SnoFest ’08 ends with ‘best so far’ title

Published Jan. 29, 2008
By Senior Airman Stephen Collier
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- This year's SnoFest event is over, but many are already calling this 18th annual event the "best so far."

SnoFest, an annual ski weekend targeted at military members and their families, was kicked off Jan. 25 by the Air Force's expeditionary entertainment group, 'Tops in Blue,' who were performing at their second SnoFest event. The Tops in Blue routine was followed by several events Jan. 26, including a National Standard Race, or NASTAR skiing and snowboarding competition, cardboard box derby and a live performance from the Air Force band 'Pegasus.'

Held in Keystone, Colo., approximately 3,400 servicemembers and their families attended the SnoFest 2008 event.

The attendance of disabled veterans who have lost limbs, ranging from combat operations during Operations Iraqi or Enduring Freedom to various accidents, was a highlight for this year's SnoFest, according to event coordinator Daniel Schofield, 21st Services Squadron.

"There were several elements that stood out during this year's SnoFest," Mr. Schofield said. "But the involvement of the 'Wounded Warrior' program was an inspiration to us all."

Mr. Schofield added the success of SnoFest couldn't be possible without dedicated committee members.

"The efficiency and success for each of the activities, from our hospitality tent and NASTAR races to the cardboard derby and both evening parties, couldn't have been possible without our dedicated folks," Mr. Schofield said. "Overall, there were very few bumps along the road. I was very happy to oversee the event and seeing everything come together as it did provides a great sense of accomplishment for all of us."

Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander and host for this year's event, remarked in a ceremony on the final day that, "although this was my first-ever SnoFest, from all indication, this was the best ever."

"With the great support we received from the sponsors, along with the incredible entertainment provided by groups like Tops in Blue, it will be difficult to top this next year - but we'll certainly try," Colonel Raymond said. "Of course, it was also great to have our wounded warriors here with us this weekend. Adaptive Adventures did an outstanding job in giving our disabled veterans the opportunity to experience SnoFest."

Visit www.peterson.af.mil for results from the NASTAR competitions and the cardboard box derby.

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