Snowdown celebrates 150 years of statehood

Thursday - February 5, 2026 by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
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Durango Health and Rehabilitation went full “Jurassic Park” with their dino themed jungle float.
Adding the final touches to his float, an American Flag is hoisted into position on Friday evening ahead of the parade.
An ensemble of musicians makes their way to the parade line up on Friday evening.
Members of the U.S. Forest Service gathered for a picture with long time Forest Service icons, Woodsy Owl and Smoky Bear.
The award for “Best Family Friendly Float” went to McDonalds during the annual Snowdown light parade.
Last minute preparations to the “Bougie Blaire Street Bordello & Luxury Photo Booth,” which took home the prize for “What the Heck?”
Lighting up the night sky, a float operator runs the fuel tanks from a hot air ballon to hype up parade spectators.
“It’s Mario time...” Decked out in full attire, Mario led a fleet of side-by-sides for a Mario Kart themed entry in the parade.
KP Pawn won big at Snowdown, taking home the prize for “Best Theme” in the parade.
Fidel and Rhiannon Velasquez stand with family and friends ahead of the light parade on Friday night; representing Drop Tine Trucking and Excavation out of Ignacio, Colo.
Snowdown revelers stop for a selfie as part of the La Plata Electric Association’s float.
As dusk befalls the town, floats begin to light up along the parade route in Durango, Colo.
Serious business, a Snowdown participant sports a bolo tie and face paint for the annual light parade.
Representing five generations of the Woodson family, a beautifully restored ‘34 Ford truck was on full display in Friday night's parade.
Colorado’s crisp winter air beckons the Yeti, who could be seen cruising along Main Street on Friday night as part of CDOT’s Snowdown ensemble, which included a fully decorated plow truck, taking home the prize for “Most Creative” at the Snowdown light parade.
Winning the “Judge’s Choice” award, members of the float entry titled, “General Palmer and the Victorians” make their way downtown.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
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The Durango Snowdown theme this year was “Uniquely Colorado – Then and Wow,” celebrating 150 years of Colorado statehood. The weeklong slate of events for Snowdown culminates with the annual light Parade, which runs through Durango, Colo. The annual Mardi Gras style celebration brings out the zany character of this mountain town and its residents, showing that while no longer the small burg it once was, the spirit of Durango is alive and well. This year’s light parade took place on Friday, Feb. 30. 

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