Winters can be a slow time. During Winterfest everyone comes out. It’ s a lot of fun getting to catch up with people.
“ It ' s quite an effort to make this happen. We have a great set of volunteers,” Barton says.
Winters can be a slow time. During Winterfest everyone comes out. It’ s a lot of fun getting to catch up with people.
Tony Barton
Putting the race together is quite a feat in and of itself. Sundance Winterfest requires snow, lots of it, to make sure everyone is safe. The city stockpiles dry powdery snow in a shady canyon where little melting can take place. It gets hauled into town on Thursday and set up Friday. Grooming machines are used to keep the track consistent all the way through and kept firm for the horses to prevent injury. A local veterinarian is on call as a contingency organizers have never had to use.
It takes about 40-50 volunteers to make Sundance Winterfest happen, doing everything from registering competitors, to judging the races or acting as crossing guards. The city provides portapotties and trash removal, while a local excavation company, who also sponsors the event, provides skid steers and dump trucks. Last year because the temperatures in town were cold, organizers rented heaters and used hoses to try to keep spectators warm. Sundance Winterfest races last anywhere from four to six hours and local businesses give people a place to warm up before, during and after.
But the effort is worth it, not only to the town ' s businesses who sell alcohol, food, and necessities but also to the community.
“ It ' s quite an effort to make this happen. We have a great set of volunteers,” Barton says.
But the effort is worth it, not only to the town ' s businesses who sell alcohol, food, and necessities but also to the community.
“ Winters can be a slow time,” Barton says.“ During Winterfest everyone comes out. It’ s a lot of fun getting to catch up with people.”
Come watch all the thrills and action at Sundance Winterfest February 14, in downtown Sundance, Wyoming. The event is free and family friendly and helps support the local community.
Or better yet, bring your skis, board or horse and experience a once in a lifetime thrill, skijoring the streets of Sundance.
Registration takes place on site the day of the event. For more information visit Sundance Wyoming Annual Winter Festival.
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