Anything Goes Downhill Sled Race returns to Winterfest lineup

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By Jenelle Syverson

Special to The PREVIEW

Ready for a different kind of fun? The Anything Goes Downhill Sled Race is back on for this year’s Winterfest, and the fun is up to you.

Registration starts at 2 p.m. and the race at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, so start brainstorming and building, or come see for yourself how fun community creativity can be.

It will be just a short walk over from the Penguin Plunge at 1 p.m. We are hoping to see anything from the “Oscar Mobile” to half of a canoe, a satellite dish, wagon, toilet or other creative “sled” fly down Reservoir Hill.

The best place to park will be in the Mary Fisher parking lot, then take a short walk up the road behind Healing Waters and Quality Inn.

A few rules of course: All entries must be homemade. No unmodified, store-bought sleds or skis. Speed is important — entertainment is critical. All entries must be controllable and brakes are required. An event representative will have final authority over the safety of all entries.

Each entry will make three runs and the fastest average run wins. Bragging rights, merchandise and cash prizes will be awarded to the three fastest entries, as well as the most creative/best decorated, the best crash and — a new category this year — “gone” green for the best use of recycled materials.

This is also definitely a spectator event, as the crowd cheers on the participants as the homemade concoctions fly, roll, slide, bang, rattle, disintegrate and crash down the hill.

For the adventurous, entry forms for the race are available at The Choke Cherry Tree, Old West Press, Coyote Moon Bar and Grill and the Chamber. There is a nominal $5 fee if you preregister by Feb. 5 or $10 at the event.

Hot concessions will be provided by the Pagosa DI Nerds, with the proceeds going to support their competition trips. The DI stands for Destination Imagination, which is a competition focusing on problem-solving, critical thinking and STEM skills (science, technology, engineering and math). The Nerds have been together for nine years and this is their final season together since three of the four are graduating this year. They have placed in the top 10 at globals and the top 20 twice, so this is undoubtedly a great group of kids to support.

With great snow this year, this is an event not to miss and a great way to support and grow our flourishing community. Businesses are highly encouraged to make an entry, as well as families, groups and individuals. You don’t have to be young — just young at heart.