Tag: CT event

Skiers Soar Through the Air Feb. 2-4 @ Salisbury’s Jumpfest

This year if you are looking for a new winter sport to fall in love with ski jumping may be the exact option for you! One of the best places to see this highly respected sport on the East Coast is at Salisbury’s Jumpfest on Friday, February 2nd Saturday, February 3rd, and Sunday, February 4th. The thrill of this event is that there are often Olympic hopefuls competing. And, even if there is no snow where you live, Satre Hill is always glistening in all its Alpine beauty, with white powdery snow thanks to the Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s (SWSA) state-of-the-art snow guns.

Let’s face it, some of us can’t ski, let alone fly through the sky with the hope of landing with elegance. Watching ski jumpers, many of whom just might be future Olympians is an unforgettably thrilling experience. One thing that keeps this sport exciting is that the margins are so fine and unpredictable that there is always a wide variety of winners and performances. Once you realize how difficult and technical this sport is it becomes even more interesting and inspiring to watch, live. “Salisbury’s Jumpfest is going to be bigger and better than ever,” said Willie Hallihan, SWSA Director. “It’s a winter event that you won’t want to miss. The hint of frost in the air, the sound of ringing cowbells, and the crowds cheering on their favorite as the skis slap the landing hill make this event one of a kind.”

Jumpfest offers three days of heart-pounding excitement and competitions to watch. The tower stands 70 feet atop Satre Hill and jumpers perch on their bar 350 feet above the ground. As the go flag is dropped they speed their way down the 300-foot run, picking up speed along the way. Imagine watching as jumpers soar up to 200 feet through the air at speeds of 50 miles an hour! There are only six ski jumping venues on the East Coast and Salisbury is one of the oldest and most respected because of past hopefuls that competed in the Olympics.

Friday’s events kick off when the gate opens at 6 p.m. The highlights of the night begin with Target Jumping at 7 p.m. The popular Human Dog Sled Race follows the Target Jumps where teams of six compete in this madcap event for a variety of prizes. There are only half a dozen places or so in the country that host this type of event and most of them are pretty far from Connecticut making this a spectacle of fun something not to be missed! To enter, email info@jumpfest, attention Brian. The fee to enter is a modest $25 per team that includes free entrance to Jumpfest! Proceeds benefit SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs.

On Saturday, February 3, the small hill opens at 8 a.m. for practice jumps. The Junior Competition on the 20-meter and 30-meter hills starts at 9:30 a.m. and is followed by the Salisbury Invitational Ski Jump on the 65-meter hill at 1 p.m. The day ends with the Snowball Fundraiser at the Lakeville Town Grove with music by the Steve Dunn Band.

On Sunday, February 4 the 65 meter hill opens at 11 a.m. The Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships, the big event of the weekend begins at 1 p.m. The crowd murmurs as they watch these expert athletes sit on a bar at the top of the hill waiting for the signal to go. You can almost feel the focus. Jumpers lead with their helmet; throw their hands back, and crouch low into a tuck with a flat back for aerodynamics. Balance and flexibility are the order of the day. The most critical part of the jump is the take-off which lifts the jumper’s body for flight. Most folks can’t believe how quickly time flies when watching this sport, a mere 20 seconds or so from the top of the hills to the bottom! The winners of the Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships will make up the Eastern Division of the Junior National Team and will be named after this competition awards ceremony concludes.

To add to the festivities there are food trucks, craft beer, hot toddies, and bonfires to enjoy against the backdrop of skiers flying through the air! And, if you work up an appetite, no worries, the Cook Shack offers a range of burgers, dogs, hot chocolate, and more, and the Low N Slow Food Truck serves BBQ, authentic poutine, mac n’ cheese, and many other selections on three days. There will also be a wine tent, a hot toddy tent, and the Great Falls Brewing Company’s beer tent.

Tickets will be available at the gate and are $15 for adults on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Kids 12 and under are free all three days. The cost of the Snowball is $20 and includes a cash bar, music, raffles, and pizza at 10 p.m. The ski jump complex is located at Satre Hill on Indian Cave Road in Salisbury. Before setting out check www.jumpfest.org for updates, scheduled changes, or more information or email the Association at info@jumpfest.org.

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION
The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross –country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain and ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut, and the Eastern United States.

JanetLeave a comment

Play Snow Snake @ IAIS January 20

The snow snake game was once one of the most popular winter games played in North America. Many Native American Communities played it from Maine to California, Oklahoma to Alaska. Today, this game is being revitalized across the country. On Saturday, January 20 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut, competitors can make their very own snow snake and then test their skills playing this traditional game.

