Rain showers have been an intermittent but persistent theme of the 2023 Diamond Anniversary FIBArk weekend. And, lest we forget, FIBArk is primarily all about water sports anyway. Visitors are dressed for it, ready to party, regardless.
A young FIBArk competitor enjoys the fire pit at the aptly named “Chill Salida Ice Cream” on Lower F Street. Merrell Bergin photo
While our state is still dealing with overall drought conditions, this year’s cool, rainy late-May and June weather patterns are much needed. Dressing in layers always makes sense and the gas-heaters in the alley from F Street to the boat ramp provided an extra bit of cheer on Saturday, mid-way through FIBArk 2023.
Actually, those who were up early today were rewarded with a nice bit of sun for the start of the 5k and 10k foot races. Temperatures were prefect for running.
5k race takes off during FIBArk 2023. Dan Smith photo
Ark Valley Voice’s roving reporter Dan Smith was among those at the starting gun after listening to runners deal with some minor chaos as to where the actual start was to take place, out east of the Chaffee County Courthouse.
“Flexibility” and “Pivoting” were words heard throughout this weekend as FIBArk organizers dealt with Mother Nature as well as contrarian forces — those who wish that Salida could always be a sleepy town vs. the tradition of 75 years high spirits during FIBArk.
FIBArk parade marches on
A rainy start to the FIBArk parade meant a soggy ride on the Commodore’s float. Dan Smith photo
Just minutes before 10:00 a.m. (exactly as cellphone weather reports indicated), a light shower descended on downtown Salida. Not a problem!
A little rain didn’t dampen the spirit of the Salida Ukulele Band during FIBArk 2023 parade. Dan Smith photo
Given the high stepping of the Chaffee County Rodeo Royalty and the thrumming beat of the Salida River Tribe, the parade floats wound their way down E Street, while the walking parade peeled off to the west and down the F Street pedestrian plaza, ending at Riverside Park.
A pair of pink pooches parade on F Street during FIBArk 2023. Merrell Bergin photo
A poodle with festive summer trim struts down F Street during FIBArk 2023. Merrell Bergin photo
The sun came out later on and crowds strolling F and First Streets arrived in waves on foot, skateboard and scooters. A face painting tent in front of Kaleidoscope Toys (complete with an enticing unicorn figure dancing about) drew the younger set and their parents. And of course, a wide array of dogs of every color, size and breed also enjoyed a stroll.
Hooligans the perennial favorite
All eyes next are on the infamous “Hooligan Race”, set to launch at 5:30 p.m. No one is taking bets on the weather that may roll in then, which surely doesn’t matter to the contestants who will be completely dowsed during their short, but glorious attempt get downriver.
After that? A hot, tasty Greek grilled treat or San Luis Valley Gosar Sausage snack and more music in Riverside Park, ending the night with HELL’S BELLES – for AC/DC fanatics, “the closest one can get without actually moving to Australia and joining AC/DC’s road crew.”
AVV Senior Reporter Dan Smith and Copy Editor Merrell Bergin contributed to this article.
Featured image: Chaffee County 4-H riders were applauded as they paraded during FIBArk 2023. Dan Smith photo
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