The 11th annual Mancos Melt took over town Saturday — about four months later than usual.

The event usually takes place around March as a way to usher in spring and burn away the winter blues with contests, music and a giant bonfire. But this year’s event ended up being a midsummer celebration after the coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of the scheduled Mancos Melt.

“It’s like Christmas in July,” said Adriene Ratican, the event organizer and outreach communications coordinator for the Montelores Early Childhood Council, a beneficiary of the Melt.

This year’s event, themed “Out of this World,” featured a 15-hole putt-putt golf tournament that concluded at the Mancos Brewing Co., where rock band Flashback would perform outside on the patio. No bonfire could take place because of the drought and risk of wildfire.

Putt-putt kicked off at noon at Fenceline Cider, and then wound around town, from Fahrenheit Coffee to the library to Chavolo’s Mexican Restaurant. Proceeds went to the MECC back-to-school backpack drive, held in conjunction with other local organizations including the city of Cortez and the Salvation Army.

This year, nine teams participated in the putt-putt, raising a little over $300, Ratican said. They also have a donorbox website online, as an alternative place where people can donate.

Last year, MECC gave away about 500 backpacks filled with supplies.

“By giving kids this opportunity with a new backpack, it sets them up for success in school,” Ratican said.

For more information on the upcoming backback drive, watch the MECC Facebook page.

ealvero@the-journal.com