Each time I look out my window to see the dwindling fall foliage, I feel like I’m stepping out of a time warp. In some ways these past 7 months have felt an eternity, but in other ways I’m not sure where the time went. I still have so much winter prep to do, so many home projects to finish. But alas, here we are just two days away from our first event: Community Day.
Though we’ve hosted some weddings and been operating our golf course and restaurants in varying capacities, Community Day marks our first “big” event since the pandemic hit. We’ve been learning as we go, adjusting activities and operations for the event to suit the current situation. I think we’ve found a good balance.
A number of recognizable activities are returning this weekend, albeit with some adjustments. First off, we ask that guests wear masks when not sitting down to eat or drink, as per state guidelines, even though we’ll be outdoors. And of course, maintain social distancing as much as possible. Anyway, John Hammond kicks off the event with our typical President’s Welcome Speech, accompanied by Win, but we’ll be hosting it outdoors in the Lincoln Peak Courtyard. The Welcome Speech will also be live streamed to Sugarbush’s Facebook page, as well as Mad River Valley TV. The Lincoln Peak Courtyard will have a capacity of 150 people in accordance with state regulations, and all activities and events taking place in the area throughout the day will be under this capacity restriction. That basically covers the Welcome Speech and any dining operations taking place in there.
I’ll be hosting the Guided Dog Hike again, and we’ll head up the bottom of the Castlerock Double and loop back down. Bring masks to that as well, though if we can maintain social distancing while hiking, we can remove them at points. Pumpkin Carving is also back, but we ask that you make online reservations ahead of time, free of charge. The carving stations are going to be between the Farmhouse and Schoolhouse, and thus don’t count towards the 150 capacity of the Courtyard. Additionally, Pumpkin Carving, which is outside of the Courtyard area, will require reservations in advance.
Dining options include both sit down and grab and go options at Rumble’s Bistro & Bar and the Umbrella Bar and Pizza Oven. You can certainly hang out and enjoy some grub in the Courtyard, though we ask that if there are a lot of people who can’t get because of capacity restrictions, that you enjoy your food and drink and then let others come in. We’ll have dining options available both Saturday and Sunday.
Lawson’s Finest Liquids will also be joining us on Saturday with a swag tent in the base area and a tasting tent at the top of the Gate House Quad. Rather than Super Bravo as in years past, we’ll be running Gate House this weekend as the scenic lift, and you can enjoy free Lawson’s tastings when you arrive at the summit. Lift rides will be available both Saturday and Sunday but Lawson’s will only be there Saturday. Lawson’s will also be hosting a Beer Dinner on Sunday evening with a menu that looks absolutely spectacular. Last I heard, there were only a couple tickets left, so if you’re interested I hope there’s still a chance for you to grab a spot.
Finally, don’t forget about the Mad Dash. This year was supposed to be their big 25th anniversary celebration, but they’ve decided to postpone that to next year and run a virtual event instead. There are still plenty of ways to support them, so check it out.
Here’s the full schedule of events for Community Day. As well as a link to head over to the event listing. I hope to see many of you there on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the remaining days of foliage!
Full Schedule
Saturday
10AM – 11AM Welcome Speech given by John Hammond and Win Smith
Lincoln Peak Courtyard
10AM – 4PM Scenic Lift Rides
Gate House Chairlift
11AM – 3PM Pumpkin Carving – Reservations Required
Outside of the Farmhouse (inside of the Schoolhouse if raining)
12PM Guided Dog Hike
Starting at the base of the Gate House Chairlift
Food & Beverage
9AM – 11AM Fresh Coffee
Lincoln Peak Courtyard
11AM – 4PM Umbrella Bar and Pizza Oven
Lincoln Peak Courtyard
12PM – 8PM Rumble’s Take Out
Rumble’s Bistro & Bar in the Lincoln Peak Courtyard
Sunday
10AM – 4PM Scenic Lift Rides –
Gate House Chairlift
Food & Beverage
9AM – 11AM Fresh Coffee
Lincoln Peak Courtyard
11AM – 4PM Umbrella Bar and Pizza Oven
Lincoln Peak Courtyard
12PM – 4PM Rumble’s Take Out
Rumble’s Bistro & Bar in the Lincoln Peak Courtyard
6PM – Lawson’s Beer Dinner
Rumble’s Bistro & Bar