The Park Silly Sunday Market early in the week appeared to be on the verge of leaving Old Town, but Park City leaders on Tuesday evening indicated they desire more discussions between City Hall and the Silly Market organizers before making what will be a momentous decision about the future of an event that has long led to divisions in the community.

Mayor Nann Worel and the Park City Council met with the Silly Market side to discuss possibilities as a one-year agreement that covers the 2023 edition nears completion.

There is concern on Main Street about the Silly Market’s impacts on sales at brick-and-mortar businesses on Sundays, and many on the shopping, dining and entertainment strip prefer the event not return after the contract expires. There seemed to be interest at City Hall about the prospects of tightened restrictions on the Silly Market, such as allowing it to operate fewer days. But as the Tuesday meeting approached, it appeared a breakthrough in the impasse would be difficult.

The intention to hold additional discussions is a step forward for the sides, particularly for the Silly Market since it had indicated just days before the meeting it preferred to remain on Main Street. City Hall staffers as a result of the direction of the elected officials will meet with the Silly Market with the goal of negotiating a long-term contract to hold the event on Main Street. A timeline for the negotiations was not clear.

The City Council direction followed 40 minutes of public input that was largely in favor of the Silly Market remaining on Main Street.