Friday, Feb. 1, at Snowdown features the return of bed races, the waiter/waitress races, the Light Parade and so much more.
    The Durango Street Band float entertains the crowd as they go down Main Avenue on Friday during the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Durango Street Band float entertains the crowd as they go down Main Avenue on Friday during the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Slimer was driving the Four Corners Paranormal Investigation float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Slimer was driving the Four Corners Paranormal Investigation float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Stay Puff Marshmallow Woman in the Four Corners Paranormal Investigation float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Stay Puff Marshmallow Woman in the Four Corners Paranormal Investigation float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Slimer was driving the Four Corners Paranormal Investigation float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Slimer was driving the Four Corners Paranormal Investigation float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Lots of floats in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Lots of floats in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Great Old Broads for Wilderness walk in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Great Old Broads for Wilderness walk in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Almost streakers in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Almost streakers in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Numerous bands participated in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Numerous bands participated in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The REMAX hot-air balloon warmed people during the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The REMAX hot-air balloon warmed people during the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The Dancing Divas make their way down Main Avenue on Friday during the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Dancing Divas make their way down Main Avenue on Friday during the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The Snowdown Light Parade on Friday night always has to have people playing with fire. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Snowdown Light Parade on Friday night always has to have people playing with fire. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The Snowdown Jr. King and Queen float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Snowdown Jr. King and Queen float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Samba Galactica in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Samba Galactica in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The Purgatory Resort float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Purgatory Resort float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The Snowdown Light Parade on Friday night always has to have people playing with fire. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Snowdown Light Parade on Friday night always has to have people playing with fire. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Durango City Council members Dick White, left, Dean Brookie, right, and Mayor Sweetie Marbury wave to the crowd during the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Durango City Council members Dick White, left, Dean Brookie, right, and Mayor Sweetie Marbury wave to the crowd during the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Adults got in on the candy action too during the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Adults got in on the candy action too during the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Numerous bands participated in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Numerous bands participated in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Numerous bands participated in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Numerous bands participated in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Remote cars zipped around during the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Remote cars zipped around during the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Alyssa Buescher of Miss Alyssa’s CircBus shows off her acrobatic skills with fire during the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Alyssa Buescher of Miss Alyssa’s CircBus shows off her acrobatic skills with fire during the Snowdown Light Parade on Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A lot of fun was had in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Main Avenue on Friday was filled with over a dozen blocks of people watching the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Main Avenue on Friday was filled with over a dozen blocks of people watching the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Main Avenue on Friday was filled with over a dozen blocks of people watching the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Main Avenue on Friday was filled with over a dozen blocks of people watching the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Numerous bands participated in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Numerous bands participated in the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The Dancing Divas make their way down Main Avenue Friday during the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Dancing Divas make their way down Main Avenue Friday during the Snowdown Light Parade. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Mike Barela of team Steamworks goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Mike Barela of team Steamworks goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Alyssa Buescher of Miss Alyssa’s CircBus shows off her acrobatic skills with fire during the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Alyssa Buescher of Miss Alyssa’s CircBus shows off her acrobatic skills with fire during the Snowdown Light Parade Friday on Main Avenue. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Lauren Hoogs of team Ken & Sues goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Lauren Hoogs of team Ken & Sues goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Makenzie Haley of team Steamworks goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Makenzie Haley of team Steamworks goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The crowd cheers on Summer Price of team Ken & Sues who has to pour a beer then drink it at the end of the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The crowd cheers on Summer Price of team Ken & Sues who has to pour a beer then drink it at the end of the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The crowd cheers on Summer Price of team Ken & Sues who has to pour a beer then drink it at the end of the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The crowd cheers on Summer Price of team Ken & Sues who has to pour a beer then drink it at the end of the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Maddie Tovar of team Ken & Sues smashes cups of grains as she goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Maddie Tovar of team Ken & Sues smashes cups of grains as she goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Matt Leggett of team Ken & Sues goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Matt Leggett of team Ken & Sues goes through the Snowdown Water/Waitress Race course on Friday behind Steamworks Brewing Company. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Hot-air balloons prepare to take to the sky on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Hot-air balloons prepare to take to the sky on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Jamie Weagley took second place in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Jamie Weagley took second place in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Chandra Fowler competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Chandra Fowler competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Sean Ryan took first place in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Sean Ryan took first place in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Judges for the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition had their work cut out for them on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Judges for the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition had their work cut out for them on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Carson Savage and Eric Sortland compete in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Carson Savage and Eric Sortland compete in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Carson Savage and Eric Sortland compete in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Carson Savage and Eric Sortland compete in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            India Waller competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        India Waller competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            India Waller competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        India Waller competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Shannon Beck, dressed as Gladys, competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Shannon Beck, dressed as Gladys, competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A doubles team  competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        A doubles team  competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Lots of people dressed up during Snowdown events Friday. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Lots of people dressed up during Snowdown events Friday. