As the 50th Anniversary of the Blizzard of ’77 draws near, an effort is underway to resurrect the infamous board game that was co-created by graphic artist Charles “Chuck” P. Marino and his wife, Donna. It was Chuck who initially got stranded in his car, and then at a firehouse for days on end, that came up for the idea for the game. Apparently when he finally made his way home, he found that his son had been playing with some toy cars and a piece of cardboard, in a playful blizzard-like scenario. Seeing this, Chuck was struck with the idea to create the board game that would go on to sell 40,000+ copies regionally.
Fast forward almost fifty years, Paul Marino – the child that inspired his father to create “The Blizzard of ’77 Travel Game” – is now attempting to get the board game back into production. In a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, he posted, “My dad, Chuck Marino, was making his way home from a sales call in the Southern Tier when the blizzard hit. Driving northbound along the Thruway near the Irving/Silver Creek exit, he came upon stranded motorists – people who had nowhere to go.
“He didn’t keep driving. He stopped to help.
“Gathering up the stranded motorists, dad joined others in driving a small group of Western New Yorkers to safety at a nearby Irving, NY fire station. For two days, they stayed there together – sharing stories, playing card games, and finding ways to pass the time in the middle of uncertainty.”
While it’s sad to learn that Chuck passed away a few years back, his memory lives on with the board game that he helped to create as a way to memorialize the blizzard, as well as the selfless rescue efforts of the residents of the City of Good Neighbors. Now, Donna, Paul, and his wife Laurie, are in the process of bringing a limited edition run of the game back to life. The game will include:
- Carefully restored original artwork
- Retaining the fun of the original game playing experience
- Special 50th Anniversary branding and design elements
- Premium upgraded components and materials
Anyone that contributes $40 towards the Kickstarter campaign will receive one 50th anniversary edition of the Blizzard of ’77 Travel Game. The project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by June 15, 2026. If the goal is reached, funds will then be processed, with the game’s estimated delivery by November 2026.
“Created as a true anniversary piece, this edition is designed to stand out – for collectors, for families, and for anyone connected to the story. I’ve spent my career in customer service, operations, and strategy – bringing concepts to life. This project brings that experience together with something far more meaningful: preserving a legacy and sharing a story that deserves to be retold. What started on the impassable New York State Thruway … sparked by my playing with a toy car on a piece of cardboard on our living room floor … is coming back nearly 50 years later.
“And we’d love for you to be part of it.” – Paul Marino
The Game
Race through the city in this fast-moving, family-friendly adventure where every turn can change the game. Players choose their car-shaped pawn and set out on the bright, “Sunny Side” of the board, navigating the streets to complete five everyday errands before racing back home.
Movement is simple – roll the dice and go – but strategy comes into play as vehicles must follow the direction they’re facing, turning only at intersections or key stops. Along the way, landing on “Weather” spaces introduces surprises that can help or hinder your progress, keeping every player engaged and on their toes.
But the real twist – and what makes this game truly unique – comes when “The Blizzard Strikes.” In an instant, the entire board flips to reveal a dramatically different game world. The calm city transforms into a snow-covered challenge, with drifts, delays, and obstacles at nearly every turn. Players must adapt quickly as conditions worsen, navigating a completely reimagined board where progress is harder, risks are higher, and every move matters.
With its dynamic two-sided board, evolving gameplay, and a perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement, every play-through delivers a fresh, memorable experience for families and friends alike.