Epic snowstorm, epic snowball fight in Dupont

(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
In keeping with tradition, hundreds of people gathered in Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle Sunday for an epic snowball fight Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
About 200 hundred people gathered at Dupont Circle on Sunday morning for Snow Wars: The Snowball Strikes Back. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The theme for the snowball fight was Snow Wars: The Snowball Strikes Back. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The DC Snowball Fight Association organized the  event. The group held its first snowball fight in Dupont Circle in 2009. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The DC Snowball Fight Association organized the event. The group held its first snowball fight in Dupont Circle in 2009. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
In spite of the Snow Wars theme, this man dressed in a gorilla suit and took part in the snow battle. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
In spite of the Snow Wars theme, this man dressed in a gorilla suit and took part in the snow battle. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
A man does a flying move to throw his snowball during an organized snowball fight at Dupont Circle Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A man does a flying move to throw his snowball during the organized snowball fight at Dupont Circle Sunday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A person holds an American Flag during a charge during an organized snowball fight at Dupont Circle Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 in Washington. Millions of Americans were preparing to dig themselves out Sunday after a mammoth blizzard with hurricane-force winds and record-setting snowfall brought much of the East Coast to an icy standstill. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
People throw snow during an organized snowball fight at Dupont Circle Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 in Washington. People throw snow during an organized snowball fight at Dupont Circle Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 in Washington. Millions of Americans were preparing to dig themselves out Sunday after a mammoth blizzard with hurricane-force winds and record-setting snowfall brought much of the East Coast to an icy standstill. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
People participate in a snowball fight Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Baltimore. Strict travel restrictions were lifted Sunday morning, as crews continued to work to clear snow from major streets and people enjoyed the sunny day. (AP Photo/Juliet Linderman)
(1/8)
(WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
About 200 hundred people gathered at Dupont Circle on Sunday morning for Snow Wars: The Snowball Strikes Back. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
The DC Snowball Fight Association organized the  event. The group held its first snowball fight in Dupont Circle in 2009. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
In spite of the Snow Wars theme, this man dressed in a gorilla suit and took part in the snow battle. (WTOP/Kathy Stewart)
A man does a flying move to throw his snowball during an organized snowball fight at Dupont Circle Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON — After days of epic snow, 200 hundred people gathered at Dupont Circle on Sunday morning for Snow Wars: The Snowball Strikes Back.

That was the theme of this year’s giant snowball fight at Dupont Circle, said Michael Lipin, a founder of DC Snowball Fight Association, which organizes the yearly event. The group held its first snowball fight in Dupont Circle in 2009.

Rachel Kliger was taking out the enemy left and right and wasn’t feeling too bad about it, either. “I think everyone is hitting everyone so all is far in snow and war,” said Kliger, who is from Miami.

Marlana Kain, who lives nearby, stood on a bench to get a good view of the chaos and flying snow.

“This one’s epic,” Kain said. “The snow is beautiful and no one’s lost their power. It’s joyous. It’s fun. There’s people from everywhere, dogs and kids.”

In the midst of the chaos was Jamik Patel and his band of snowball fighters, who ran yelling and screaming as they charged to capture the fountain, which stands in the middle of Dupont Circle.

After taking heavy fire from all sides they were able to claim victory.

“We got to plant the flag in the fountain,” said Patel, as he held a large American flag.

Despite the chaos, Lipin said there are rules.

“Don’t throw ice, just throw the snow,” he said.

In spite of the Snow Wars theme, a guy dress in a gorilla suit took part in the snow battle.

“The zoo, the snow was so high I could climb right over the walls,” the man said. “I ran all the way from Woodley Park.” And he laughs.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up