Scrolling through the photos of Snowdown, I was once again astounded and amazed that so many people get out in cold weather, to dress up, be zany, have fun and forget about the rest of the world for four days in January.
The Durango Herald usually takes a lot of “jabs” during Snowdown, however it was the former publisher, owner and editor of the Herald, Morley Ballantine, who helped start it. She agreed to fund Snowdown the very first year, 1979. Her only caveat was that it had to break even.
Terry and I called our friends, dreamed up events, made a schedule, printed posters, sold buttons, contacted business owners and basically created the event. When it was all over and the bills were paid, Terry made $1. He kept that dollar bill framed in his home until he moved on. Snowdown grew to be a much-loved, nonprofit event.
Thank you to The Durango Herald and the Ballantine Family for their foresight to help start this event, which boosts our economy in the winter and brings so much fun to so many people. Thank you to the reporters who cover it and for all the wonderful photos.
Thanks to the Snowdown Board of Directors and the huge crew of volunteers who make it succeed every year. Thanks to city and county services and all the businesses that hosted events. There is no other winter celebration quite like ours. Rock on Snowdown! See you in 2021!
Linda Mannix
