The Wild West town of Stanley, Idaho and its main street of Ace of Diamonds Ave. is probably the last place you'd expect to find the toughest, snarliest and manliest men—outdoors in the middle of winter in drag costume.....on snowshoes, yet.
But think again. Those in charge of promoting Stanley's Winterfest celebration on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 20-21 have come up with several unusual wrinkles including the first annual Ace of Diamonds Drag Race and a version of the old Shamrock Relays held in Ketchum.
"So far, we're having some challenges finding snowshoers," said Frank Juliano, the "Boat Guy" of Sawtooth Rentals who is a member of the Winterfest Committee that features Fire Captain James Denhart and a volunteer group of citizens.
The Stanley Winterfest takes place each day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. centered around two major events--the "drag" race on snowshoes Saturday at 2 p.m. and the first annual Combined Snowmobile, Ski and Snowshoe Relay on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Other events include: Saturday's snowman building contest, all ages welcome; a casual, pick-up two-day pond hockey tournament for the "Stanley Cup"; sledding with complimentary tubes to those with arrive early; and, of course, music in the evening at Mountain Village and Smiley Creek Lodge.
Any questions call Juliano at Riverside Motel 774-3409, Smiley Creek Lodge 774-3547, Mountain Village 774-3500 or the city office 774-2286.
Next month, on March 13-14, Stanley plans to host the first annual Stanley Dogtown Dogsled Race and Rendezvous.