Originally, snow snake was the traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) game played during the winter. The sport has its history in hunting when long spears were thrown like snow snakes across the ice and snow to catch prey, without coming too close and scaring them away. Most often, snow snake was played when the men of the village returned from their annual winter hunting trip. It was – and still is – an exciting game of skill to the Haudenosaunee people and many other Native Communities.

Snow Snake!

Snow snakes are hand-made from a flattened piece of wood with a notch at one end that makes them easy to throw. Some sticks are carved in intricate patterns that resemble a snake and then coated with wax. Participants in this workshop will learn how to make their very own snow snake with Susan Scherf, Educator, and wood crafter at the Institute. This workshop includes materials and wood-burning kits. Participants are welcome to bring their whittling knife if they have one although it is not required

A friendly competition follows the snow snake workshop at the specially prepared snow snake track. The object of the game is to see how far participants can throw the snow snake along a snow trench. The person who throws the snake the farthest after a number of rounds is the winner! The snow snake game is a test of both skill and strength, and a good throw can go more than 100 yards.

This game is often referred to as a medicine game because it lifted the spirits of the people during the long winter months. The Institute for American Indian Studies is excited to share this game that is great for socializing, and remembering the traditions of generations of Native Americans who came before us.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register / The price of participation including materials is $20 for non-members and $10 for members. For more information call 860-868-0518, email events@iaismuseum.org, or click here to register online.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

JanetLeave a comment

Tina’s Baskets & Woven Arts Offers A Creative Option for Holiday Shopping

Are you ready for holiday shopping? It’s officially gift–giving season, and Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art located in Studio #305 at Whiting Mills in Winsted is here to help. Admittedly gift giving can be kind of selfish… what’s better than that feeling of satisfaction knowing you have found something wonderful and unique for that special someone on your list? At Tina Puckett’s art studio, shoppers will find something unique and not mass–produced for your just as unique friends and family members at various price points. Best of all, this shopping experience lets folks see and feel their choices in person while supporting Connecticut’s artists and the local community.

In an atmospheric studio, visitors will find Master Weaver, Tina Puckett, a national and international award-winning artist known for her woven arts and dimensional weaving creating phantasmagorical pieces that are as beautiful as they are useful. The studio is cheerfully decorated and is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in December. An added perk of shopping local is that shoppers will meet Tina and learn what inspires her sought-after woven pieces, making it a memorable experience this season. While shopping don’t forget to enter the raffle for a festive handmade basket!

Finding the perfect present can be a tricky business – and yet a local artist Tina Puckett weaves baskets, bowls, wall hangers, and sculptures that are pieces of art. Tina’s Baskets & Woven Art is sure to satisfy even the most discerning on your holiday list. Visiting her rustic art studio is an adventure in itself, especially if you are on the hunt for something special that is sustainable, ready to be used time and time again, and loved for years to come.

Many things make Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts, unusual. Each piece is inspired by Tina’s imagination and the natural beauty of bittersweet vines that she weaves into the dynamic shapes with hand-dyed reeds that create a mélange of colors that will not be found anywhere else. What enhances the character of each piece is the addition of the bittersweet vine that is foraged by Tina in the woods near her studio in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut.

New this year and perfect for friends and family who love learning and creating works of art is a gift certificate to take one of Tina’s Basket Weaving Classes. The classes offer teens and adults of all abilities the opportunity to learn more about the timeless art of basket weaving from a master in the field.

Tina’s Baskets is also open by appointment and all woven art and baskets are available online at http://www.tinasbaskets.com.

About Tina’s Baskets
Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in studio #305/ Tina’s Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

JanetLeave a comment

Honoring Native American Veterans on November 5 @ The Institute for American Indian Studies

Veterans’ Day is a National holiday that honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Native Americans have fought valiantly in the United States military in every conflict since the American Revolution, even before Native Americans gained U.S. citizenry in 1924.

#veteran

Honoring Native warriors and veterans has always been part of indigenous culture. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Each year, in honor of Veterans Day, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut honors the exceptional military service of Native Americans in a formal dedication. This year, the Institute is once again inviting the public to participate in the program that will honor Native and non-Native Americans whose passion and loyalty have helped to make America what it is today on Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 p.m. The Institute is located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

At this year’s event, veteran Gary Tinney, Paugussett, will lead the ceremony. New at this year’s event is the Yootay Singers Drum Group based out of Mashantucket, CT, which will perform honor songs recognizing the rich contributions of Native and Non-Native Americans who have bravely served side by side in the U.S. Armed Forces. Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe) will also join the ceremony and play Amazing Grace on his traditionally crafted flute. Attendees will be immersed in a meaningful ceremony that is a powerful experience.

