“She Was Right Here!”: Park City Residents Stunned by Taylor & Travis Dinner Date
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
PARK CITY, Utah — Known for its winter wonderland, outdoor adventures, and as a prime spot for Sundance Film Festival crowds, Park City also has a quieter reputation as a serene retreat where locals and visitors alike can enjoy some peace away from the prying eyes of fame. However, for some residents, it’s also become an unlikely hotspot for celebrity sightings, with the most recent one leaving locals buzzing with excitement.
Last week, Park City residents were treated to a special celebrity sighting when pop superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce were spotted dining at Firewood, one of the town’s acclaimed restaurants. For some, the sighting was a thrilling surprise — even for those familiar with rubbing elbows with the famous.
Don Rollins, a Park City local since 2005, is no stranger to celebrity encounters. He fondly recalls running into the iconic RuPaul while out and about in town. “I ran into RuPaul one time,” Rollins laughed. “He was swinging his rope and he slapped me right with it. And he was very, very nice.”
But even for Rollins, who’s had his share of star-studded moments, the sighting of Swift and Kelce was a surprise. Last week, he and his daughter Stella heard the buzz — the power couple had been in town for the first time since the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss, enjoying a quiet dinner in the quaint town.
When Rollins broke the news to his daughter, the excitement was palpable. “Where!?!” Stella, a casual Swiftie, exclaimed upon hearing the news.
The pair’s appearance was unexpected, especially considering the public’s interest in the couple’s recent relationship. But to Stella, who has her own admiration for the pop star, the encounter was truly surreal. “I have her album, love her. But I feel like I have friends who are die-hard fans. But I do love her. She’s amazing.”
Despite the intrigue surrounding the duo, many locals understand the value of keeping some space between the public and their celebrity residents. For visitors like Nicole McName from Northern Virginia, the thought of living under the constant gaze of the public can feel overwhelming. “Yeah, it definitely seems crazy,” McName said. “Every single day, I would probably get annoyed too by people taking my picture. That’s why they try to stay private.”
But Park City offers a rare reprieve for the stars. “I think they come here because, for the most part, as locals, we don’t get too riled up about it,” said Rollins. “We let them have their space.”
Still, even with a calm demeanor, the news of a celebrity sighting is hard to ignore. “Me and my friend ate around here and we were like, ‘Did you know that Taylor Swift was here?’” Stella remarked. “Which is really crazy to think about. Like, she was right here.”
For residents and visitors alike, the experience serves as a reminder of just how close they can be to fame in this small town — and how, sometimes, the stars align just a little closer than expected.