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Lots of people dressed up during Snowdown events Friday. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Lots of people dressed up during Snowdown events Friday. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Sandy Shibly competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Sandy Shibly competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Sean Ryan took first place in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Sean Ryan took first place in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Madison Webster competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Madison Webster competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Madison Webster competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Madison Webster competes in the Snowdown Sexy Classic Carwash Competition on Friday at 11th Street Station. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Two members of each team have to change out and into a onesie halfway through the course during the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Two members of each team have to change out and into a onesie halfway through the course during the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The Durango Fire Protection District team gets ready to race the Durango Police Department team during the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Durango Fire Protection District team gets ready to race the Durango Police Department team during the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The Durango Police Department team beats the Durango Fire Protection District team during the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The Durango Police Department team beats the Durango Fire Protection District team during the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            The city of Durango team battles the La Plata County team during the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        The city of Durango team battles the La Plata County team during the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                        Teams compete in the Snowdown Bed Races on Friday on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
                                            A hot-air balloon takes to the sky on Friday in the Animas Valley. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        A hot-air balloon takes to the sky on Friday in the Animas Valley. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Rick Schmidt, in shadow, of Mancos pilots the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. Schmidt has been piloting hot-air balloons for more than 20 years and worked as ground crew before then. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Rick Schmidt, in shadow, of Mancos pilots the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. Schmidt has been piloting hot-air balloons for more than 20 years and worked as ground crew before then. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Hot-air balloons take to the sky on Friday in the Animas Valley. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Hot-air balloons take to the sky on Friday in the Animas Valley. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            A hot-air balloon lands at Dalton Ranch. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        A hot-air balloon lands at Dalton Ranch. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            A hot-air balloon lands at Dalton Ranch. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        A hot-air balloon lands at Dalton Ranch. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Michaela Gonzales of Albuquerque works as part of the ground crew for the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Michaela Gonzales of Albuquerque works as part of the ground crew for the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            MacKenna Dunlap, left, and Aspen Poole, both of Albuquerque, work as part of the ground crew for the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        MacKenna Dunlap, left, and Aspen Poole, both of Albuquerque, work as part of the ground crew for the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Hot-air balloons take to the sky on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Hot-air balloons take to the sky on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            A hot-air balloon takes to the sky on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        A hot-air balloon takes to the sky on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            The ground crew gets a hot-air balloon ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. Schmidt is often part of the crew for his father, Rick Schmidt, who pilots Snaggletooth. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        The ground crew gets a hot-air balloon ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. Schmidt is often part of the crew for his father, Rick Schmidt, who pilots Snaggletooth. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Skyler Schmidt of Cortez helps get the hot-air balloon with the moniker Snaggletooth ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. Schmidt is often part of the crew for his father, Rick Schmidt, who pilots Snaggletooth. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Skyler Schmidt of Cortez helps get the hot-air balloon with the moniker Snaggletooth ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. Schmidt is often part of the crew for his father, Rick Schmidt, who pilots Snaggletooth. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Propane-heated air causes the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth to fly through the air on Friday in the Animas Valley. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Propane-heated air causes the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth to fly through the air on Friday in the Animas Valley. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Skyler Schmidt of Cortez, in silhouette, helps get the hot-air balloon with the moniker Snaggletooth ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. Schmidt is often part of the crew for his father, Rick Schmidt, who pilots Snaggletooth. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Skyler Schmidt of Cortez, in silhouette, helps get the hot-air balloon with the moniker Snaggletooth ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. Schmidt is often part of the crew for his father, Rick Schmidt, who pilots Snaggletooth. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Rick Schmidt of Mancos helps get his hot-air balloon with the moniker Snaggletooth ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Rick Schmidt of Mancos helps get his hot-air balloon with the moniker Snaggletooth ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Rick Schmidt of Mancos pilots the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. Schmidt has been piloting hot-air balloons for more than 20 years and worked as ground crew before then. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Rick Schmidt of Mancos pilots the hot-air balloon Snaggletooth on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. Schmidt has been piloting hot-air balloons for more than 20 years and worked as ground crew before then. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            The ground crew gets the hot-air balloon with the moniker Snaggletooth ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. Schmidt is often part of the crew for his father, Rick Schmidt, who pilots Snaggletooth. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        The ground crew gets the hot-air balloon with the moniker Snaggletooth ready to fly on Friday morning off U.S. Highway 550, on the north side of Hermosa Meadows Road. Schmidt is often part of the crew for his father, Rick Schmidt, who pilots Snaggletooth. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Rick Schmidt of Mancos fills his hot-air balloon, Snaggletooth, with warm air in preparation for liftoff on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. Schmidt has been piloting hot-air balloons for more than 20 years and worked as ground crew before then. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Rick Schmidt of Mancos fills his hot-air balloon, Snaggletooth, with warm air in preparation for liftoff on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. Schmidt has been piloting hot-air balloons for more than 20 years and worked as ground crew before then. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Hot-air balloons take to the sky on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Hot-air balloons take to the sky on Friday morning in the Animas Valley. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Dalton Ranch is seen from a hot-air balloon on Friday morning. The balloon launch, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Dalton Ranch is seen from a hot-air balloon on Friday morning. The balloon launch, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            Father and son team Rick, left, and Skyler Schmidt press the air out of their hot-air balloon Snaggletooth after landing Friday morning in Dalton Ranch. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                        Father and son team Rick, left, and Skyler Schmidt press the air out of their hot-air balloon Snaggletooth after landing Friday morning in Dalton Ranch. The event, hosted for media, is a preview of the Snowdown Balloon Rally & Mass Ascension which will take place at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Claudia Laws/Durango Herald
                                            


