Squaw to celebrate 25th anniversary of 'Hot Dog' movie

The 25th anniversary celebration of "Hot Dog The Movie" is scheduled for Saturday Jan. 20 and includes wild competitions, a special tribute screening of the film, and one gigantic dance party.

It was winter, 25 years ago, a Hollywood cast and crew was on location in Squaw Valley. Shooting took place over 52 days and what transpired was the ultimate party ski flick, "Hot Dog." Written, co-directed, and edited by Tahoe City native Mike Marvin and shot entirely at Squaw Valley, the film opened in January 1983 on 1,200 screens around the country and quickly jumped to No. 2 at the nation's box offices. Today, "Hot Dog" is a time capsule for the glory days of the '80s.

Marvin as well as actors and other crew members are expected to be on hand for the weekend festivities along with other cast members from the film.

It begins Saturday afternoon at 2:30 with the sequel to Squaw Valley's original "Undie 500," a preposterous competition that debuted five years ago at the 20th anniversary celebration. Competitors are clad only in their undergarments and race for prizes around the icy shores of Lake Cushing. Registration is $10 and begins at 1:45 p.m. on the Olympic Plaza sundeck.

At 4 p.m. Saturday the Hot Dog Après Party at Bar One featuring a hot-dog eating contest, Hot Dog Celebrity Karaoke, '80s trivia and outrageous bar games. At 6 p.m. Bar One hosts a special screening of "Hot Dog," introduced by the movie's writer, producer and director Marvin.

On Saturday evening at 9 the celebration comes to a pinnacle with the official Hot Dog 25th Anniversary Party, an '80s themed soiree with the popular Bay Area dance band Wonder Bread 5. "The Sylvia and Harkin Speedsuit and Stretch Pant Competition" is a tribute to "Hot Dog" stars Sylvia Fonda (played in the film by Shannon Tweed) and Harkin Banks (played by Patrick Houser). The Stretch Pant Competition is emceed and judged by original cast members and local luminaries. Registration is at 9 and participation is free. The contest is open to the first 50 partygoers that sign up. A valuable prize goes to the top Sylvia and Harkin impersonator.

The Hot Dog 25th Anniversary Party is open to those 21 and older. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) and go on sale Wednesday Jan. 10. Tickets can be purchased at Squaw Valley's Special Tickets office or online at www.squawshop.com.

Dust off your neon one-piece and fluff up your chest hair because '80s attire is mandatory at this bash.