CRESTED BUTTE — What is it about Crested Butte that makes people want to put on red satin miniskirts, gorilla heads and banana costumes? There is no such thing as an event in Crested Butte that doesn’t involve someone — usually a lot of someones — dressing up in crazy finery. The USA Pro Challenge was no exception.
“You know everyone’s going to be dressed up, and it just ups the bar a little bit,” said Grant McFarren, who put on pink tights and a taco dress for the race.
Dikky Brown was turned out in a red boa, red skirt, red top hat and red-laced platform shoes. He had a reason for his outfit. He was chosen the official Red Lady for the town, an honor that involves dressing up and carrying a “Save the Red Lady” sign at public events to bring attention to the opposition to a plan to mine molybdenum on a peak above the town.
Crested Butte Mayor Aaron Huckstep was all smiles Tuesday morning as townspeople whizzed behind him in clown, banana, gorilla, beetle and fairy costumes.
The Town Crit event that was part of his plan to get locals involved in the USA Pro Challenge was underway with great enthusiasm. Residents were riding through downtown and through a local restaurant and watering hole with only a few minor spills. Nancy Lofholm, The Denver Post
