My husband’s business trip dictated the destination.  I figured I’d find whatever there was to be found after setting foot in Park City, Utah. Little did I suspect that Sunday in the city would be bustling in ways completely unrelated to church.  Like other enchanting mountain cities, the houses here are what I call Mountain Victorian and Main Street is old-time Western.  And this attractiveness goes deeper than surface looks, unlike some other shallow little towns (read my review of Georgetown, CO).  The people here are divine. 

My predominant, pre-arrival thoughts imagined little beyond summer mountain beauty located in the middle of Mormon country.  However, upon arrival, I became intrigued by the laid-back and friendly atmosphere. My change in thinking did not occur because everyone smiled at me (which they did) or because everyone looked like me (which they did), it happened because of an art gallery and some green tea. 

Walking uphill on historic Main Street on a Saturday night, the sidewalks vibrated with heat and still bright sunlight reflected off the crowd.  Guitar music coaxed me off my path and I entered the Michael Fatali Sacred Earth Images gallery (www.fatali.com).  My eyes and soul feasted on the photographic beauty of Utah and the West.  Downstairs a tea bar served assorted hot drinks from a new teahouse ( www.atticusbooksandteahouse.com ).  The Kyoto Cherry Rose green tea was to die for.  What could be better than sipping ambrosia while gazing at glowing desert images? 

On Sunday, I woke with a burning need for more Kyoto Cherry Rose.  I buzzed over to Atticus Books and Teahouse.  I was their first customer to access the free WiFi which started a conversation which led to a spontaneous volunteer experience.  I learned about the Park Silly Sunday Market (PSSM) set to begin in a couple of hours.  I wanted to meet more people and learn more about the community and this was a heaven-sent opportunity.  Oh lucky day! 

I walked into the PSSM administrative offices and instantly transformed into the perfect replacement for an unexpected volunteer cancellation.  My assignment: staff  the information booth at the foot of the street.  Not only would I dispense valuable market info to those in need but I would also be responsible for keeping alcohol off the sidewalks (some Utah liquor law I don’t care to understand) and hydrating people and dogs with the offer of free water.  I met visitors, other volunteers and performers.  My booth stood across from the main band stand and the music was great. 

PARK SILLY SUNDAY MARKET

Park City, fifty miles outside of Salt Lake City, is an oasis in the middle of the desert.  Every Sunday from June 13^th through September 26^th Park City's Main Street gets silly from top to bottom.  The entire street is closed off from vehicular traffic and vendors and performers entertain pedestrians from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Everything you can think of resides here on Sundays.  So if you want to hula-hoop, get a massage or have your face or body painted – this is the place.  You’ll also find free morning yoga and qigong classes.  The hotels, restaurants and galleries offer enticing discounts and great atmosphere.  Each week features different vendors, entertainment, music and activities for kids and adults.

From the PSSM website, “The Park Silly Sunday Market is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create an eco-friendly open air market, street festival and commUnity forum to showcase all of the things that make Park City, Utah one of the finest places on our planet.” 

FAST FACTS

PSSM started in 2007 with an initial attendance of 30,000 and doubled in size to 60,000 the next year.  Last year, 90,000 visitors walked the street! The organizers expect another 30% increase in attendance during the 2010 season.

PSSM is a recognized, premiere event and one of only a few free events on Sunday in the entire state. 

Zero Waste goals have been surpassed: 2007 - 70% of waste was recycled; 2008 - 7.5 bags of trash went into the landfill and in 2009 only 2 bags.

ABOUT ZERO WASTE EVENTS

"No Trace Left Behind" is a nationwide effort to take responsibility for ourselves and the impact we make daily on the environment. It involves following the same rules in our everyday lives that we follow when hiking: "Pack it in, Pack it out" or in the case of the Park Silly Sunday Market, taking advantage of the Zero Waste areas located throughout the market. Zero Waste emphasizes the Recycle in Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. All food vendors use recyclable utensils, cups, and plates. Items used are collected in the Zero Waste containers located up and down Main Street.  Food waste is then fed to the pigs at Potter's farm in Coalville, Utah. Click Here to learn more about Zero Waste.

MY REVIEW?

Two thumbs up for Michael Fatali, Atticus Books and Teahouse and Park Silly Sunday Market.  Park City is one place togo back to again and again.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ZERO WASTE EVENTS

http://www.ecocycle.org/zwevents/kit.cfm