Main Street shuts down on Monday, Sept. 7, for Park City's 130th Miners Day Parade and the Park City Rotary Club's Running of the Balls fundraiser, which sends thousands of numbered golf balls tumbling downhill before the marchers step off.

The Running of the Balls raises money for Rotary scholarships, community programs and grants to local nonprofits. Anyone can buy a numbered ball for a chance at prizes: one ball costs $10, three go for $20, eight for $50 and 20 for $100. A limited Silver Strike Ball option, also $100, puts buyers in the running for a $3,000 Fly, Stay and Play travel package. Only 200 Silver Strike Balls are available, according to the Park Record.

For the full VIP treatment, the Big Ballers Club costs $375 per person or $550 per couple. That package includes a Silver Strike Ball, 20 ball entries, access to the Big Baller Lounge at The Cabin on Main Street, a breakfast buffet, two drink coupons, swag and prime parade seating.

The parade is free.

Local businesses, nonprofits, clubs, families and community groups can register to march at parkcityminersday.org.

Road closures

Main Street and Park Avenue will close from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 7. Spectators should plan extra time to get into town.

Historic Mine Route opens the same day

Miners Day will also mark the debut of the Park City Historic Mine Route, a 7-mile self-guided loop linking 24 historic mining sites. The route starts at the Park City Museum, climbs Treasure Hill on Park City Mountain to the Silver King Mining Complex, descends through Empire Canyon and returns to the Museum. Its centerpiece is the 1926 Silver King Coalition Mine Headframe, stabilized after a multi-year preservation effort within a 32-acre National Historic District. A free GPS-audio guide is available through the TravelStorys app.

Donald Roll, co-chair of Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, told the Park Record the route is "both a tribute to the miners of the past and a gift to future generations who will hike, ride, learn and connect with the stories that make Park City unique."

The all-volunteer committee, part of the Park City Historical Society and Museum, has worked since 2015 to preserve the town's mining heritage. Grants from Park City Rotary, the Central Wasatch Commission and Utah Outdoor Recreation helped fund the project. Route details are at hmr.parkcityhistory.org.

Coming up

  • Monday, Sept. 7: Miners Day Parade and Running of the Balls, Main Street. Free to watch; ball tickets at parkcityminersday.org.
  • Monday, Sept. 7: Park City Historic Mine Route opens for self-guided tours. Free audio guide via TravelStorys app.