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Show ee ip ee e DEREK JENSEN She tetH regret ~~ MANAGING EDITOR. he answer was inevitable, yet questions remained for the brain trust behind Midway’s new Edelweiss Center. Growth will happen — in large part due -to the Olympics and Soldier Hollow — but how much? And how soon will area business be abie to capitalize on the valley’s imminent notoriety? Edelweiss owner and Courier ON recerad publisher Dan Stephens is betting on sooner rather than later. His sparkling reception center overlooking..the back of Timpanogos designed to hold over 200 people is a testament to that gamble. “That’s always the hardest part. It’s a judgment call on whether to get .in.before the action when it’s cheap or later when prices go up,” OR RRP SORA REED aay SHON REC AY to cover their first BAKA year’s rent. Meanwhile the center is "aeRE i RN The grand staircase provides a charming centerpiece for Edelweiss. 5 eM system to create different atmospheres,” she said. “It’s pretty classy.” With 72-hour alcohol permits, Edelweiss will be able to avert any pesky legal problems. Stephens says having booze at the social hall now before the Olympic crowds show Deomgianist ag phy wee Ksi s z PBA MDOT on In addition to the food and ¢ drink, River Ranch Band, whose mét to construct a system to ensure safe and responsible events. Besides posting two officers in street clothes during parties, the sheriff's office has offered to help drive. people home who have been drinking. Edelweiss is also arranging a deal with a local-hotel to allow people to stay overnight in exchange for their car keys, as well as a contract with a Park City taxi company for transportation back over the hill. “The idea is that everybody goes Celebration” to raise funds for the Timpanogos Tribe, Snake Band Shoshone of -Utah . Terntory: Proceeds from the St. Patric BEES = : PHOTO BY DAN STEPHENS The turret will offer food with a mountain view. — home happy and safely,” Stephens said. 7 | To this point the center has only hosted meetings. It will get its first chance to let its hair down this weekend as_ back-to-back fundraising parties are scheduled: ©. grew up in Wasatch Couritysa named the band after a family: raxich, will offer a blistering set of country and rock favorites both nights, which is sure to keep the. aE Midway.” “Its going to be a resort town and we have to face the fact that the tourists are different than we are, and they like to drink,” he said. Wasatch County Sheriff Mike Spanos has worked closely with management Edelweiss is hostingithe first annual ‘Indian & Irish Melting Pot for RE test owd dancing. Interested in booking Edel SUR a | 17, : Center contact JoNell Snow at 6541404 or 435-512-3687. baat like =. ° : -. March: at of tions are welcome: Then, WS “kind e LARA be full ho MO A will expected to draw a tickets will be passed out and dona- YT p GF two balconies and a large section for dancing. But its centerpiece is a grand staircase, exposed decoratively inthe middle of the hall, which is perfect for wedding processions. “It's somewhere nice and elegant,” says JoNell Snow, Edelweiss facility coordinator, pointing out its large capacity is attractive to both Park City and Wasatch residents. “There really isn’t a place like it that services that many people.” Boasting “tons of parking” with 100 spots, handicap ramp access, ornate bathrooms and a high powered sound system, Snow said Edelweiss can accommodate diverse interests. “It even has a dim lighting 3 PHOTO BY. DAN STEPHENS e-mail: derek@wasatchcountycourier,com “= ‘ ESCRS for a buffet, : race with a fireplace, room bee available (for closer to $1,000/day) for weddings, fundraisers and all manner of parties. ‘Management is negotiating to lease the space as a hospitality suite for next February’s events. Already, 12 weddings are booked as well as Friends of the Library functions. “There really hasn’t been a high end reception center reasonably priced in the valley,” Stephens added. A second floor sprawling space, Edelweiss features a lounging area SHER $12,000/day) OVE Stephens said. “It’s a roll of the dice.” a Though admitting there’s a chance they are two years “ahead of the curve,” Stephens said Edelweiss. hopes to make enough money during the Games (it will rent for |