AL FRESCO FAVORITES

This week in Park City features two events that have graced the community for years - Autumn Aloft and the Tour des Suds bike race.  Both longstanding Park City traditions continue to bring the community together to celebrate the end of summer in the mountains and to welcome a beautiful autumn ahead.


Autumn Aloft
When: Friday, September 18 - Sunday, September 20
Where: Newpark Town Center, North 40 Fields, and Historic Main Street
Autumn Aloft is back for its second year in a row after taking a hiatus.  The event, which initially began over 30 years ago, started as a way to reflect the "free-spirited, anything-goes exuberance of Park City."  Autumn Aloft became well-known both nationally and internationally, as balloon pilots from all over the world came to Park City to take part.  After years without the festival, it returned to Park City and it continues to bring joy to spectators and participants alike.  It's hard not to get excited as hot air balloons fill the sky, especially in front of Park City's scenic backdrop.   Saturday morning's balloon launch is to be in memory of Gene Moser, the man behind the original Autumn Aloft's creation.  For the complete event schedule and further details, visit the Autumn Aloft website.


Tour des Suds"Crazy costumes, crazy bikes is the concept!"
When: Sunday, September 20
Where: Mass start in City Park
This Sunday's event marks the 36^th year of the Tour des Suds mountain bike race.  The 7-mile race starts in City Park and takes participants through a course that includes 2,700ft in elevation gain before finishing at the top of Guardsman Pass.  Just because it is a race, doesn't mean that you can't have any fun - participants are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and to decorate their bikes.  The race is not only a fundraiser for Mountain Trails, but it is one of the Park City mountain bike community's favorite ways to say thank you and to celebrate the end of a wonderful summer season.   Participants can pick up their race bibs from 8:30-9:30am at the City Park Gazebo before the race starts at 10am.  Join the fun and post-race party at the Town Lift Plaza on lower Main Street.   Prizes will be awarded for best costume, as well as to the top three male and female finishers.  There is still room to participate - sign uphere! Photo Credit: Mountain Trails Foundation


Autumn is practically here, but that doesn't mean Park City's weekly events are ending anytime soon.  Be sure to check out our website for a complete list of community events.