The upcoming Sundance Film Festival is set to make a significant impact on Summit County, as it celebrates its 40th edition this year. Jenny Dears, the special events manager for the city, presented a preview during the Summit County Council meeting, highlighting the festival's importance for both the local economy and culture.

Dears emphasized that this year's festival will span 11 days, with expectations to draw attendance numbers similar to those seen before the pandemic. She expressed gratitude for the collaboration between city and county officials, including the sheriff's department and local health services, to ensure smooth operations during the event.

Public safety remains the top priority for the city, with measures in place to minimize residential disruptions. Dears noted the hiring of additional security to manage traffic in Old Town, addressing past congestion issues. New transit routes and street direction changes are also planned to facilitate easier movement for festival-goers.

A notable change this year involves the management of drop-off and pick-up locations for rideshare services, as the city takes over these operations from Lyft, which is no longer a festival sponsor. Four designated drop-off zones will be established, with Main Street closed to such activities to enhance public safety.

The city is also extending transit hours to accommodate festival attendees, running services from 5:30 AM to 2:05 AM. Parking adjustments have been made to encourage guests to leave their vehicles at resorts during the day to reduce traffic congestion in the area.

As the festival approaches, local officials are optimistic about the positive effects it will bring to the community, both economically and culturally, while ensuring that safety and accessibility remain at the forefront of their planning efforts.