Rachel Louchen reports from Lakeville. The annual Salisbury Winter Sports Association's (SWSA) Jumpfest returned for its 89th year with an event-packed weekend that attracted huge crowds of spectators from far and near. They come to watch athletes who themselves make the hike to our region to lift off a high ramp and soar in the sky. On Saturday, February 7, the Lakeville Hose Co. Annex hosted the Jumpfest annual Snow Ball featuring the music of Blue Oyster Cult founding member Joe Bouchard (who appeared with his band Treetop), as well as local favorites The Nice Ones. The bands played rocking covers from Led Zeppelin and their own original tunes as guests danced, sipped on spirits and participated in the silent auction and raffle, all of which benefitted SWSA, a non-profit organization. The crowd was a mix of excited youngsters, parents and skiers relaxing post-jump; all were happy to enjoy a rare indoor event. At left, organizer and SWSA director John Sullivan with Treetop manager Bob Sparks.
Former jumper Mark Lavasseur came from Worcester to attend the day's events, with Robin Fischer and Jeff Thirst, also a former ski jumper, of Whiting, Vermont; Camilo Torress and Carly Puzacke of Cedar Crest Farm in Pine Plains.
Berkshire School student Gabby Armstrong, from Lake Placid, hosted her hometown's jump team which included Cat Quaintance; Sean VanDeusen with The Nice One's drummer Tyler Beaujon.
The Nice Ones: Dillon Halas, Pat Surdam, Tyler Beaujon and Sam McGarrity.
Canaan residents Dave and Robin Beaujon; SWSA board members Lisa Sheble and Kathy Trahan with volunteer Doug Richardson.
Falls Village resident Clarissa Blouch with Joanna Rooney and Emma McGaritty; Susan Casassa and Treetop singer Joan Schroder.
Lindsay Knauer and jumper Chris Jones, who came from Burlington, Vermont for the fest, with Caitrin Rooney and her husband, Alex Harney.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
