Ski jumping returns for its 82nd season, as the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) hosts Jumpfest weekend with target jumping, a chili cook-off, fireworks, an ice carving competition, the Snow Ball, the Salisbury Invitational Championships and the U.S. Eastern Ski Jumping Championships all from Feb. 8 to 10.
SWSA has issued $25 advance-sale three-day tickets (a $40 value) good for entry to four weekend events.
Jumpfest kicks off Friday, Feb.8, at the John Satre Memorial Hill with a chili cook-off at 5 p.m. Target jumping under the lights begins at 7 p.m. followed by a fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.
The following morning, the Salisbury Invitational Championships will feature the best young jumpers in the East. Practice begins at 11 a.m., competition begins at 1 p.m. The SWSA silver cup is the prize for any jumper who wins on three different years.
The Seventh Annual Ice Carving Competition will be held on the Green of The White Hart Inn that day, sponsored by Klemm Real Estate, SWSA, Trimp Ice Art and The White Hart. The area’s best professional and amateur ice carvers vie for over $1,000 in prizes. Competition runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an awards ceremony at 4 p.m.
A horse-drawn wagon will transport visitors between the ski jump site and The White Hart green.
Saturday night, SWSA hosts the Snow Ball at The White Hart Inn from 8 p.m. to midnight, featuring the rock sounds of Treetop Blues. For more about ice carving or the Snow Ball, call The White Hart at 860-435-0030.
On Sunday, SWSA hosts the Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships, featuring Saturday’s jumpers (including Junior Olympic hopefuls) in a national contest. Practice begins at 11 a.m. and competition begins at 1 p.m.
Admission for each of the jumping events and the Snow Ball is $10 per person for adults; children 12 and under are free.
Advanced-sale tickets are available at The White Hart Inn, Best and Cavallaro Real Estate, J. Stack Clothiers and the Salisbury Pharmacy, all in Salisbury; Cheffrey’s Off Main, Lakeville Wine and Spirits and the Interlaken Inn in Lakeville; and Kenver Ltd. in South Egremont, Mass.
Food and beverages will be available for all three events.
This event is Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s main fundraiser for a variety of youth skiing programs. For more information, e-mail Ken Barker at kennethsbarker@gmail.com or visit jumpfest.org.




Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist

Sadie, center, a Carolina dog, plays with her friend Negra, a terrier mix. Bella Linda, the small poodle, has since been adopted.L. Tomaino
Wesley, a young, exuberant mix, is looking for an active home.L. Tomaino
Bonnie and Clyde, an affectionate terrier pair.L. Tomaino

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