Once the “Big Al No Stinky” hats were given out in 1999, the tradition of the Palooza gift was born. This year’s gifts are donated by Craig’s wife, Anhdai.

Milo arrives in Denver with a suitcase full of fleece tops and a hearty “Let’s Do This!!” for the boys.

With Paloozians now coming in from different cities, there is often a brief layover waiting for the gang to all land.

Sometimes we don’t even make it out of our destination airport before the beers start flowing. Today is one of those days.

The boys, clearly demonstrating the baggy pants era is in full force, make their way over to storied Wynkoop for some day one brews.

Wreck performs his traditional “Welcome to Wynkoop” stretch in anticipation of the fresh malted beverages that await.

Wynkoop is Colorado’s first brewpub, founded by future Governor, John Hickenlooper. For nearly four decades they’ve been brewing in their basement, as Denver’s craft beer industry has exploded around them. But The Koop is still going strong.

B-Luv looking quite spry in the opening hours of the 5th edition of Colopalooza.

Dinky debates what to order next before we head off to see the Rockies play. Years later, Smalls would spot what appears to be future Gov Hickenlooper right behind him

Dave shows up for a 1-nighter adorned in Gomer teeth and kindly agrees to keep the schtick going all night to shock various beer vendors and nearby fans.

Not to be outdone, Wreck is quick to fire up his Satanic Sean face whenever the camera is in action.

Hummer completes the initial phase of his Paloozian initiation--the poignant downing of Rocky Mountain Oysters. He could hardly take his lips off of them.

Even the oyster cook can’t believe it when he hears Milo say “Hmmm, these don’t taste like balls.” after sampling Colorado’s most famous delicacy.

Flave picks his way to great dental hygiene after a rousing oyster session.

Chris and Dave hanging out in the Rockpile as they await the next homer. The Rockies took it on the chin to the D-Backs 12-3

Before calling it a night, the Paloozians sip lemon drops at the famed Cruise Room, a 1920’s era gem of a bar in the Oxford Hotel in Denver.

Day two gets off to a squeaky clean start as Milo proudly displays his oval-shaped nips for the Paloozians.

Hoping to get day two off to a problematic start, the boys stop by Rio for some breakfast refreshments of the strawberry marg variety.

On the drive up to Winter Park, the Paloozians are brought to a standstill due to some off-season road construction. Time to get out for some fresh air.

A stoppage in traffic meant one thing--time to see if Hummer can actually blow himself up on a supertanker full of toxic waste.

Each Paloozian is left with his own thoughts. Sean is clearly thinking “just another triple latte and I’m pretty sure I can scale that cliff nude.”

Al thinks to himself “so, I have this big idea. So you take deer crap, put it in a blender with cilantro and…oh just forget about it.”

Meanwhile Milo seems to be wonder how he got here “how did a fleece-clad, young Montebello stud like myself ever get mixed up with these pathetic fools?”

Jay, Milo and Bill stretching out along the road as they wait for traffic to resume.

The boys finally arrive in the pristine high country for a little lunch before hitting the links.

The first group features Chris, Bill, Dean and Al—all determined to avoid losing clubs or damaging a golf cart for once.

Golfing with the Paloozians usually involves a lot of waiting around for guys to find balls and finish their beers before hitting.

Wreck displaying tremendous form (for softball that is), as he brings his club back before liftoff.

The second foursome includes Milo, Jay, Sean and Craig. Things still appear to be going well as the boys wait to tee off at hole #7.

Big Al awaits a round of delicious pizzas from Hernando’s. Located very close to the Log Palace, Hernando’s serves the best Colorado Mountain Pies around, complete with crust honey.

Before heading out for the day, Smalls takes a walk around the Log Palace to check out the tree house built for the ClemYouths.

Clem appears flexed and ready to rise atop the fishing leaderboard as the Paloozians get ready to hit the Colorado River.

Home to the delightful Lilly’s Cream Donut, Ian’s Bakery is a must stop when you’re heading toward the Colorado River.

Feeling a little cramped during the long drive toward the river, the boys make a pit stop to check out the valley below.

Down below, the Paloozians spot the Colorado winding it’s way toward the Gulf of California. At this point, Smalls can smell the blue ribbon trout that await.

A far cry from the Log Palace, we finally arrive at the gamey rafting house where we would meet our fishing guides for the day.

