Winterfest will return this year

As long as the weather plays nice, Sundance is set to once again welcome ski joring to the downtown area this year.

Organizer Tony Barton confirmed last week that plans are underway for the Sundance Winter Festival, which will be hosted on Main Street as usual.

At time of speaking, this area had not exactly been blessed with an abundance of the material needed to build the course. With that in mind, Barton said he was looking into the possibility of establishing the county fairgrounds as a back-up plan.

The rodeo arena would require significantly less snow to build the track, he said. It would still be possible to obtain catering and malt beverage permits from the city to allow vendors to sell their wares throughout the event.

The City of Sundance already has a policy in place to provide portapotties and dumpsters for public events, which will again be utilized this year. Barton also stated that he is looking to repeat the success of the wristbands provided last year as proof of age, allowing revelers to enjoy a drink while ensuring compliance and preventing underage drinking.

Barton is hoping to close the streets a couple of days early again in order to pile and smooth the snow. The course will again be situated so as to allow access to the post office and bank, he said.

The city council expressed support for the plans.

"It's good for your town," said Mayor Paul Brooks, commenting that it does no good to take steps to improve the city unless there's a reason for people to stop and take notice.

The Sundance Winter Festival is scheduled for February 17.