Downtown Showdown Rail Jam

Snowboards and skis own the road during Marquette’s 2nd annual Downtown Showdown!

A crowd of spectators watch a participant in the open rail jam for snowboarders and downhill skiers during the Downtown Showdown in Marquette, MI. (Marquette Magazine photo by UPsportsphotos.com)

Marquette, MI – The annual Downtown Showdown brings the excitement of Olympic Freestyle snowboarding and Skiing to the streets of  downtown Marquette.  As Washington Street is transformed into a trick riders paradise for the day.

A downhill skiier catches air during the Downtown Showdown rail jam in Marquette, MI. (Marquette Magazine photo by UPsportsphotos.com)

This action packed event is quickly becoming a much anticipated part of the February winter highlights in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula town of Marquette.  Taking full advantage of the excess snow brought downtown for the annual UP200 sled dog races which kick off Friday night. The Downtown Showdown recycles the snow the following day sculpting a trick riding park on one of the most scenic blocks at Washington St. and Lakeshore Blvd.

A snowboarder does a flip in the air during the Downtown Showdown Rail Jam in Marquette, MI. (Marquette Magazine photo by UPsportsphotos.com)

This year’s event benefitted from the addition of propane heating stands to help everyone stay warm and the Dia De Los Tacos truck as well as a hot dog cart.   Nice to have food to heat up from the inside out.  How about a coffee/hot coco cart for next year?  There are also a number of local restaurants and micro breweries conveniently located within a block or two of the event.  Diners at the Latitudes venue can enjoy food and drinks with a view of the event right outside their windows.

Even the little guys had an opportunity to show off their stuff for fun in the Downtown Showdown’s open rail jam. (Marquette Magazine photo by UPsportsphotos.com)

This is one of the funnest outdoor happenings of the season here in Marquette and it still has so much potential for growth.  Hope to see more visitors from farther flung communities showing up to participate.  Combined with the sled dog races it’s a great family vacation weekend destination for winter enthusiasts all over the Midwest!

Check out the Downtown Showdown facebook page to keep up with plans for next year’s continuation:

by marquette_magazine