BRATTLEBORO — As we approach another year of the Harris Hill Ski Jump, I would just like to remind people how lucky we are to have such an amazing and unique event so close to home. Thousands of people will travel from all over the world to witness this historic event, which has takesn place one weekend a year since 1922.
To see some of the best ski jumpers from the United States and Europe compete is exciting enough, but Harris Hill is much more than just ski jumping. It is an international event with music, food, a bonfire, the sound of cowbells, a beer tent, and a sense of community.
It's about connecting generations while honoring athletic excellence in a sport unique to this part of the world.
As a child, I grew up on Cedar Street, and have attended Harris Hill every year since 1967.
To watch local heroes like Dana Zelenakas, Hugh Barber, Bernie Wells, Jamie and Jerry Galanes, Jim and Jeff Baker, Todd Brooks, Tim Barrett, Kevin Whitworth, Phil Rancourt, Dave Merrill, Drew Richards, Willy Graves, and now Spencer Knickerbocker win national events has made me proud to be part of Harris Hill and the town of Brattleboro.
So as we start to transform a cornfield on Cedar Street to a little Olympic village with bright flags, festive music and colorful skis, I urge you to support this exciting event, and cheer on our future Olympians this Feb. 19 and 20.
If you would like to volunteer, we are still looking for a few more people to help. If you would like to be a hill marker, contact me at [email protected] or 802-254-9590. To volunteer for a variety of other jobs, contact Catharine Hamilton at [email protected] or 802-254-2501.