Ready to reel in some big ones, Sean and Jay prepare for liftoff as Milo waits for instructions.

Milo looks on as he and Craig’s seasoned fishing guide moves them into position for some big ones.

The minute he sees water, Smalls starts working his magic. Today he’ll literally wear himself out casting every 15 seconds of every minute they’re on the raft.

Right out of the gate, Smalls lands a nice brown that would prove to be the biggest catch for the day.

The main rail system between LA and Chicago has long run right along the Colorado. Before that, it was a stage coach route, complete with what is believed to be this old house of ill repute.

Next to the hotel the Paloozians find this old western hitching post for guests to tie up their horses overnight. The Paloozians use this area to stop for lunch.

On it’s way to Denver and then eventually to Chicago, the Zephyr cruises by as the Paloozians continue to try their luck.

The day wraps up with a pretty solid haul of browns and rainbows to be cooked up at the Log Palace later that night.

On the drive back, the Paloozians stop at one highly sketchy bar in Kremmling. They play pool, have a few beers and annoy the hell out of the local cowboys by cranking up the juke box during dinner hour.

Milando, Wreck and the boys relax and ponder life in the Log Palace.

Al settles in for a lovely air mattress nippy nap, safe in the knowledge that he won’t be woken by Craig’s accusations of bunk bed wetting later that night.

The ClemLord decides to remind the Paloozians who the boss is in these parts by leaving this sassy little note inside the Log Palace.

Of course we leave him a little something reminding him that we’re not the sort of middle-aged cube-dwellers that can be easily messed with.

While we were being creative, Wreck puts together this lovey tribute to Big Al by illustrating how much Palooza seems to improve his demeanor.

With Paloozian alarms ringing throughout the Log Palace, Sean snakes these beers before the Paloozians head to Boulder to tailgate before the Colorado game.

Still bothered by the disturbing news that Jay had just single handedly destroyed the intricate plumbing system of the Log Palace, Chris and Sean settle in for coffee and cinnamon rolls.

After a quick drive down I-70, the Paloozians set up camp at Harvest House for some pre-game festivities.

Several Paloozians take in the beer and local flavor at the Harvest House tailgate party.

To get the crowd fired up for the #5 Kansas St Wildcats, yellow pompons are placed throughout the stadium.

You find a lot of whack jobs in the stands at Folsom, but this guy clearly takes the cake.

Spotting the Paloozians up in the stands, the Buff cheerleaders quickly assemble for this group shot in the faint hopes that they’ll finally make it to colopalooza.com. Congrats, ladies!

Who knew that in a few short years, this magical humming wizard would divorce his beautiful wife, marry a new beautiful wife, move to Madrid and essentially vanish into the ether?

Watching a Buffs game on a cool fall afternoon from the southeast corner of Folsom is one of the true pleasures in life.

After a tough loss to the Cats, the Paloozians head over to pay their respects by visiting the Colopalooza brick by the Ralphie statue.

Jay is forced to perform various initiation activities every year he attends Colopalooza. Here he is paying homage to the Buffs by kissing the Palooza brick.

The KSU fans representing themselves pretty well. They came to Boulder in droves wearing purple from head to toe.

We’ve been on a lot of college campuses over the years and NOTHING beats Boulder.

Dinky moves away quickly as a few Paloozians pay their respects to the idyllic campus setting.

After a few post-game libations, the Paloozians make their way back to Harvest House with a planned pit stop at Folsom in between.

After running post-game sprints on the field, the Paloozians are shockingly kicked off the field by this delightful creature. “Get off the field now. NOWWWWWWW!!!”

Wreck performs a few lonely chords at Nick's to mourn yet another painful Buffs slaughter--this ain't pretty folks.

Milo is clearly just about finished with Jay as they wait for a table outside Croc’s for a Broncos pre-game brunch.

Fans begin to pile into Mile High in what would be the final time the Paloozians would watch the Broncos from this legendary stadium.

The site of next year's Paloozian Broncos game--the soon to be completed Invesco Field at Mile High.

The Paloozians settle in for some Broncos-Patriots action from the storied South Stands at Mile High.

The highlight of the game occurs when this young chipmunk runs around on the field for a few minutes, stopping the game in his tracks.

During the game, Guinness measures the loudest crowd noise in history, making the Paloozians in attendance world record-holders. But alas the Broncos lost to the Pats 28-19.