The Pole

Still got that Christmas shopping list hanging over your head? Or maybe you haven’t even started making one yet? Durango’s Business Improvement District is here for you, you last-minuter, you.

And speaking of shopping, the City of Durango has narrowed it down to three finalists in the re-naming of the North Main corridor as part of its newly launched “Districts Initiative.” And the finalists are (drum roll, please): North Main; Uptown; and Animas City.

With all this talk of shopping, chances are, your wallet’s already feeling a little lighter. But at least you can feel better knowing it’s not as light as most other Coloradans. According to a new study by SmartAsset, a New York financial technology company, La Plata County is one of the financially healthiest places in Colorado.

Flying the friendly skies this holiday season? Well, if you’re trying to pack it all in, and avoid the “skyway robbery” of baggage fees, a startup called Baubax has your solution. Its new line of jackets and hoodies allows you to turn your carry-on into weary-on (sorry.)

Now, there’s a reason to feel good about your bad singing. Next Fri., Dec. 15, the Animas City Theatre will host “Karaoke for a Cause,” a benefit for Cuckoo’s employee Gina Cottom. Cottom, who has been a fixture in the local restaurant scene for years, is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. All funds will be donated to assist her and her family with medical and on-going expenses as she is out of work.

The bad news: it’s not snowing. The good news: it’s great biking weather. So why not take advantage of the optimal off-season conditions and hit the road? To give you even more incentive to get off the couch, registration for the 47th annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic open with a “locals-only” party this Fri., Dec. 1, from 12 noon – 8 p.m. at Mountain Bike Specialists, 949 Main Ave. If you can’t make the party, online registration opens to the masses at 8 a.m. Sat., Dec. 2.

Speaking of skiing, two local skinny ski legends, twin sister biathlon Olympians Lanny and Tracy Barnes, are going down in the history books. On Sat., Dec. 2, at the Durango Winter Sports Foundation’s annual gala, the two will be inducted into the DWSF Hall of Fame. Every year, the Gala unofficially kicks off the winter sports season in Durango and honors those who have advanced the DWSF mission of ethical, respectful and disciplined competition.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Durango. No, not the holidays – Snow-down. And with the big 40-year “Black Tie Affair” just nine weeks away, it’s time to drop the turkey and pie and mail in for your shot at Follies tickets. The Follies lottery drawing will be held at 9 a.m., Sat., Dec. 2, which means, given the mysterious ways of the local mail service, you better get your forms in the mail no later than Tues., Nov. 28