Columbus Day Weekend and Harvestfest Celebration |
October 11-12, 2009
Contacts:
Jake Duhaime
jduhaime@intrawest.com
802.297.4126
Myra Foster
mfoster@intrawest.com
802.297.4137
Whether it was Columbus and his discovery of land across the Atlantic, or James P. Taylor, who once stood atop Stratton's summit and dreamed of a trail that would expand the entire length of Vermont, we've always had a special place in our heart for the explorer in all of us.
And for those of us who wish to celebrate the journey, Stratton Mountain Resort has the perfect Columbus Day Weekend adventure for everyone, from those seeking a physical challenge, to those who wish to enjoy the fall colors, local cuisine and entertainment amid a picture perfect setting.
Not only does Stratton offer pristine views of the Fall Foliage from the highest peak in Southern Vermont, but it couldn't be more affordable to do so. Save 20 percent off of lodging for three-night stays and 30 percent off of stays of four nights or more. And for those looking for a quick escape from the big city lifestyle in nearby Boston and New York City, try the 'Leaf Peeper' package, which includes a night of lodging and a gondola ride to the summit starting at $36 per person.
The 2009 Stratton Columbus Day and Harvestfest Celebration will take place on Saturday October 10 and Sunday October 11, highlighted by the North Face Run to the Summit, Mountain Chili Cook-Off and the quintessential New England Oktoberfest. As expected, the celebration will be village-wide, with live music, face painters, pumpkin decorating, rock climbing and activities for all ages.
Saturday's highlights include local chefs and restaurateurs vying for top honors in the cook-off while bartenders pour regionally brewed favorites like Switchback, Otter Creek, Trout River and Long Trail Ale at the base of the mountain. Kristin Matuscik and Nadine Van Houten, a tandem awarded top honors in 2008 for their "Black Eyed Nellie's Wild Duck Chili", hope to defend their titles in both the "Best Tasting" and "Most Original Recipe" categories.
Sunday's showcase is the North Face Run to the Summit and Family Fun Run, and not only does it test the endurance and physical ability of participants, but the event also raises money for local charities, including local teen Bridgette Eichhorn, who is in need of a kidney transplant. All racers will receive a North Face T-shirt upon entry and race registration is currently ongoing at www.active.com. The first three finishers to complete the 2,003 foot trek and reach the summit will also receive North Face backpacks.
And don't forget to cap off the weekend by taking one final ride on the Summit Gondola, checking out the latest offerings at the Village Shopps, including new 2010 winter apparel, and the last in Stratton's summer music series.
All in all, it is a busy weekend for those with a thirst for exploring, or those that just want to soak up one last fall weekend before the snow starts to fall.
Saturday, October 10:
-Chili Cook Off (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
-Brew Fest (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
-Local Vendors and Entertainment in the Village: Caricaturist from (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), Rockhopper Outdoor Education (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), Pumpkin Painting (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.), Turning Wheel Pottery and Face Painting (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and more!
Sunday, October 11:
North Face Run to the Summit and Family Fun Run
-Registration 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at North Face Summit Shop in Village
-$25 Registration ($20 in advance at active.com), Includes special edition North Face Shirt
-Family Fun Run begins at 9:30 a.m., lower mountain with moderate elevation gain. Children should be accompanied by parents
-Run to the Summit begins at 9:45 a.m., winner takes all. Racers can ride gondola down, weather permitting
-Please bring your own water, water available at start and finish only
Musical Entertainment:
-Jatoba on the Village Stage (noon to 3 p.m., Saturday)
-Twiddle is playing in the Base Area Tent (3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday)
-Mihali (from Twiddle) and A Kind Bud (1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday)
