photos by Todd Newcomer

Nothing marks the beginning of summer like cold beer, hot food, and a stroll down Main Avenue. Mother Nature came through in fine form last Sunday as she ushered in summer and welcomed the annual Taste of Durango to downtown. Barbeque smoke rose from grills lining the street as the smell of mouth-watering cuisine tempted both the hungry and the stuffed. Cold beer flowed froma a never-ending supply of taps as tasters welcomed in the rays of sunshine. The music of The Badly Bent, among others, provided the backdrop for a perfect day in downtown Durango.

Patrick Dressen, of The Badly Bent, works his magic on stage during an afternoon of outstanding music. Mick Roth, of East by Southwest, works the grill on a hot Sunday afternoon as a steady line of customers eagerly await food. Zane Wells, left, and Robbie Lawson take in the Taste of Durango from their elevated position above Main Avenue. Heather Hofmann applies a little sunscreen to her daughter Kiya on Sunday.