PARK CITY — Christoper Benton Dorsey can't remember the last time he saw High West Distillery as empty as he's seen it the past two Sundays as the"Since the Silly Market went away, I guarantee you that the last two Sundays our business has been down," he told members of the Park City Council Tuesday afternoon, admitting that he doesn't have the empirical to back this but adds he's also never had to think much about it either.
But members of the Park City Council say they hope to bring more certainty in the future. The council decided Tuesday to delay any possible decision on the market and instead have city staff work with Park Silly's operators on a possible long-term contract to keep the event from disappearing altogether.
The reductions came after feedback from businesses and residents, highlighting some concerns with the market. City staff presented the council with the results of a survey of a little more than 2,000 respondents, who suggested "major changes" beyond this year, including possibly moving it off Main Street, shortening hours or changing days of the event.
However, many disagreed with that in an effort to preserve the market. Former Park City Mayor Dana Williams argued that downtowns should be "noisy" and "vibrant," while others either from or still living in the city say the market has become a community "cornerstone" or "part of the soul of Park City."
When it came down to making a decision, Park City leaders ultimately decided it made more sense to negotiate a possible long-term deal to keep the market around. The council directed city staffers to continue working with Park Silly Sunday Market organizers on options for a long-term contract ahead of a possible vote in October, which could finalize the matter.