And a long weekend it was. Snow was dumping the whole time, so between grueling (and fun) early season powder days, I managed to squeeze in a night of Santa mischief during what is my favorite bar night of the year. I was not actually shooting this event for anyone this time. I only brought my camera along because my wife wanted to take pictures, and her skimpy burlesque Santa’s helper suit, alas, had no pockets. But after a few drinks and the midnight gathering under the arch, the worlds largest Santa on Santa snowball fight happened. It was great. The street cleared, people took sides, snowballs flew forth across Virginia street, and a few crazies ran “The gauntlet of death” down the center of the road, finally providing a reachable target (besides me and my camera) for the hundreds of snowball throwers. Good times, then two feet of powder at Mt. Rose the next day to wake me from my stupor. Good weekend! If you don’t know about the Santa Pub Crawl, Reno’s event is supposedly the largest in the nation. Hotel rooms on the strip were going for $20-30 dollars that day. One of my friends got a room at the Cal Neva so he didn’t have to drive for $14.50.  Might have been cancellations due to snow, but hey, Reno is not Las Vegas, it is cheap to stay here about anytime. Check out the Santa Pub Crawl at this link.

And did I mention it is all for charity!

Reno Santa Crawl at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

The night started slow at Amendment 21. The heavy snow probably held lots of people to the downtown core.

My wife uses just about any excuse to dress up. Here at Amendment 21.

Dancing it up inside the West Street Market during the Reno Santa Crawl.

I didn't shoot much inside this year, but when we got out in the snow, I couldn't resist. Here the Santas are gathered under the Reno Arch on Virginia St. in downtown Reno, NV.

A little santa love under the Reno Arch during the Santa pub crawl. Keep in mind, the snowball fight has begun and this couple is getting pelted right and left. Some people like it rough I guess.

Run for your life Santa!

Pimp Santa strolling the "Gauntlet of death," between opposing fields of snowball throwers under the Reno Arch.

A little bit angel, a little bit devil!

Mr. and Mrs. Claus finally get chased out of their cover and run for it.

Gotta love the 'stash!

Sometimes, naughty Santa just hides in a dark corner with his date.