Park City’s annual Fourth of July celebration is a big party that maintains a small-town feel.

It starts with a 5K run, an fallen officer memorial, Air Force flyover, a community parade down 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 different,” said Jenny Diersen, Park City’s special events manager. “The community comes together to keep this small-town feeling. Everyone is a part of it and it’s one of my favorite days in the city every year. “

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To accommodate the parade, Main Street will start to close at 6 a.m.

“There is no parking on Main Street, Park Avenue, Swede Alley and Swede Alley surface lots and City Park at (that time).” she said. “We anticipate roads Main Street, Swede Alley and Park Avenue to (completely) close to traffic around 8 a.m.”

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Diersen encourages attendees to use public transit or carpool.

“We have increased the frequency of all transit from major hubs — Richardson Flat, Park City High School, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort — during the event,” she said.

Parking in 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 anticipate parking will fill by 10 a.m.,” she said. “If you plan to ride your bike, please slow your roll – especially on walking paths like Poison Creek, the Rail Trail, Park Avenue and Main Street.”

The parade, which ends at City Park, is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. shortly after the Air Force flyover

“My favorite part of the day is the flyover, scheduled on Main Street at 10:45 a.m.” she said. “I recommend being in Main Street by 10 a.m. to avoid the busiest traffic times and see the start of the parade. If you arrive later, you should head towards Park Avenue for viewing.”

The parade is also a friendly community competition for those who have entered floats, Diersen said.

“Parade winners are announced no later than the next day, and the winners get bragging rights,” she said. 

This year, the parade theme is Sustainable Stars and Stripes, and the 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 jury the parade each year, and they are scattered throughout the parade 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 viewers, safety is paramount, Diersen said.

“Be a good parade viewer,” she said. “It’s hard for floats to see around people who push into the street.”
Diersen also suggests that little kids and the elderly have the seats in the front on the curb, and adults stand in the back on the sidewalk.

“Never walk up to a float or run in front of or around a float,” she said.

The day will continue at City Park with food trucks, the annual Park City rugby tournament, live music and family activities, before culminating with a drone show instead of fireworks launched at Park City Mountain, Diersen said.

“We made that switch last year due to environmental concerns and wildfires,” she said. “We have coordinated with KPCW (91.7 FM), which will have music that accompanies the show for those who tune in.”

Still, there will be fireworks shot off on July 3 and July 4 at Canyons Village at 10:20 p.m., but no fireworks will be held within Park City’s jurisdiction.
Park City’s Fourth of July celebration wouldn’t be possible without volunteers.
“We have a countless number of staff members who work on the holiday to help keep the event fun and safe,” she said. “We appreciate everyone who takes time away from their families and loved ones to work and volunteer on the holiday.”

Park City’s 2024 Fourth of July schedule

• 8 a.m. — 5K Fun Run with Park City Ski and Snowboard (register in advance)
• 9 a.m. — Rodney Schreurs Fallen Officer Memorial
• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Annual Friends of the Park City Library Book Sale
• 10:45 a.m. — Air Force Flyover
• 11 a.m. — Park City Fourth of July Parade
• All Day – Park City Fourth of July volleyball tournament and family activities at Park City Mountain
• 12:30 p.m. — Food trucks, rugby, live music and kids games at City Park and the Skate Park
• 3 p.m. – Forum Fest at Canyons Village 
• 10 p.m. — Drone Show at Park City Mountain
• 10:30 p.m. — Fireworks at Canyons Village

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