CLEANUP THANKS

The Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank all those who helped clean up the WinterFest Snowcano site. The Town of Bethel aided in removing the jumps used for the RailWars rail jam event. After dedicated volunteers Jim Sysko, Bob Westfall, and Bud Kulick scaled the snow pile to remove the platform at the top, Doug Jones and Cross Excavation loaned use of an excavator to fill in the hole left behind after the “eruption.” Jim Bennett also deserves credit for patrolling the area to pick up waste and mark obstacles after the WinterFest events were complete. Our volunteers and their businesses donated countless hours and materials throughout the event, and we can’t do enough to show our appreciation.

We also want to acknowledge that there were a few unhappy athletes after the RailWars event, having expected a higher prize cash package. There were 22 athletes who competed in the event at $25 each. The event organizer, Nate Clukey, after paying for some of the basic costs of the event (DJ and band), disseminated the available cash and other prizes/gift certificates in the most equitable way he thought he could. He deserves a “hats off” for all the hours he devoted to the event – and the fun evening he and his co-organizers and sponsors created for the athletes and their friends. The Bethel Area Chamber Board of Directors voted to provide $100 to each of the division winners: Blake Wilson on skis and Bo Warren on Snowboard and we would like to offer our congratulations to both of them.

We would also like to offer congratulations to our WinterFest Facebook Snowman Contest winner – Carol Bourque who built Tubbsy with her husband, Jim.

We hope you all agree that WinterFest this year was a lot of fun – from the spectacular Snowcano, to the SnowGroomer Rides, snowshoe demos, sledding on the hill, the events throughout the area and the RailWars. The committee, chaired by Amanda Moran, put their hearts and souls into highlighting all the wonderful outdoor pursuits that make the Bethel Area such a great place to live, work and visit!

We hope everyone enjoys the rest of the winter.

Jessie Perkins

Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce