The Seventh Annual Mancos Melt Putt-Putt Golf Tournament on March 12 raised $700 for The Painted Turtle Studio’s children’s scholarship program.
The money will go toward funding and purchasing supplies for the studio’s after-school program for kids, Mancos Melt organizer Rena Wilson said.
“We wanted to make sure kids that can’t afford (the program) have an opportunity, too,” Wilson said.
This year’s “Steampunk”-themed tournament featured 50 participants and 20 golf holes. The tournament drew more participants than last year, Wilson said. More people in the community were involved since several new businesses have opened in downtown Mancos, including the Mancos Brewery and the reopened Mt. Lookout Grange, Wilson said.
Kelsey Keck and Breezy Obletz of Cortez were tournament first-place winners. Rick and Kathy Keck of Cortez were second-place winners, Kevin Joyce and Jim Harris of Hesperus were third-place winners and Linda Odell, and Derek Goldtooth of Cortez were fourth-place winners.
Rob Kovarik of Cortez won best costume for his all-handmade Steampunk outfit that featured a hand-forged putter and metal Steampunk parts built into his leather jacket.
“He looked like a person that lived in the Steampunk era,” Wilson said. “It was the real deal.”
The second-place prizes were awarded to Tami Grahm and Armida Hureta of Mancos. Costume judges Rick and Kate St. Onge also were awarded a prize.
Kelly and Bruce Chicott at the Goodnight Trail Gallery in Mancos won best golf hole for their southwestern design that featured a Mexican hat, Navajo rug and various obstacles, Wilson said.
“It was very well-done,” Wilson said.
Wilson wasn’t able to coordinate the full Mancos Melt event this year, but she said she has recruited some people to help put on the full event for next year.