The Running of the Boots

Every year at the end of the summer and cruise ship season, there is a celebration (started many years prior by some hippies, so legend recalls) by a run/walk from the cruise ship harbor, through downtown, and back again, in the typical Sitkan footwear, rainboots. The most popular choice of boot are XtraTuffs, sported by our boys in the pic, and dubbed "Sitka slippers" by locals. These are some tough rainboots, and are flexible/comfortable. And pricey. But I digress.... Most participants in the Running of the Boots dress up in zany costumes, or at least decorate their boots. I think my favorite this year was a couple in wetsuits, and swim suits over those; Sitka Sunbathers! Unfortunately we learned of it on short notice, and didn't get a chance to do so, but are already thinking up plans for next year...maybe some luchadores? Any ideas would be appreciated. Remeber it usually rains for this run. At least its a motivator to get Halloween costumes early!
It was a lot of fun being a part of it; there were probably about 150 people there, there was a lip-syncing contest after the run, prizes for costumes, and some free hot dogs/hamburgers/fish chips, which we loved (hey, it's free!!). It's so cool to go to things around town and see lots of people we know there.