By Kipp Proctor
Big Sky Resort
BIG SKY – You’d have to be a dummy to miss the party at Big Sky Resort on Saturday, Feb. 9, when participants launch their dummy creations skyward off a ski jump, then watch them explode upon the impact of a crash landing.
Teams have been designing, building and modifying their dummy competitors all month.
The fun will start at noon, when the dummies line up near the Summit clock tower to be judged on creativity. Next, they will begin their first and only ascent up the mountain at 1 p.m. to assume their positions at the starting line.
At 3 p.m. gravity will work its wonders, when the dummies are shoved out of the starting gate toward a kicker complete with a flat landing. The judges will take notes to determine the best jump, best form, sturdiest dummy, best amplitude and the best explosion on impact.
The awards ceremony will be in Whiskey Jack’s, following a short period of deliberation after the final dummy has flown.
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THE RULES
All dummies must resemble an organic life form, have a theme, be manageable by no more than two people, be designed with modesty (i.e. clothing) for the younger audience in attendance, and leave no trace.
The landing itself should create enough impact for the dummy to explode, and explosive devices are not allowed. Hint: A heavy dummy with a low center of gravity is key to a successful launch and subsequent splat upon landing.
There is no entry fee, but entrants must register by Feb. 8. Registration forms are available online at bigskyresort.com/events, along with the official rules and a video of last year’s event.
