An impressive crowd gathered over the weekend at the Rotarun Ski Area, west of Hailey, where the throngs of people converged Saturday, March 5, not for the skiing, but for the Fourth Annual Snow Box Derby.
"It was phenomenal how many people turned out to watch," Raeghen Peavey, Blaine County Recreation District office manager, commented.
Peavey estimated 250 people lined the ski slopes to watch the Snow Box Derby, hosted by the Blaine County Recreation District and the Rotarun Ski Club.
"It was a great feeling, many people who didn't have children or weren't participating came out to watch and fill their Saturday," Peavey said.
The annual race invites participants to construct and race cardboard creations. This year, 84 participants partook in the event.
A portion of the race day entertainment came in the form of a friendly competition between Wood River Valley politicians. A race pitted Ketchum Mayor Ed Simon against Hailey Councilman Rick Davis. Simon edged Davis by nearly a minute and a half.
The sponsors contributing to the event included Ruscitto, Latham and Blanton, Smoky Mountain Pizza and Rotarun Ski Club.
Age Group 5-8: 1—Tripp Hutchinson 12:65. 2—Josie Allison 13:90. 3—Cameron Bingham 13:97. Most Creative—Megan Downey (Luv Bug Car)
Age Group 9-12: 1—Emily Solaas 10:28. 2—Chase Hutchinson 10:50. 3—Lane Corney 13:04. Most Creative—Morgan Brimstein (Blue Marlin)
Age Group 13-17: 1—Daniel Henry 14:40. 2—Chris Chapman 15:00. 3—Sam Schaub 17:08. Most Creative—Scott Bartlett (Beach Bum)
Age Group 18 and up: 1—Black Bart 10:70. 2—Kevin Thomas 11:90. 3—Wyatt Solaas 25:70. Most Creative—Amy Barks (Flintstones)
Pro (Business) Group: 1—Cox Communications 10:70. 2—Ruscitto/Latham/Blanton 11:30. 3—Smoky Mountain Pizza 12:60. Most Creative—LL Green Hardware (Screwdriver)
Best Wipe-out: Tara Bingham.
Tara Bingham flies down Rotarun slopes, before earning the "Best Wipe Out" award. Photo by David N. Seelig
