2012 Colorado Invitational Bong-a-Thon

For the past two weeks, most of the world has been tuned into the 2012 Olympics in London. There have already been some incredible feats of athleticism and plenty of hardware for the USA.

However, a much less talked about but no less competitive event took place this past weekend. Instead of London, these games took place in South Park, Colorado (which, in case you’re wondering, is indeed a real place and is not totally unlike the crappy one portrayed in the TV show. There is one general store, one post office, two bars, three medical marijuana dispensaries, and a few houses.

The event is an invitation-only affair where the best in the world  gather on a yearly basis to test their skills. I speak, of course, of the 2012 Colorado Invitational Bong-A-Thon.

Because of the legally questionable nature of the event, the “invitational” part of the event’s title is really truly excellent: only 420 invitations are given out, and you need to enter your credential’s information to be able to access the official website. The flyer that has been circulating around dispensaries in the Denver/front range area describes the event as a “trade cation; an exclusive event for people in the medical marijuana industry geared towards a camping weekend of rest and relaxation. Situated on 180 acres of private property with stunning 360 degree views of purple mountain majesties in the heart of Colorado.”

Despite the bit of necessary secrecy (not doubt due to past legal issues), clips of past events can be found on the Internet. Anyone is able to come, though you do need a red card to enter the official events, which include both team and individual competitions. The fee for the event includes a commemorative bong that participants get to take home, and complimentary beer is served. As with any good camping festival, there is a full lineup of bands and DJs (including one that will be spinning until 4:20 in the morning).

While I did not personally attend the event this year (the invitations were already gone by the time I found out about this), I am told that this year’s event was a great success that was enjoyed by all attendees. It’s been going on yearly since the 1970s, so there is really no reason to believe that it won’t keep growing for years to come. But anyone who is interested in attending a Colorado Invitational Bong-a-Thon is most definitely encouraged to save the link and keep an ear to the ground for next year’s event.

If I were you, I would start training now….