As the sun faded behind the mountains surrounding Carbondale Friday evening, a buzz of anticipation filled the air.

Well-dressed community members shuffled down the sidewalks, making their way to the Carbondale Recreation Center nestled along Colorado Avenue.

One of the hottest and most sought after tickets in the Roaring Fork Valley this weekend, the 11th annual Green is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza wowed the sellout crowd.

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Brimming with excitement, the first-night audience rushed into the Rec Center gymnasium, racing for the best seats as show time neared.

“I love the openness, diversity, the fun and eccentricity and the sense of community.”— Carbondale resident Anne White

This year’s theme, The Wizard of Oz, included a mash-up of fashion, dance, aerials, music and multimedia artistry, with a modern twist on the classic movie of a bygone era.

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Backstage volunteers, models and dancers exited the dressing room to the staging area behind the black curtain.

Volunteer, projectionist and designer extraordinaire Laura Stover was all smiles as she made a last few checks before taking her place as one of the models.

With the flashing of the house lights the crowd and volunteers took their seats and places.

Aerialist Carrie Vickers kicked off the main show twirled high above dancers on the catwalk, as the opening scene of the twister set the mood for the eager crowd.

Over the next two-plus hours a rush of imagery and artistry filled the catwalk, with 26 lines of clothing created with recycled or sustainable materials graced that stage to loud ovations from the raucous crowd.

Led by Meagan Londy Shapiro, choreographer/director, more then a dozen dancers entertained the audience with eight routines throughout the evening.

“It’s great. It is always so creative and fun,” audience member Mona Newton of Aspen said. “I love the dancing, and I love just the elements they bring in, and how they weave the theme in.”

Newton, who said she had attended the event for the past seven years, enjoyed the combination of dancing and the aerials during the two-plus hour event.

A few first-time attendees took in the brilliance of the show and were not disappointed.

“It was unbelievable. I couldn’t believe how much fun it is,” Max Edelman, of Brush Creek said. “Seeing all the community members out there having a good time, it was really great to see.”

“I thought it was amazing, very eclectic and original. I’m hooked,” James Passchier of Carbondale said.

Both said they definitely plan to come again next year.

For a decade now, the fashion extravaganza has entertained the Valley and raised money to educate youth in the Roaring Fork Valley.

“I come every year. I love the openness, diversity, the fun and eccentricity and the sense of community,” Carbondale resident Anne White said.

kmills@postindependent.com