The ceremony will be outside so attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of rain, the ceremony or portions of it will be held inside the museum. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration and donations are always appreciated. Registration is at http://iaismuseum.org. For questions please call (860) 868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village, the award-winning Wigwam Escape, and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

JanetLeave a comment

Finding Your Bearings October 15 @ Institute For American Indian Studies

Did you know there was something besides Google Maps or Waze for directions? For centuries people around the world have used a variety of techniques to mark their boundaries, measure distances, and find their sense of place.

Native Americans used many different means to navigate their environment. Different methods were used to mark tribal territories and hunting boundaries, as well as to designate their trails and, to convey important messages. It is fascinating to learn how the natural environment was used for directions.

If you want to learn about the various ways to find directions, including traditional indigenous techniques as well as how to read a map and a compass, don’t miss the “Find Your Bearings Orienteering Workshop” on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Participants will join IAIS educator and ecologist, Susan Scherf for an interactive in-person workshop to learn how to get their bearings should their GPS lose its signal! A highlight of the workshop is to practice these newly acquired skills by completing an orienteering scavenger hunt on the Museum’s colorful autumn trails, which add to the fun.

Most of this program is being held outside, and some of the woodland terrain may be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested at http://www.iaismusueum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or via email at events@iaismuseum.org. This program costs $10 for non-members and $5 for members.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

JanetLeave a comment

Brew-Ski In Salisbury – Connecticut’s Most Unique Brew Fest -Sunday, October 8

Munich may be home to Oktoberfest and Frankenmuth, America’s Little Bavaria may have a Beer Expo, but something is brewing in Salisbury, Connecticut! The 14th Annual Brew-Ski Fest sponsored by Stateline Wine and Spirits returns to the Salisbury Ski Jumps on Sunday, October 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. with music, pumpkins, cornstalks, and nearly 40 craft breweries offering visitors well over 200 examples of their best brews. The brew line-up boasts popular beers and local favorites as well as a distinct selection of hard cider, hard soda, and distilled spirits by Full Moonshine, On the Rocks, and the Berkshire Mountain Distillery.

This popular event is set against the magnificent backdrop of Satre Hill on 80 Indian Cave Road, in the bucolic town of Salisbury where the oldest Ski Jump Competition on the East Coast takes place every February. The Salisbury Winter Sports Association is hosting the Brew-Ski Fest, to help defray the cost of the internationally acclaimed Salisbury Ski JumpFest and other programs for young ski jumpers this non-profit organizes. Tickets are on sale now online @ http://brewskifest.com for $30 and will be available at the gate for $35, with all proceeds going to the Salisbury Winter Sports Association.

Among the many things that make Brew-ski unique is its alpine location which helps set the mood. Best of all, Brew-ski affords the opportunity for folks to chat with the makers of the featured brews from around the country without waiting in long lines. If you love to try new things and are ready to branch out from industrial lagers then don’t miss Brew-Ski which celebrates craft beer and more. As for food, Sunday in the Country, (http://sundayinthecountry.org) a local non-profit is preparing a hardy mix of brats, hotdogs, hamburgers, and more for you to pair with your new favorite beer.

In addition to beer, there will be live music by the Steve Dunn Band, winners of the Mohegan Sun Casino’s Battle of the Bands, and nominated for the prestigious Telly Award in 2021. The fun doesn’t stop there. Make sure you participate in the only and only Ski Jump Golf Ball Roll! All you have to do is buy a numbered golf ball and watch as hundreds of them roll down the ski jump landing hill… the ball like the skier that travels the furthest wins the prize! And as for prizes, don’t forget to take your free pumpkin home when you leave the Fest!

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION

In the winter of 1926, John Satre a resident of Salisbury jumped off the roof of his shed wearing skis to show his friends and neighbors a sport he learned in his native homeland of Norway. Town residents were so amazed as they watched Satre soar through the air that they decided to build a proper ski run that summer, and form the Salisbury Winter Sports Association. The Association hosted the first ski jump competition in January 1927. JumpFest has become a highly anticipated event in Connecticut and throughout the East Coast.

JanetLeave a comment