Since its humble beginnings over President’s Day weekend in 2012 in the back tap room of the now-defunct Wasatch Brew Pub (now Top of Main), the MegaMind PubQuiz has become a staple in the unique tapestry of Park City. Founded and still run by MegaMaestro Colleen McGinn, the PubQuiz has entert ained and supported trivia lovers in competitions held at Jeremy Ranch Country Club, Lush’s BBQ, the Hyatt Centric and the Heber Valley Brewing Company. Last week, it debuted at Red Rock Brewing Company’s Ele Bar in Kimball Junction, according to McGinn. “The plan for the Ele Bar, short for Elephant Bar, is that we will be there every Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m. except for the first Wednesday of the Month, since I am at Heber Valley Brewing Company on those nights from 7-9 p.m. for April and May, and I have been there for years,” she said. “What makes things exciting for Red Rock Brewing is that I’ve never done that corner of Kimball Junction. So, I think that will bring a whole new set of teams to MegaMind PubQuiz, and I’m excited to let them experience this and have fun with them while they have fun with each other.” From the beginning, McGinn has made sure the contests are enjoyable for everyone. “If they are taking time out of their busy lives to spend it with me, I want to make sure it’s unforgettable,” she said. “What I try to do is make my trivia fun for all demographics so anyone can come and feel like they can contribute and feel a little smarter.” McGinn enjoys hosting the competition at different locations. “They all have their charm and character, and the people who join are all trivia enthusiasts,” she said. “So no matter where you go, you will always have a great experience with MegaMind. We have one-offs at Jeremy Ranch Country Club every last Saturday of the month, and the thing about that place is even though it’s for country club members, they want to introduce people to the club and experience it, too.” Another location is Jackson’s Hideaway Ski Club, McGinn said. “It’s basically a ski club, and they are based at the base of Park City Mountain,” she said. “They have a good community experience to engage their members while they are here for ski vacation.” Trivia has become so popular at Jackson Hideaway that McGinn has facilitated teams for kids. “That makes me happy that they want to appreciate what we’re doing,” she said. McGinn taps into multiple and credible sources for each bit of trivia. She stays away from Wikipedia but confirms and reconfirms answers through such resources as National Geographic and the History Channel. “The thing that’s great about trivia is that it’s timeless, and you hit different groups throughout the years,” she said. “When we started, we had regulars come in, and now they have families. So we are getting a new generation of trivia lovers. And if anything I feel like we’re gaining momentum because, as years go by, more people discover trivia.” In turn, McGinn asks PubQuizers to follow three rules. The MegaMaestro, who happens to be McGinn, is always right No shouting out answers unless otherwise instructed to do so All phones go into buckets McGinn provides for each team “That way no one can look up answers, but it’s also awesome to be present in the moment, not worrying about anything else but being with your friends learning about trivia,” she said. McGinn thinks ensuring participants are not distracted is part of the draw to the competitions. “While locals attend, tourists who attend get a taste of Park City culture,” she said. “We actually have several teams who come back year after year, specifically for trivia when we are at the Hyatt, which we just ended for the season. People tell me how they talk about it all the time and can’t wait to come back this year. I love how it resonates with the tourists and has become a part of their ski vacations and memories. I think that’s what has carried it throughout the years.” McGinn is happy that the MegMind PubQuiz has lasted for nearly 15 years. “During the COVID years, I was worried,” she confessed. “We were flexible and did things outside, but I wasn’t sure if it would be sustainable and be done safely. But it has continued.” McGinn says the PubQuiz has survived because of word of mouth, newspaper articles, posters and social media. “Also, a lot of the destination management companies who bring people to Park City look for team-building events, and they contact MegaMind PubQuiz because it’s the perfect team activity that isn’t too serious,” she said.  MegaMind sessions have also helped McGinn in different aspects of her life. “I had huge stage fright when I first started, and this has helped me with my public speaking,” she said. “And that confidence has been able to shine on different parts of my life.” Since 2012, MegaMind PubQuiz has welcomed friends, families, co-workers, local residents, tourists and others to its trivia contests held throughout Summit and Wasatch counties. Founder and MegaMaestro Colleen McGinn says these competitions have helped her develops better communication and public-speaking skills. Credit: Photo courtesy of Colleen McGinn McGinn plans to host MegaMind PubQuiz sessions as long as Park City will allow. “There are so many stories of people who have made their mark and contributed in making Park City so special and unique, and I feel like in our own way, MegaMind PubQuiz, is doing that,” she said. “I love Park City so much, and I feel I have a special connection with the town, and that puts a smile on my face.” For information about MegaMind PubQuiz, visit facebook.com/megaMIND.pubQUIZ and @megamindpubquiz on Instagram. The post MegaMind PubQuiz taps Red Rock Brewing Company appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less