Annual winter event returns for 3rd year
BUTLER TWP — Just in time to liven up the midwinter doldrums, the Butler Winter X competition returns for its third year.
Running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in Butler Township Park, 468 Duffy Road, the snowboard and ski competition on Sawmill Hill will also feature live music and food.
The event is free and open to the community, but organizer Bruce Bryner, owner of North East Sound West entertainment promotions, is asking for a small donation from each individual or “family unit.”
“We’re excited to host our third annual event, bringing awareness to extreme winter sports, local music and community. With growing participation and support, events like this could progress into trends that communities can get behind. Support all things local, it keeps the power in our community’s hands,” Bryner said.
“Things are progressing. He’d like more snow, but the township is happy there isn’t more snow,” said Butler Township Commissioner David Zarnick after Bryner met with the township commissioners to give them an update on Winter X plans.
Zarnick said, “All things are a go. It will go on snow or not. There will be enough other activities to entertain the crowd.”
Entry and sign-ups begin at 9 a.m.
Live music starts at noon with two bands, Lucky Lad Green and Cape Cod.
“They’re probably going to play indoors,” said Bryner. “Lucky Lad Green will probably go first. They play Irish rock. Cape Cod is in their own little category. We call it West Coast rock.”
The performance group Sirkus Dayz are scheduled to return for a fire-spinning demonstration.
Competition is set to begin at 2 p.m. While the format may change because of conditions and riders, the schedule calls for snowboarders to be divided into a junior and senior class, based on rider experience and skill level, with first-, second- and third-place prizes awarded in each class.
The ski competition will be one class with first-, second- and third-place prices awarded.
Organizers plan to have a lodge open with a fireplace, hot beverages and outside fires.
Last year, Bryner said, Weist Paving volunteered to bring in 12 truckloads of snow from the Point Plaza parking lot to ensure enough snow for the competition.
Bryner said last year’s event drew about 200 people and about two dozen ski and snowboard competitors.
“Sawmill Hill is an old, abandoned ski slope. There used to be a lift there,” said Bryner. “Maybe the event will bring a little public awareness to these slopes, and they may consider putting a lift back there.”
