Giant Bud Light Party Ruffles Feathers In Tiny Colorado Town

Are you up for whatever? That's what Bud Light has been asking in a viral campaign that has been going on for the past several months, and will culminate the weekend of September 5 to 7 in a huge bash of 1,000 partygoers. The revelers will be treated to a weekend of fun, games and of course, Bud Light at town "Whatever," USA. It turns out that "Whatever, USA" is actually the small ski town of Crested Butte, Colorado, and it's going to be painted blue in preparation for this giant beer-themed party.

Crested Butte, Colorado is no stranger to parties. The ski town is known for its winter festivities that often involve Mardi Gras-type costumes. But still, not everyone is looking forward to the throng of Bud Light enthusiasts that will descend upon the town next week, and there have been staged protests at town hall meetings. On one side of the protests, locals argue that the giant party will be a great money-making event (Anheuser-Busch will reportedly be doling out $250,000 to the town for the privilege of partying), while on the other side, townsfolk complain that this "sell-out" move will tarnish Crested Butte's reputation, and that town officials should have demanded more compensation.

People are also angry that the whole deal was made under a veil of secrecy, with rumors of the event only leaking out over the past few weeks.

"I do not understand how this got this far down the road in absolute secrecy," said former Senator Tim Wirth, who lives in Crested Butte, at the most recent town hall meeting.

Even though it seems set in stone, protestors are hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the event won't actually happen.

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Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter@JoannaFantozzi