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