On Tuesday, February 24, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Friends of the Blue Hills will be hosting the 4th Annual Winter Fest at Blue Hills Ski Area. For those who are hoping to get some winter exercise, there will be a night hike under the lights and discounted downhill skiing. There will be plenty of indoor fun, too. Adults and children alike can do a jig to the spirited Irish tunes of Songs For Ceilidh, sample some chili, make some creative winter crafts, or just warm up in front of the fireplace in the cozy ski lodge. Blue Hills Brewery will also be on hand selling select beers produced at their microbrewery in Canton, and additional refreshments will be available at the snack bar.
Beth Rooney (right) of William Raveis Real Estate, a sponsor of the event, stops by The Plate to see the fresh ingredients of Suzanne Lombardi’s Red Bean Pork Chili which she will be entering into the Winter Fest Chili Cook Off.
Two local businesses are teaming up for this year’s Winter Fest. William Raveis Real Estate is a new sponsor of the event, and The Plate plans to debut their special chili recipe in the Chili Cook Off, a highlight of the evening. Local elected and town officials will serve as judges of the Cook Off, and a “people’s choice award” will also be presented.
Beth Rooney, the manager of William Raveis Real Estate, and Suzanne Lombardi, owner and chef at The Plate, are looking forward to partnering on Winter Fest. According to Rooney, the Blue Hills are one of the most treasured features of Milton, and she is proud to be a supporter of FBH. Lombardi is also pleased to be supporting Winter Fest this year. Although she is busy preparing to open her new location in the Milton Marketplace, she jumped at the opportunity to give back to the Blue Hills.
According to Vero Piacentini, general manager of the Blue Hill Ski Area which is co-sponsoring the event, the skiing has never been better. “Conditions have been outstanding due to the recent record snowfall, cold temperatures and significant investment in snowmaking,” said Piacentini. As added enticement, Blue Hills Ski is offering discounted rates of $20 each for all-day lift tickets, ski rentals, or lessons that evening. To receive the discount, print out and bring the Friends of the Blue Hills website www.FriendsoftheblueHills.org or Facebook page.
Winter Fest is just one of many events the organization sponsors throughout the year to encourage people to explore and enjoy the Blue Hills Reservation in all four seasons. For details about the event or to join Friends of the Blue Hills and support events like Winter Fest, please visit www.friendsofthebluehills.org.