By Kathryn Reed

It was cold enough to snow Thursday night — which was just what the throng of people at Murphy’s Irish Pub in South Lake Tahoe were hoping for.

It was wall-to-wall people at Sierra-at-Tahoe’s annual Pray for Snow Party. A mix of young and old turned out for the raucous event.

New this year was a mini halfpipe for skaters set up in what is usually the lawn area.

Back as usual was the snow calling contest. Sierra’s General Manager John Rice started things off as he transformed himself into El Nino Grande. His gringo Spanish was hard to hear over the din of the crowd. His sombrero, poncho and goggles easily won best costume contest — though that wasn’t an actual category.

El Nino Grande, aka John Rice, doing a bilingual snow calling chant Nov. 12. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Judges awarded the ladies from Weidinger Public Relations — Jenn, Jenna and Ashley — first place. Apparently their boss’ advice to them before they left the office — make  sure everything was in sync as they danced — did the trick.

Coming in second was Rich Hodge who scribbled his lyrics on a napkin about an hour before hitting the stage.

JC took third — proving being loud has merit.

Sierra is relying on Mother Nature for an opening date — early December, most likely.