8:30 p.m.
Some people submerge their heads in a vat of beer to alleviate the stress of the work week. At Snowdown, Durangoans plunge their already-boozed craniums into a tub of craft beer for free T-shirts, hoodies and koozies. The 11th annual beer plunge was gentler this year as its morphed into a drunkards bobbing for apples. In years past, the event was an all-out dunking booth, but rumors hint that that had to be done away with, either because event organizers lamented the waste of beer, or a man jumped from the rafters a few years ago into the tub, creating fears of liability. Regardless, as the ratio of beer to strangers’ saliva slowly tipped the scale, participants were at least warmed by the thought it’s only the first night of Snowdown.
6:37 p.m.
“Little guys to retired racer heads” competed in the 10th annual kayak slalom at the Rec Center on Wednesday, said event organizer Kent Ford. Using a course recognized nationally, kayakers from age 6 to 58 took up paddles for the chance to win a variety of swag. The race was held at the Rec pool at a comfortable 80 degrees, which is just as well: The Animas River is frozen over at the 32nd Street. “For frustrated kayakers, this is it right now,” Ford said.
5:48 p.m.
A tamer side of Snowdown showed its face Wednesday with the kids’ version of Follies. Pun jokes, camp sing-alongs and tap dancing made for light, digestible fun. Though born well after the Reagan- and Bush Sr.-dominated years, Durango’s teens embraced the culture of the ’80s enthusiastically, in on the joke from an “ironic” distance. Outside the Durango Arts Center, a possibly intoxicated man was being pulled down the street by a mid-sized three-legged dog.
5:08 p.m.
Emasculated Sour Patch kids, dirty syringes and not-so-virginal drinks highlighted the 38th annual Bartender Contest at Moe’s Tavern on Wednesday. Playing on the Gold King Mine blowout, one contestant concocted an orange cocktail with tequila, red bull and Malibu rum (potentially more toxic than heavy metals). But the winners were two pseudo-scientists who mixed a drink one spectator said was the cause of global warming.
– Jonathan Romeo
4:41 p.m.
Costume contest winners: Robert Palmer in first, Bob Ross in second.
- Ann Butler
4:30 p.m. The bartender contest has kicked off at Moe’s.
The first drink was Sour Patch Kids, second was the Durangatang, third Cry me an EPA River.
- Jonathan Romeo
5:48 p.m.
A tamer side of Snowdown showed its face Wednesday with the kids’ version of Follies. Pun jokes, camp sing-alongs and tap dancing made for light, digestible fun. Though born well after the Reagan- and Bush Sr.-dominated years, Durango’s teens embraced the culture of the ’80s enthusiastically, in on the joke from an “ironic” distance. Outside the Durango Arts Center, a possibly intoxicated man was being pulled down the street by a mid-sized three-legged dog.
5:08 p.m.
Emasculated Sour Patch kids, dirty syringes and not-so-virginal drinks highlighted the 38th annual Bartender Contest at Moe’s Tavern on Wednesday. Playing on the Gold King Mine blowout, one contestant concocted an orange cocktail with tequila, red bull and Malibu rum (potentially more toxic than heavy metals). But the winners were two pseudo-scientists who mixed a drink one spectator said was the cause of global warming.
4:41 p.m.
Costume contest winners: Robert Palmer in first, Bob Ross in second.
- Ann Butler
4:30 p.m. The bartender contest has kicked off at Moe’s.
The first drink was Sour Patch Kids, second was the Durangatang, third Cry me an EPA River.
- Jonathan Romeo
3:37 p.m.
Looking for some tips for costumes for men? Try “Top Gun,” “Risky Business” or KISS. A mantail (also known as a man’s short ponytail) is also a possibility.
Several men are wearing outrageous suits such as leopard skin - even the ties match.
Much as an enterprising journalist wanted to know, they would neither confirm nor deny whether their underwear also matched.
Only a question asked during Snowdown!
- Ann Butler
3:20 pm.
What are the judges looking for in the costume contest?
Originality and creativity for starters.
Did they buy it, put it together from their closest or make it? That’s another.
The Palace is standing room only as men, women and groups prepare to vie for top prizes.
- Ann Butler
2:55 p.m.
Snowdown 2016’s costume contest is underway at the Palace. Judges are checking out the contestants’ costumes.
- Ann Butler
1:39 p.m.
The beat of the 1980s amped up the models and the packed house at the 20th Do’s and Don’ts Luncheon on Wednesday to kick off Snowdown 2016.
As always, the audience could have walked the runway themselves.
Tips for those yet to create their Snowdown 2016 costumes, think headbands, leg warmers, bright colors, sequins - remember “Dallas” and “Dynasty”?
Forty-eight models took the runway, with enthusiasm staying high throughout.
Joe Silva, who turns 95 soon, has attended every year, and enjoyed this year as well
Plenty of events yet to come as we “Walk This Way,” “Celebrate Good Times” and “Get Physical!”
- Ann Butler
12:40 p.m.
Grand prize for audience costumes goes to Julie Schultz and Darryl Tomberlin as Super Mario and Luigi.
- Ann Butler
12:35 p.m.
Snowdown 2016 is off to a bang as the Do’s and Don’ts Luncheon begins. Attendees are sporting outfits channeling everyone from a “Desperately Seeking Susan” Madonna to Fabio to some totally tubular 1980s-themed workout outfits.
Even the table centerpieces are super 80s -- made from cassette tapes, we’re wondering where they found enough to create all the centerpieces.
- Ann Butler
12:13 p.m.
Who needs a fashion show when the audience is so duded up at Snowdown’s Do’s and Don’ts Luncheon?
- Ann Butler
12:03 p.m Do’s and Don’ts is ready to kcik off. Herald reporter Ann Butler and photographer Shaun Stanley are reporting live. We’ll keep you updated as the event proceeds.
9:29 a.m. This morning’s doughnut eating contest kicked off Snowdown 2016 Back to the Eighties.
Contestants jammed their mouths full of the morning treats at Durango Doughworks.
