Happy Fall! Somehow tomorrow is September 23rd and here we are at the Autumn Equinox. It’s official as of 2:50 AM Saturday morning! The mornings are crisp, the leaves are starting to change, apples are hanging from the trees and the smell of pumpkin lattes is abundant (at least where I spend most of my time!). Before we know it the snow guns will be firing up! According to the Omni Rain to Snow calculator, the 75″ of rain we experienced this Summer would be 750″ of snow! Wishful thinking that our winter will mimic our summer – but here’s to wishing!      
Last weekend the Spartans conquered the Beast! There were approximately 7000 racers and there was a lot of great energy in town. Everyone we talked to said that although it was a very challenging event, it was also very rewarding. Congratulations to all who participated. It was especially heartwarming to watch the kids.

 
The 5th Annual Fairytale Festival was a huge success. Fourteen libraries from across the state got together and entertained children and adults alike. Just about 800 people entered through the SML castle to a magical land full of story tellers, music, vikings, vendors and various fairy tale characters to visit and create crafts to bring home. Both our library director and our new fire chief volunteered for the fun flush where a precise throw of a ball got a bucket of water dumped on their heads. Great fun for all!

The Karr Group hosted the first annual K Cup Golf Tournament this past Wednesday. 36-Foursomes and dedicated volunteers took to the Green Mountain National Golf Course to benefit the Jimmy Fiore Scholarship Fund. Jimmy was a well-loved, lifelong member of the Killington community and a dedicated member of the Killington Fire Department. The scholarship fund, in his name, was set up to further the education of anyone wishing to pursue a career in firefighting. Participation and support for the event was overwhelming. We anticipate this becoming an annual Fall event!

.   
We are looking forward to smashing a few pies in the faces of a few of our favorite people at the Pie in the Face for Chase! Chase Kuehl, a local Rutland boy was diagnosed with Phelan McDermid Syndrome at the age of 2 and is one of only 1500 in the world. This annual fundraiser has become a Fall favorite! You can participate and donate to the cause at Moguls on Sunday! Can’t make it? Donate here.

The Fox US Open for mountain biking has kicked off its 20th anniversary of the event here in Killington. We have already seen many athletes in town this week and we are expecting it to bring a crowd this weekend. Professional and amateur athletes from around the world compete in the Open Class Downhill, Enduro and Dual Slalom for one of the largest cash purses in MTB racing. Don’t miss the Whip Off tomorrow at 5 PM, always fun to watch! Good luck to all the racers.

The trees are not quite releasing the colors yet but the peepers are starting to arrive! We had a small UK contingent in the Welcome Center this week as well as visitors from Houston and Toronto. Other visitors to the welcome center this week included the freshman class from Vermont State University’s (Castleton) Resort & Hospitality program for a tour and discussion. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and feedback were inspiring!

A few of us will be at the Rutland Walk to End Alzheimers on Saturday at Main Street Park! The Vermont Chapter has been working hard to bring awareness and participation in this nationwide event to Vermont! Face painting, kids’ games, food and more will be on the scene!

Cheers to growth and release, wherever your weekend takes you!