Fa la la la ollies

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.

About 500 tickets will be sold via the mail system for the shows, which will take place Fri. and Sat., Feb. 2-3. There will be two shows a night at both the Durango Arts Center and the Strater Theatre for a total of 12 shows. Entry forms and details can be downloaded from the Follies website at www.snowdownfolliesorg.

In big news this year, people must send an actual check or money order – sorry, no photocopied checks (apparently this was OK). In other news, you must also use the name of an actual, living adult human on your form. That means no signing up your dog, cat or dead aunt Ethel to increase your chances. Although you can enter as many times as you want and have the idle time for, each person can only be drawn for up to four tickets, or 12 per household.

If your name isn’t drawn, that doesn’t mean you’re out in the cold. There will be a few more chances, starting with the box office ticket sales on Sat., Jan. 20. About 500 tickets will be sold by securing a number at a yet-to-be-determined location (to be revealed at 6 a.m. the day of sale on KIQX, KRSJ & KIUP.) And if you are among the lucky to secure a golden number, then yes, you will be out in the cold as you wait in line to purchase tickets at the Elks Lodge. And please, no pushing or shoving.