As Park City gears up for the 2034 Winter Olympics, planners are looking to the recent Sundance Film Festival as a blueprint for transforming Main Street into a vibrant celebration zone reminiscent of its role during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Main Street, a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, thrived during the 2002 Games as a gathering point for winter sports fans from around the globe. The street buzzed with energy, featuring Olympic pin trading, performances, and even the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that has yet to be replicated in subsequent events. Since then, Main Street has hosted a series of smaller events, such as the Park City Kimball Arts Festival and the Park Silly Sunday Market, but none have captured the spirit of the 2002 Olympics. These events are limited in scope, lasting only a few days, and don’t allow for the same level of crowd engagement seen in the past. The pandemic also introduced pedestrian days on Main Street, yet these were primarily focused on safety rather than entertainment. With the Winter Olympics approaching, Park City is in the early stages of planning, and lessons learned from the recent Sundance Film Festival are invaluable. This year's festival marked the final edition held in Park City before moving to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. During Sundance, Main Street experienced a revival similar to that of the Olympics, with the municipality implementing a pedestrian zone to facilitate crowds and enhance the festival atmosphere. The move to close Main Street to traffic allowed for a more immersive experience, drawing attendees to various off-screen activities and spotlighting festival sponsors. The pedestrian zone buzzed with independent film lovers exploring the street, visiting installations like the one celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Little Miss Sunshine," and enjoying live performances. This year’s festival saw shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, reminiscent of the bustling energy during the Olympic Games. The similarities between the Sundance experience and Olympic planning are striking. Park City officials have recognized that Main Street serves as a natural gathering place for both events, and they are keen to harness this potential for the upcoming Games. The municipal government collaborated with Sundance organizers to create a pedestrian-friendly environment, a strategy that could be mirrored in Olympic planning. Back in 2002, the decision to close Main Street to traffic was made over a year before the opening ceremony, indicating the importance of early planning in ensuring success. The street became a focal point for celebrations, showcasing local businesses alongside the presence of Olympic sponsors. This dual approach allowed both the community and the Games to shine, a model that Park City might adopt again as they prepare for the 2034 Games. The efforts to transform Main Street for the Olympics will require a coordinated approach between City Hall, local businesses, and the organizing committee. Park City’s planning for the Winter Olympics has been somewhat inconsistent since the International Olympic Committee awarded the Games in 2022, but the eight-year countdown to the opening ceremony offers an opportunity for renewed focus on effective strategies for Main Street. In conclusion, as Park City prepares for the Winter Olympics, the recent success of the Sundance Film Festival provides a valuable framework for engaging the community and visitors alike. Main Street could once again become a lively hub of activity, echoing the festive spirit of the 2002 Winter Olympics. As the city begins to map out its plans, the experiences gained from the Sundance festival will likely play a critical role in shaping the eventual festive atmosphere that awaits during the Olympic Games in 2034. The vision is clear: a pedestrianized Main Street celebrating not only the Winter Olympics but also the rich culture of Park City, leveraging the excitement and energy that both events bring to the community.