FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2020

Contact: Chip Lile, parade@snowdown.org , 970-749-1816

SNOWDOWN: ORGANIZERS CANCEL 2021 WINTER CELEBRATION

Durango, Colorado – For 42 consecutive years, Snowdown Durango has boldly fulfilled its mission to promote fun, commerce and tourism (in that order) for the Durango community, bringing joy, absurdity, smiles, laughs and a much-needed economic boost to the area. Following months of discussion, the Snowdown Board of Directors reluctantly and unanimously voted to pass a motion to cancel the 43^rd Annual Winter Celebration, at its August Board Meeting.

“Snowdown thrives on large gatherings, packed bars and restaurants and streets lined with revelers. We cannot in good conscience promote ANY of those things without endangering the community we love,” explained longtime Snowdown Board Member and Snowdown Historian, Peg Ochsenreiter Read Message from Board of Directors Here

Snowdown Board President, Chip Lile, compassionately and thoughtfully led the lengthy discussions of the Snowdown organizing group, while reaching out to other leaders in our community for advice and input. “We are so grateful for everyone’s ongoing support of Snowdown Durango and are committed to continue to look for ways to ensure that Snowdown has a safe, vibrant and healthy future. In the meantime, we would like to encourage everyone to contribute to our local businesses in any way that you can: buy gift cards, order takeout; or, support your favorite event by purchasing from that host business or non-profit. Our community needs us and we need them,” said Lile. Video Message from Board President Here

Snowdown Durango WILL NOT sanction any gatherings of any kind regarding Snowdown in 2021. Unauthorized use of the copyright protected Snowdown logo or name may result in legal action.

The Snowdown Board of Directors looks forward to an epic Snowdown 2022 and is exploring possibilities for making it an unforgettable, extra special celebration! To stay abreast of some of these ideas or to find links regarding ways you can support our community, please visit the Snowdown website, Snowdown.org, and follow Snowdown Durango on Facebook and Instagram.