Southern Ute Community Action Programs will host its annual dodgeball tournament on Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Durango Recreation Center as part of a slew of family-friendly programs designed to let Snowdown be enjoyed by everyone, not just those who want to imbibe in alcohol.
"We use balls that don't hurt anymore!" said Peter Tregillus, an employee of SUCAP and one of the dodgeball tourney organizers.
The cost is $85 to register a team of up to 10 members, and proceeds benefit SUCAP youth programs, such as outdoor adventures, after school enrichment, community theater and maker space for kids to work on arts and science projects. The youth even serve as the referees, "so please treat them well" the entry form states.
Entry forms are due Wednesday and are available online at www.sucap.org.
Other family events featured in this year's program include the hottest dog and coolest cat photo contest, an outdoor painting event, kayak pool slalom, kids follies, a waterslide-a-thon and Spam carving.
Another event for youth is the Cowabunga Wipeout next Saturday at Buckley Park on the corner of Main Avenue and 12th Street. Sponsored by Operation Healthy Communities, it involves kids' and teen teams racing through an outrageous obstacle course in teams of two. Registration starts in the park at 12:30.
A popular event moving east this year is the Snowdown Totally Awesome Scavenger Hunt. Starting at noon Wednesday, participants can pick up the list of 100 items to find in the hunt at the Billy Goat Saloon.
"It's great to have this out here!" said Ashleigh Tarkington, the owner of the bar in Gem Village, who is serving as this year's event coordinator. Last year's winning team found 99 of the 100 items on the list. No, she is not accepting bribes to get an early copy of the list, she insisted. There are cash prizes for the top four teams.
A full event listing is available at www.snowdown.org or in the "Back to the Eighties" program available around the county.
