M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

"The Greatest Snow on Earth": The Winter Olympics in Downtown Salt Lake City
by Dallas Petersen

The 24-story Figure Skater
As Olympic banners began to drape from downtown Salt Lake City buildings, I looked forward with anticipation for a similar banner to grace the western side of the Church Office Building. Finally on January 14th, workers began to hang the towering figure skater. I'm not sure if the Guiness Book of World Records has a category for "World's Largest Figure Skater," but if they do, I'm sure the Salt Lake Winter Olympics would take the honors.

Strips of heavy-duty nylon banner begin to slowly unfold upon the face of the Church Office Building.

Not for the faint of heart or cold of feet. Watching these workers gave me a renewed appreciation for my work as computer geek. I'll take a mean case of carpal tunnel any day over the freezing temperature and wind and dizzying heights that these gentlemen had to brave.

This shot, taken from the inside of the Church Office Building, captures a member of the banner crew. Far below him you can see the Main Street pedestrian park.

The work continues...

The banner crew pauses as the work nears completion.

The 24-story figure skater dominates the Salt Lake City Olympic skyline.

Evidently the view of the Olympic banner from ground or building wasn't good enough for these operators of a super cherry picker. Similar machines have been used throughout Temple Square to hang the lights which decorate nearly every tree.

Continue reading this article... Page 4: The Olympics and the Arts

(All photographs Copyright 2002 Dallas Petersen)

Click here to sign up for Meridian's FREE email updates.