town is tucked away between the canyon's of Utah and is located a mere 30 minutes away from the state's capitol, Park City's major 'claim-to-fame' is the almighty Sundance Film Festival, held every January.

As you walk about the streets of Park City, you will notice that most people are locals of the area. You will not find a GAP or a Nordstrom, but are more likely to find a ski rental shop or a 'Mountain Air Cafe.' There are no major shopping malls, but mainly strip malls, grocery stores and, of course, Main Street. Everyone in town is friendly and inviting and most know each other on a first name basis. It is upon Main Street,a mile long row of privately owned shops, restaurants and galleries, that the Film Festival takes place every year, drawing in Hollywood's biggest names for the entire week. Suddenly,for this one week of the year, this small town transforms into a celebrity event and paparazzi frenzy.

I have been in Park City during Film Festival weeks in the past and have run into the occasional celebrity (OK, it was Danny De Vito...) and am well aware of the special, VIP events that take place. Clearly, my invitation keeps getting lost in the mail, but these events are high class, first rate parties.


As a resident of Park City, I must applaud my tiny town for their courageous efforts to please these high maintenance celebrities and host this annual event each year. They have been able to draw huge amounts of media attention upon their town and tourist numbers, ski and snowboard sales and real estate purchases have definitely noted the increase of interest. It is no doubt that we owe a huge thanks to the media, for introducing the nation to Park City over the past few years.

Perhaps, though, we might be able to limit the media attention a bit? The ski slopes are getting a bit crowded.....