The first Durango Food Bank Fall Stampede was a hit. Missed it? Get ready for next year’s on Sept. 19.

Think stick-horse racing, horseback musical poker chairs and bicycle barrel races.

The lawn-mower races stole the show. Rumor has it Durango Fire and Protection District Chief Daniel Noonan drives one mean grass cutter.

The food bank distributes enough food for 450,000 meals annually – two weeks worth of food each month to more than 11,000 community members. Food Bank Executive Director Sarah Smith said 13 percent of La Plata County residents miss one meal each day.

The food bank needs a new home, and Smith is searching for a way to make it happen. She wanted a fun way to raise money for a serious issue.

“It was a huge priority to make it a family-friendly event,” Smith said.

Lawn mowers, start your engines.

Herald Staff