I think there is something special about the Fourth of July that sends out a different vibe then all other holidays.

Maybe it’s due to celebrating our country and our freedom.

I love the seemingly all day fly-overs of military planes and fighter jets. In high school I used to dream about becoming a fighter pilot. I bet you would never have guessed that! I wonder how I got diverted from that dream…? Unfortunately there were no fly-overs this year, much to my disappointment.

As I was watching the parade (waiting to see the Deer Valley float) a friend of mine said, “I love this holiday more than any other.” That statement got me thinking. Why is the Fourth of July better than Christmas or Thanksgiving? Then I realized that this is the only holiday that an entire town (and then some) come to the same place and gather to celebrate one day together (all day in the case of Park City)!

There is always a parade that makes its way down Main Street and Park Ave and each year has a different theme. This year’s theme was “Once Upon A 4th.” In recent years, Deer Valley floats have taken home the winning honors and this year was no exception!

While the Deer Valley team was preparing for this year’s parade, I went up to see the construction of the float. I thought it was coming together nicely and took some time to joke with our maintenance guys that I was sure this was exactly what they wanted to be doing. Not only do they fix everything that makes the resort operate they also help fabricate those winning floats.

To bring the theme to life, the float incorporated fairy tales such as Cinderella with the large clock, fairies and an enchanted forest. You may not be able to read the signs on the float, but they read Fire Swamp and Thieves Forest. These are the names of some of our mountain bike trails. Can you name that movie reference? Did you also know we have an enchanted forest at Deer Valley? You’ll have to come and find it.

So here’s the final product. Of course we won “Best in Theme” this year. We take our participation level to heart. Of course the girls who played fairies made the float with their cute smiles.

I hope you all had a great Fourth of July! Keep enjoying the summer and come up to Deer Valley Resort and enjoy a hike, mountain bike ride or scenic chairlift ride then finish at Royal Street Cafe with a delicious meal or cocktails.