Ski area to celebrate 50 years

RUMFORD -- This Friday through Sunday, Black Mountain of Maine has activities planned for all three day to mark a half-century of the best community skiing, and some of the most amazing skiing history, in Maine, New England and all of North America.

Black Mountain's 50th anniversary celebration includes a Ski Free Friday Night, at reduced rates Friday and Saturday, and prices rolled back to 1960 on Sunday. Organizers are also looking to recognize those individuals who were founders of the ski area.

On Friday, ski all day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for just $10. From 4 to 9 p.m, as a thank you to the Town of Rumford and the area for 50 years of support, there will be free skiing and tubing. From 7 to 10 p.m. there will be a music jam session in the Last Run Lounge.

On Saturday, along with skiing from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and tubing from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m, there will be a cross country classic-technique “Citizen” race at 11 a.m. In the tradition of the community winter carnival, the citizen’s race is open to all ages and abilities, with families welcome and encouraged to participate. There will be prizes for all participants. The entry fee is $5.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. at the ticket counter in the lodge. There will also be free Nordic skiing all day to highlight the beauty and history of Black Mountain of Maine’s great cross-country trails.

On Saturday evening, there will be a Founders Night chicken pie dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the lodge.

Reservations are encouraged. The price for dinner is $10.

Paul Jones said they are inviting a representative of each family who had an individual who gave cash and/or time in the founding of the mountain and were given lifetime memberships to Black Mountain for their efforts. If you are among these people and have not yet been contacted, call Jones at 562-7172 to RSVP to this event.

After the dinner, the founders will be recognized, as well as members of the Chisholm Ski Club. There will also be a short presentation on the history of the mountain.

From 7 to 10 p.m., local guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter Jim Gallant will be playing in the Last Run Lounge. Performing with Gallant will be his talented brothers, Mike and Tim.

On Sunday, there is skiing and tubing all day for adults and children will be at the 1960 price of $3 for adults and children. What is being billed as the “Never Ever World Cup Giant Slalom Race” will be held at 10 a.m. in the Novice Area for ages 8 and under. This will be a fun event and a great chance for junior skiers who have never raced before…or even for some who have, to shoot the gates. The entry fee is $3 at the ticket counter.

At 1 p.m., the BMOM Old Time GS Challenge Race will be held. This giant slalom race is open to all ages, and the entry fee is $5. Registration will be open until shortly before the race at the ticket counter. Awards will be held at the end of day in the lodge.

The 50th anniversary festivities will wrap up with a Family Pot Luck Dinner at 5 p.m. in the Last Run Lounge.